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March 1998

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Subject:
From:
David Courtwright <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Alcohol and Temperance History Group <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 31 Mar 1998 12:06:43 -0500
Content-Type:
text/plain
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I don't recall this particular story among the  addict autobiographies I read
while researching Dark Paradise, but that was a long time ago. It is
possible that this is a "recycled" narrative. It is also possible that the
opening is an editorial add-on to a legitimate story. The
if-they-don't-have-drink-they'll-turn-to-hard-drugs gambit, while not
common, did surface from time to time, including  in discussions of black
cocaine use in the U.S.
 
If you can send me the full text by private post or snail mail I'll read it and
try to figure out if I've come across it before. I'll also look for clues as to
national identity.
 
David Courtwright -- [log in to unmask]
Dept. History
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL 32224-2645
 
>>> Dan Malleck <[log in to unmask]> 03/30/98 10:57am >>>
I'm hoping some of the list members might be able to help me identify the
origins (national or otherwise) of an article I found printed in _The
Canadian Monthly_ in March, 1878.  It was entitled "opium Eating," and on
first glance, looks like the Holy grail of what I've wanted to find, a
"confessions of a Canadian opium eater."  But it is unsigned, and gives
no
indication of its original location.  Since often these articles were
reprints, I was wondering if anyone had seen anything similar before.
 
It is notable for its beginning, which is a condemnation of temperance
reformers for driving people to other drugs, notably opium.  It opens like
this:  "In thes days, when strenuous efforts are being made by the
advocates of "Temperance" to curb, and even to suppress utterly,the
use of
alcoholic liquors, we not unfrequently hear it stated that such avowed
philanthropists, by the very activity and uncompromising nature of their
efforts, are defeating the ultimate object which they have in view--that
is, the amelioration of the condition of the human race; that in throwing
obstacles in the way of indulgence in alcoholic drinks, whilst leaving the
appetite for such stimulants uneradicated,these well-meaning people
only
drive the objects of their solicitude to the use of opium, hasheesh[sic],
hydrate of chloral, and other such still more noxious substances. . . "
 
Sound familiar?
 
A few aspects hint at geographical origins.  The writer mentions "North
America" a few times (North american autumn, for example), and I have
a
funny feeling that's a Cdn editor's modification of "America" for a Cdn
audience.  She/he also mentions The Falls of Niagara (metaphorically: "I
might as well shout under the Falls of Niagara") and "The Great Eastern
Steamship," but that does not necessarily indicate geographical origins.
Have you read this anywhere else, in an American publication perhaps,
with
a cited author?
 
I would appreciate any help on this one.
 
And cross post at will.
 
Dan Malleck
Queen's University
Kingston, Ont.

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