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.