HOW TO STOP DRUNKENNESS. BY CHARLES BUXTON, ESQ., M.P. LONDON: S. W. PARTRIDGE, 9 PATERNOSTER-ROW. 232. f. 12 NOTE. A few sentences which appeared in the original have, at the Author's request, been omitted in this Edition. INTRODUCTION. FEELING a deep interest in all efforts for promoting the social welfare of the Industrial Classes, it was with peculiar pleasure that I found in the NORTH BRITISH REVIEW the able article entitled "How to Stop Drunkenness." To my surprise I was told that it was from the pen of a well-known London Brewer. On application to Mr. Kennedy the publisher, he courteously gave me permission to re-publish the article; but, to my deep regret, the author put his veto upon its proposed re-issue. Very unexpectedly, however, the following letter has voluntarily given me the desired authority. 1 DEAR SIR, 7, GROSVENOR CRESCENT, S.W. 9th April, 1864. When you asked me, a short time since, if I would allow the article I wrote nine years ago, in the North British Review, to be republished, I declined, because, on reading it over, I found it was so hasty and crude, and some of the suggestions made were so impracticable, that I regretted having written it. I find, however, that a pamphlet has been published, entitled, "Opinions of Charles Buxton, Esq., M. P., Brewer, on the Use and Sale of Strong Drink," in which the passages I now most condemn are published without the context. So far, therefore, as I am concerned, it would be rather desirable than otherwise that the article should be republished as a whole. I hope, too, that it may be of some service, in stirring its readers up to exert themselves to lessen drunkenness. I am aware that some people think it absurd for a brewer to wish for any such result. On the contrary, those who are connected with this traffic, are, above all others, bound to do all they can to make it harmless. I am, dear, Sir, Yours very faithfully, To T. B. SMITHIES, Esq. CHARLES BUXTON. |