Systematic Drunken-NESS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 237, 8 September 1883, Page 3

Systematic DrunkenNESS.

Getting drunk appears to b* recn«* niaed institution among the Moujiks m Russia. According to a writer m Truth, they hardly cv« r quarrel, but become Bffrctionate and emb ace each other. Their idea of drinking is to imbite until they are quite inspnsible. When the wri er was m Russia he had a coachman, who once a month used to come and ask for leave to get drunk during t*o consecutive dayß. Upon inquiry it was found that only on these conditions would a coachman remain sober during th« rest ot the month. Having obtained leave, he would go to a drinking-hotise,who the proprietor his money, and state how long he might remain there. Then he would Bit down at a table with some spirits before him. Gradually and solemnly he would get drunk, p-acrt bis arms before Win bn the table and recline on them. Thus he would remain for two days and nights, the proprietor supplying him with more drink whenever he looked up; His time up, the proprietor would drag him outside the house,, and set him down m the snow against the wall, having first filled his cap with. snow. Every charitably disposed brother coachman passing by Wonll box his ears. In about half-an-hour this discipline would sober him ; he would get up, shake himself together, and resume bis duties. One man's poison is another man's meat, and so we must be charitable enough m supposing that he enjoyed himself.