LESS VODKA, LESS CRIME.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 249, 18 March 1916, Page 4

LESS VODKA, LESS CRIME.

“Law-breaking has decreased everywhere.” This statement gives the note of a report, which has been prepared in Russia with regard to the etfett of vodka prohibition upon the peasant population, and is dealt with at length by Professor J. T. Simpson in the “Contemporary Review.” This report is the result of the answers given by 600 correspondents in different districts of the Government to questions put to them officially. “The part devoted to the effects of vodka prohibition,” says the professor, “opens with the statement that this measure was really the last link in a chain of measures, (iovernment and other, that had been instituted in connection with the struggle with drink. The results of drinking were so had that it had come to be generally realised that sooner or later the whole question must be faced. The war simply fixed the time. Society and (iovernment alike saw that when the war called for sacrifices on the part of the people, they must be helped in every way to regain their power and energy, and that the Government also must fall into line in surrendering its drink profits.” In most cases it was reported that the peasants were working better and more intensively, that the efficiency of labour was higher, and that pay was higher because of temj t rance.” “Before Prohibition,” a Judge report 'd, “there were 30 to 50 cases every month in the District Court; now there are none. The w hole report, in fact, shows that the absence of drinking facilities has had remarkably beneficial effetts upon the iife of the peasant community.