IMPROVED PUBLIC-HOUSES PROHIBITION POLICY.

BREWERS AND THE PUBLIC.

FROM A CORRESPONDENT.

Stealthily the prohibitionist pursues his policy of endeavouring to change the British palate. The soda fountain of the American drugstore is to be exalted above the English brewery, and iced water is to be substituted for beer. This, apparently, is the programme of the missionaries from the United States, and is supported by our native reformers, who seek to impose upon the people of this country a policy which, in the words of Professor Stephen Leacock, of Mcgill University, has resulted in an “appalling disaster” on the other side of the Atlantic. But even Americana who have drunk copiously at the soda fountain are discovering its deficiencies now that a “brutal and intolerant fanaticism” has deprived them of a glass of beer.

But the purpose of this article is not to compare American and English beverages. Fortunately, our digestion has not yet been impaired by some of the “soft” drinks which may be obtained in America.

Beer is our national beverage, and it cannot be truthfully argued that it is harmful, any more than tea and other beverages are injurious, unless taken in excess. Indeed, good English beer is a refreshing and healthy drink. This is a fact that has been proved by the experience of generations. Teetotallers cannot deny it; but prohibitionists, realising that they cannot force prohibition upon the country, hope to achieve their object by preventing the licensing trade giving the public the best possible service.

It is a common error to imagine that excessive drinking is profitable to the trade. There could be no greater mistake. Recently Mr. W. Sykes, the ex-chairman of the Brewers’ Society, and Mr. F. P. Whitbread, chairman of the National Trade Defence Association, wrote: “We desire to emphasise in the clearest possible terms that not only is the trade prepared to support and administer measures which will discourage excess; but, with an eye to its permanent interests, the trade has a direct commercial incentive to support measures which will promote sobriety.”

At a time when it is fashionable in some quarters to pour contumely on the brewing trade and those connected with the industry, it is interesting to remember the traditions of Messrs. Whitbread, the well-known London brewers.