The life of Rao Bahadur Ranchorelal Chhotalal

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 Excerpt: ...of the Tanna people. In 1883 Dr. Kirtikar, who was Civil Surgeon and Medical Officer in charge of Tanna District Jail, and who had "a personal experience of several years, being a native of this part of India," gave as his opinion that the drinking habit of the people of that district was 'far beyond moderation and can be only checked by firm and timely legislation even as an erring and thoughtless child is brought to his senses by paternal castigation;" and when this Mhowra Bill was under consideration one of our colleagues told me that Dr. Kirtikar was still of the same opinion. When we look to the quantity of liquor consumed, we see that while in the years 1885-86 and 1886-87 tne quantity consumed was 323,952 and 327,708 gallons, the consumption in 1889-90 and 1890-91 was 433,493 and 407,154 gallons, respectively, and so it is clear that the vice of drinking is increasing, and therefore it is the duty of Government to check it. With regard to the second issue raised by the Association, that increased crimes of all sorts has no connection with the intemperate habits of the people, I beg with every deference to the gentlemen of the Association to say that I am unable to accept such a doctrine. It is an universally admitted fact that intemperance is the chief cause of crime, poverty and disease. I can show the authority of many eminent persons occupying the judicial benches in England that drink has been the cause of a great percentage of crime. Even in the case of Tanna itself we find that in 1873 ( when there was no question about a Mhowra Bill) the Sessions Judge of Thana, Mr. Coghlan, said in his finding of a case (vide page 196 of the Bombay Government Gazette of June 4, 1892, part V) that "the "inebriety of a large proportion ...