e found, by a
recent census, a population of 1383 persons of whom 518 were engaged in
war-work, It is futile to expect that these workers, living in an
atmosphere reeking with alcohol, can render the State the best service
they are capable of. And to these places come, every week-end, workers
from the naval base and soldiers on leave. And these workers and these
soldiers pass their brief holiday in that alcoholic atmosphere. The
result can only be deleterious to them and to the State.

There are more sailors and soldiers to be {117} found in the poor
places of Edinburgh and Glasgow than in all the villages of the West of
Scotland put together. Why should the few be protected from the sale
of ardent spirits and the many left to be victims of temptation? There
is only one remedy--the general application to the country of that
policy which is now restricted to favoured areas. There must be equal
treatment for the whole country and an equal chance given to all who
are serving the State.

The time to make that policy effective is now. While the nation is in
the midst of the great conflict for its existence, the people will
gladly welcome any restrictions which will strengthen the State in its
hour of need. The heart of the nation is prepared for sacrifice. But
when the danger is passed, the mood will change. It will not be so
easy then to make drastic changes in the habits of the people. And the
time when restrictions will be most necessary will be when the army is
demobilised. If restrictions are not {118} imposed now, it will be
impossible to impose them then.

There is a growing feeling that the quickest road to the desired end
may be found in the nationalisation of the liquor trade. Many would
shrink from this policy if they thought that the State would become a
permanent species of glorified publican. But the end in view is the
transformation of the liquor trade. Only the State can achieve that.
The State, with full control, can make the public-houses centres of
recreation, with the temptation of spirits removed. And the way will
be clear for mending or ending, as experience will prove which is the
better policy. The true reformer will care far more for the reform
than for the means by which it is to be achieved. If the reform can
best be realised through State-ownership, then the sooner it comes the
better.

If the remedy for the evils wrought by drunkenness does not, and
cannot, lie along the ro