Note A — Chapter VI · —SUBJECTIVE REMEDIES.

“All past legislation has proved ineffectual to restrain the habit of excess. Acts of Parliament intended to lessen, have notoriously augmented the evil, and we must seek a remedy in some new direction, if we are not prepared to abandon the contest or contentedly to watch with folded arms the gradual deterioration of the people. Restriction in the forms which it has hitherto assumed, of shorter hours, more stringent regulation of licensed houses and magisterial control of licenses, has been a conspicuous failure. For a short time after the passing of Lord Aberdare’s act, hopes were entertained of great results from the provisions for early closing, and many chief constables testified to the improved order of the streets under their charge; but it soon appeared that the limitation, while it lessened the labor of the police and advanced their duties an hour or so in the night, was not sufficient to reduce materially the quantity of liquor consumed, or the consequent amount of drunkenness.”—Fortnightly Review.