The Temperance Question Pro & Con from a Rational Standpoint in Connection with the “Permissive Bill” of 1878

A fascinating primary source document reflecting the fraught question of alcohol and prohibition in late nineteenth century Canada. Presented as an attempt to reconcile the various extreme positions related to the temperance question at the time, the author, R.A.H. Morrow writing under the pseudonym Ishmael, seeks to present a plain-spoken overview of the history of alcohol use and abuse, temperance, and the current state of the question, inspired by the release of the Canada Temperance Act (Permissive Bill) of 1878, of which he provides a synopsis in an appendix. A fascinating, firsthand social history.

This copy may be graded as Fair, having extensive staining to the cloth covering the front board, as well front and back boards being warped, both likely the result of water damage. There is also discolouration and wear in general to the front and back boards and bumping to the corners. Despite this, the text inside is entirely legible, and this example would provide the enthusiast of Canadian history a readily accessible firsthand account of social attitudes in late nineteenth century New Brunswick.