Athens Messenger in Athens, Ohio

Letters on temperance argues against clerical support for wine use

Amid a lengthy letter from J.G. Holland dated March 1874, the writer defends total abstinence and condemns wine and beer as causes of social ruin. He rebuts a clergyman’s circular praising wine, urges support for women’s temperance crusades, and criticizes the idea of licensing as a remedy. The piece cites Scripture, laments male failure to act, and calls for moral action nationwide.