THE GERMAN INNER MISSION 65
the land of beer has no curse of alcohol. But the statistics of the authorities should dispel this delusion. In recent years vigorous and earnest efforts have been put forth by temperance advocates. Asylums have been provided for the cure of dipsomaniacs. Societies with all shades of pledges, from total abstinence to a very moderate moderation, have sought by example, entreaty, and social influence to work upon the drunkards. Legislation comes in to punish the drunkard after he is already ruined. A few coffee houses have been established. Doubtless many individuals have been helped. But a recent circular of the "German Society Against the Abuse of Spirituous Drinks" declares that Germany consumes each year 676,470,000 liters of spirits (33 per cent, alcohol), 5,455,600,000 liters of beer, and 322,000,000 liters of wine. This costs about 250 marks to each family, on the average. The distiller and the brewer are great men in Germany, and the Inner Mission simply picks up their wrecks.
The efforts to diminish prostitution have provided twenty- one asylums for the fallen women, with eighty-five deaconesses. No asylums for fallen men are mentioned ! Statistics of prosti- tution are generally of little value, and Schlosser's guess of 200,000 in Germany may be as accurate as any. The registra- tion of illegitimate births is approximately accurate and reveals a depth of degradation which may well appal the friends of the nation. Efforts have been organized to build up a public senti- ment favorable to decency and health. The crowded condition of the dwellings of laborers, the massing of soldiers in towns, the dissolution of religious beliefs, the depraved quality of press and theater, the iniquities of the system of license and pretended sanitary police control, are obstacles of the most discouraging nature and extent. Just because the outlook is so dark the supporters of the Inner Mission are urging all possible methods
reform.
Relief for the Dependent. Voluntary associations of the church supplement the service of the state or municipality, or carry on independent institutions on the -,.11110 field. The
