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THE SUPPRESSION OF VODKA 161
Russia, which counterbalances as a sort of antidote the bad
consequences of alcohol. The Russian peasant, who forms
not less than 80 per cent, of the population, is, as a rule,
very poorly fed ; he eats meat only on special holidays.
The effect, therefore, of alcohol upon his empty stomach is
much more pernicious than if it were taken after a good meal.
Another factor which helps to keep the use of alcoholic
beverages confined within certain limits is the English
national love of all sorts of sports. Every one knows that
the use of alcoholic beverages impairs the physical and
mental capacity of the human body. It is, therefore,
imperative for sportsmen who wish to take advantage of all
opportunities which their organism affords to abstain—at
least for the time being—from the use of strong drink.
In Russia, the peasant class has had practically no other
recreation from the toil and wear and tear of daily work
than the habit of drinking alcohol. The pleasure which
alcohol gives is the joy of change, of masquerading, of
distraction from the ordinary state of things. After having
taken a certain amount of the drug the surroundings appear
invidiously changed, the pulse begins to beat quicker, the
outlook on life seems to be brighter, the victim is under the
illusion that he is physically stronger and mentally fitter.
Of course a reaction sets in very soon, and especially when
alcohol is taken in any great quantity ; the tempting illusion
is soon followed by utter despondency, waning strength, and
general incapacity. But at least the first hour of illusion,
when the whole aspect of life seemed to have changed for
the better, does not fail to exercise its attraction.
When this unfortunate state of affairs in Russia had
been changed the peasantry had gained threefold: the
great amount of money which was spent upon liquor was
deposited in savings banks, or used for the comforts of life ;
the health of the population had thereby improved
enormously, and the mentality of the peasant, which formerly
—owing to strong drink—was in a comatose state, had now
been awakened to the self-consciousness of the duties and
rights of man. Intellectually, the Russian peasantry was
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