Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 228, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 October 1917 — HE TRIED TO QUIT TOBACCO [ARTICLE]

HE TRIED TO QUIT TOBACCO

Tokyo Lawyer, After Months of Abstinence, Resumed Smoking on "Doctor’s Orders." A prominent Tokyo barrlster-at-law, Mr. Masiio Soeda, has long been a lover of tobacco and so have the members of his family, says East and West Most of the servants In his household were likewise addicted to “the weed.” One” day last winter Mr. Soeda unexpectedly Issued an antl-tobacco proclamation! He assembled the entire household and delivered a tirade against the poisonous effects of nicotine upon the human system. From the viewpoints of physical welfare, moral well being and national economy, he commanded his domestic auditors to follow his example by ceasing the use of tobacco. All pipes, ash trays, cigars, cigarettes and humidors were burned or destroyed. The struggle. was difficult for some of the family, but they were strengthened by the example of the master of the house. On June 1, however, Mr. Soeda was seen to light a cigar while seated in his library. A cynical friend, who had grumbled about the lawyer’s prohibition of tobacco, exclaimed: “So, you’ve been smoking on the sly, despite your resolution!” “Not at all; this Is my first cigar In five months,” was the reply. “My physician thinks he has detected symptoms of fatty degeneration of my heart and has recommended tobacco as an antidote. Therefore, I have begun taking my medicine. That’s all.”