Most prisoners are users of tobacco, yet there are many who do not use
it. Some prisons allow a pound of tobacco a month, some two pounds
every month. This is generally manufactured at the prison where it is
used. One of the modes of punishment, and a very effective one too, is
to deprive the men of their tobacco for disobedience. With many this is
one of the most severe punishments instituted. When a man enters prison
he is given a copy of the rules of the prison and also a ticket stating
the privileges of the use of the library, books, letter-writing,
tobacco allowance, etc. Failure to comply with the rules ofttimes means
to be deprived of these privileges for a month or longer. Some time
ago we placed a number of tracts in prisons showing the evil effects
of tobacco on the human system, the filthiness and offensiveness of
tobacco, etc., and we were pleased to note the results by way of
convincing many prisoners to discontinue the use and give up the habit.
While some are able by strong willpower to discontinue the use of it,
yet but comparatively few people can in their own strength quit its use
and rid themselves of the appetite. But many can testify that they have
not only been able to quit its use, but have had the appetite removed
by the power of God in answer to prayer.