"A Dangerous Glare"
This excellent letter appeared in the Eastbourne Gazette on 21st October 1914.
The writer’s main concern was the threat to residents from excessive lights being shown. But I love the second part where he feels that public appeals for cigarettes are pampering the soldiers.
A Dangerous Glare
"Sir – The old adage which says “Trust in God and keep your powder dry” is a good one. Why does Eastbourne keep such an unnecessary blaze of lights over the town after sunset? The Germans are ready to drop a bomb on a cottage as on a fort, to shot a little girl with a wooden sword as a soldier of the enemy with a gun.
The cocksure Englishman is a ridiculous creature. Eastbourne is neither fortified, nor, perhaps, of strategic importance, but there is no need to court the attention of the enemy.
May I allude to another subject? When the demand on our nation to provide the necessaries for our Army, the Belgian refugees, and to spend money for the help and protection of our girls and women of England at such a time of excitement and temptation is so stupendous, is it desirable to make appeals for cigarettes and tobacco – unnecessary luxuries?
I believe Japan forbade its youth to smoke under the age of 21, when the war with Russia seemed possible. We want our men fit, the wounded and distressed cared for, not pampered. "
Yours truly
An Old Resident.
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