#Tobacco & Policy
I
t is believed that people started smoking in 10th century B.C., and
it was North-American Indian chiefs with their pipes of peace who
were definitely aware of the true effect of smoking. Many centuries
later tobacco made it to Europe, and then to Russia, brought
there by Peter I. The emperor was a heavy smoker and decided to
‘share’ this wonder with his people. He legalized sale of tobacco
and opened first Russian tobacco factories. Catherine II, Nicolas II
and his daughters, as well as practically all Russian emperors paid
tribute to the pleasure of smoking. They could hardly imagine that a
couple of centuries later, a burning cigarette in the hand of a country
leader would be considered a mauvais tone. However, the burden of
responsibility they bear hasn’t got any easier. Let us recall what it
was like, when a passion to smoke had no influence on
the smoking devotee’s reputation.
The king of smokers
IN THE GRIP
OF TOBACCO SMOKE
An unarguable statement: ruling a country is not something that many people can do. Despite its high status and noble attire, this
is quite a stressful affair. No wonder that politicians often sought comfort in their preferred cigarettes, and their offices were filled
with smoke. Luckily, this was the smoke of burning tobacco rather than of their burning heads.
Edward VII, the son of Queen Victoria, managed
to harmonize relations with France, England’s
long-time rival. But it is not his diplomatic
talent that he is remembered for.
When he ascended the throne, he
pronounced his famous phrase,
‘Gentlemen, you may smoke!’
The fact is that the etiquette of
the time prohibited smoking
in public, except in dedicated
places.
It
was
also
unacceptable to smoke
in presence of women.
However, the monarch
was a big fan of cigars,
thus it is no wonder that any
law that prohibited smoking in
public was soon abrogated and
the British citizens were now able
to enjoy their tobacco wherever and
whenever they pleased.
TAKE MY CIGAR FROM ME, AND I WILL START
A WAR AGAINST YOU
Hedonist Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Churchill, whom British people have nominated ‘The
Greatest Briton of All Time’, was a real hedonist. He trampled on
every principle of a healthy lifestyle having an eye for good alcohol
and tobacco. His addiction to smoking went down in history along
with his political triumphs and caustic witticisms. With his first cigar
lit at breakfast, and his last one extinguished before going to bed,
Churchill smoked eight to ten cigars per day. If one cares to count,
the great politician has left behind him a legacy of approximately 250
thousand cigar butts.
His love of tobacco was so comprehensive that Churchill could
risk political relations with his counterparts, rather than abandoning
his traditional cigar. A remarkable episode happened when Churchill
received the King of Saudi Arabia. At a festal dinner the Prime Minister
was recommended to refrain from smoking cigars and drinking
alcohol in the presence of the royal person, since this was contrary
to the Muslim religion. Churchill replied: ‘My rule of life prescribes
The Империалист | | 25