Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-03-31
HOUSE.
Vigorous Arguments Against the Pro
posed Army Canteen.

The House went into committee Of the
whole, Allen Of Michigan in the chair, on
the army appropriation bill
Morse of Massachusetts said that the
provision making an appropriation of
100 900 for canteens at the army posts
show ed among the things that we're to be
sold at these canteens were beer and light
wines, and that this government beer sa
loon was to be connected with brary and
reading room. He protested against this
pro position to open drinking saloons at the
army posts. and denounced it ~ an outrage
sgaiDst the temperance and Christian peo-
pie of the country. He denounced it as
against the best and highest interests Of
the soldiers themselves. Beer and the
lighter drinks we're the devils kindl ng
wood for the stronger drinks, and were the
sure and certain road to inemperence and
drunkenness. Many Of the soldiers were
young men, not hardened and confirmed
drunkards, and he denounced these pro
posed government saloons for putting .
temptation in the way of tn Sc youpg men
The idea that the so-called lighter liquors
beer, wine and cider-would prevent in
temperance, was the relic of the past age
and was utterly exploded by the investiga
lions of our times.
Spinola of New York said that he had this
morning r. ceived q card stating that Hon
Fl jth A. Morse of Massachusetts, NJ. C,
would deliver lecture before some society
That address had been prematurely de-
livered or the floor of the House. Twas a
kind of miscarriage. The gentlemen from
Massachusetts WAS entirely out of place in
making temperance speeches in this hall
Whiskey was q medicinal necessity in the
army. How would stove backing operate
on the solder.? Laughter. Would the
inside of their stomachs become polished,
Laughter
that no alcoholic liquors shall be sold to en-
listed men in any csnteen.
Boutelle of Name advocated the adop
tion Of the amendment and criticised the
provision of the bill relative to csn,eens ~
. provision to legislate intemperance into
the army.
Lansing Of New York held that tn, can
teen system was . strong agency for the
promotion Of temperance in the army. and
L,phsm of Texas advocated the ,anteen
system as being promotive of the cause Of
temperance.
Morse replied to Spinola and said it was
beneath the dignity Of the distinguished
gentleman from New YORK to refer TO the
personal business OF one of his colleagues
Spinola-I take it back. (Laughter)
Morse said that he believed in the can
teen. He believed in the reading room.
library and gyma ium. His only objection
| TO the bill was the beer clause, ard il the
bill were passed without his amendment q
protest would come up from the Christian
| men ard women OF the country which
would shake the Capitol.
Spinola read from the national fepubli-
| can platform in favor Of legislation to pro.
mote temperance and sobrlsty. The re
publicans. he said, had been in absolute
possession Of the Capitol, yet they had es-
tsblished . canteen for the sale Of rum
| right in the basement.
Suubble of Iowa interjected to declare
that the republicans we're only continuing
the precedent established by the democrats
Spinola continuing. said that the gentle.
| men from Massachusetts, (Morse), whom
he loved. had referred 10 his collar. Nov,
| that collar vas immaculate in its vhiteness
and purity, and IL il we're three times q,
vide - it vas 1t would not be high enough
to cover the Genilemsn's ears. (Greal
lauehter.)
Morse's amendment vas adopted-62 tc
45-many democrats Who are opposed to
the proposition voting for it in order thai
there may be . yea and nay vote in the
House
Pending further action the committee
rose.
| On motion Of Blanchard Of Louisiana 4
joint resolution was passed authorizing the
pr .sident Of the Mississippi river commits
sion to purchase or hire such boats as may
be required TO rescue persons 10 the over
flowed portions of the Mississippi valley.
| Adjourned.