The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-25
THE DISABLED VETERANS
ANXIETY AMONG OWNERS OF DRINK
ING SHOPS NEAR MARION HOME.
Grounds and Barracks Illuminated
by EIectricity-Old and Young
Soldiers Fraternizing.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

NATIONAL SOLDIERS HOME, Marion,
Ind- Sept. A.-The tavern keepers located
on the pike directly outside the gates are in
a state of anxiety anent the meeting of the
rext Legislature Of Indiana. The nest of
drinking booths in question number upwards
of dozen, and, Of course depend almost
entirely upon the members of the home for
sustenance. On pension days and for week
or ten days thereafter these places reap a
harvest, and as an inducement many of them
give credit to the soldiers in the interim be-
tween pension days. This piece of diplomacy
brings it's reward, and to keep in good stand
ing the debt is always promptly discharged
This feature is perhaps the worst that con-
fronts not only the members, but the disci-
pline of the home. If the credit system was
not in vogue between the saloon keeper and
the customer the sequence follows that in
a short lapse of time after pay day those
who imbibe to excess would be restrained
per force Of circumstances and intoxications
would be few and far between. 1t is per-
haps more due to the credit system than
anything else that the effort will be re-
newed in the next Legislature to remove
these drinking saloons from the vicinity of
the home 1t is the desire of some members
to adopt the law now in force in the vicin-
and compel all taverns to remain at least
one mile and half from the home Such a
law would effectually break up the drink
cries about the home, and, of course, put
the landlords out of business. All this chat
among the men tends to one subject. i. e.,
if the taverns on the outside are removed
will the national board of managers place
a canteen within the home grounds? This
SC doiI tnni0 Of ion
and ELECTS arguments pro and con that have
merits on both sides. 1t is claimed that a
canteen would prove of benefit to the men
of the home. 1t is additionally claimed that
a canteen would in large measure incline the
men to remain in the home instead, as is
now the case, of going outside to secure
their drink. The theory is that the mem
bers who drink will have it under all cir
cumstances, and therefore, instead of swell
ing the Golfers of outsiders the home would
receive the benefit and the money could be
utilized for purposes beneficial to the MEM
bers. This sort of chat is the universal
theme of conversation. OF course the tavern
keepers desire the situation to remain as it
is. and it is to be hoped canteen will never
be seen inside the home portals.
Inc new electric HSnL pant mas DeeIl
completed, and during the week barracks
and grounds have been brilliantly illumi-
mated. AS general thing 999 of every
thousand of the men use tobacco. Many
light their pipes the moment reveille sounds,
and in case matches are scarce it has been
their habit to Eight up" from the gas jet.
1t must be acknowledged that at least a few
of the members are unacquainted with the
Ifoh+ nd 70 l111S-
trated last Monday morning, when new
recruit from the vicinity of Allegheny, Pa,
went to one of the incandescent globes in
Ward 3, of Barracks 10, and in all inno
cence, tried to light a pipe. Fully five min
utes were devoted to the task, and finally,
in sheer disgust he said: 'Well, I'll be gol
darned IL the cussed things will light no
how Doggoned if I don't go without a
light I don't see no use, nohow, putting
them things in" He is in the hospital now.
Sunday is always a good day in camp.
The members remain within the home in
closure and in good weather sit and loll
about the groves. Games are not permitted
by the members, but the visitors from the
several towns kill time in pitching horse
shoes for the delectation of the veterans.
Among the former are many girls and also
danes of mature years. Last Sunday a
bevy of pretty damsels INDUCED in quoits.
The regular ground was used and in the
presence of a good-szed audience a game
of twenty-one points was pitched. The
teams were composed of Ella and Mary Of
Gas City, and Jane and Maggie, of Ma
rion. The result was. Ella and Mary, 81;
Jane and Maggie, 49,,
For the past two weeks there have been
three deaths in the home. This, considering
the number of members, their age and de-
crepitness, speaks well for the sanitary and
healthy condition of the institution.
There is always lively scramble for
small places among the members This is
especially the fact among the nonpension-
ers Such positions as are given out pay
from IS to $40 month, according to their
Importance. The number thus employed is
necessarily large, and the money received
goes long way toward paying urgent ne
cessties In many cases a member, imme-
diately on entering the home, places his
name on the calendar for such position as
he desires to fill. When a vacancy occurs
the roll is consulted, and the first for such
duty, if capable. is selected. The police
force seems to be much sought after. The
men in this department work twelve hours
out of the twenty-four and receive $40 a
month salary.
The national board of managers of homes
for disabled volunteer soldiers visited
the home last Friday. For their special
edifcaticn they were received by the entire
membership who were able to turn out The
great parade ground was used and after
the usual preliminary movements the men
were drawn up in line and at the COM
mand from Governor Justin II. Chapman,
present arms" each soldier gracefully
raised the right hand to the vzor of his
cap, and at the next command carry arms"
allowed the hand to fall to his side This
maneuver executed, the column was
wheeled in platoons of eight abreast and
in this position marched past the reviewing
stand under the eye of Governor Chapman,
his staff and the board of managers The
members took special pride in making a
good appearance, and in this they sue
ceeded An inspection of barracks and sur
roundings followed, and all were in such
trina as to merit commendation.
The really superb band of musicians. IN
der the baton of Capt. John Pitstock. is an
excellent adjunct to the home. Concerts
occur every day. and these always attract
hundreds of citizens. ladies and children
musical feature of the home has added
much to. the enjoyment of members and
public alike.
The captains of barracks are fine set
of old veterans. All rose from the ranks,
and several held exalted positions in the
army Those under them are accorded ex-
cellent treatment, and the good will of the
men is reciprocally returned.
The "nlIctuators'' are on the oui vive and