Washington sentinel., 1899-08-05
HOW THE CANTEEN
WAS SAVED.
A Victory fertile Washing
ton Sentinel.

When Senator Hansbrough' $
motion to strike out the amend
meat to the Hull Army bill, made
by the Senate Military committee,
permitting the sale Of malt liquors
in canteens at soldiers homes and
military posts, was passed, we
showed how active and painstaking
the Prohibition element had been on
this occasion, and how the SENTI-
NEL, the faithful watchdog of per-
sonal liberty, as usual, had been
the only one on the ground in op-
position. The principal advo-
Gates Of prohibition OF the can
teen were the New York Votce and
is following, among whom was
the we'll known prohibition worker
Rev. Mr.. Crafts, of Pittsburg.
These elements were the authors
of hundreds OF letters petitiOning
Congress to abolish the canteen,
and labored aggressivelY tor its
passage. Every Congressman who
favored the retention Of the can
teen was flooded with letters from
his constituents, at the instigation
OF the prohibitionisbs, to get him
In line. Many of these Congress
men gave US their letters at the
time to show us how they were
being harassed, some ofwhich were
published in this paper. General
]. R. Hawley, the Chairman OF the
Senate Military Committee, which
reported the amendment, when
approached by US, listened atten-
lively to our argument in behalf
OF the officers, soldiers, and old
veterans who inhabit our Soldiers
Homes. We proved conclusively
TO him on that occasion that the
retention OF the canteen in the
United States Army would be con-
dusive to the health and discipline
aAd would work an improvement
in the physical and moral condi-
tions of the army, rather than to
its detriment. A strong incentive
in the way Of inducing the Senate
Committee to favor the sale Of beer
at canteens was report Of Gen.
Patrick, Governor of the Dayton
Home, who advanced weighty ar
guments in its behalf, and whose
letter on the subject received from
the committee the consideration it
deserved. We republish herewith
General Patrick's letter:
Soon after the commencement OF this
last Gnancial year Uulv ra), beer hall
was opened here In the Home for the
benefit of its members.
AS is well known in the Board, it was
matter that had been under discussion
for years. In the army, it has been the
usage to sell beer certainly for more than
half a century, and for several years Il
know not how many, at other branches
Of the National Home.
For some reason, know not what, a
terrible outcrY was made through the
press. through the mails, and by personal
appeals to the COVER nor, for the redress
fthis outrage upon the members Oi the
Central Branch and upon the interests
OF good order, good morals, and religion
generally.
The statistics and records OF this
branch for the past year speak fol
themselves:
The official report of Hon. Ira Craw-
ford, Mayor of Dayton, gives the number
OF arrests Of our members from July IA
1885. to July 1, 1886. as 4S6, while for the
same length OF time alter the beer hal
was opened Uuly IA. 1886 to July I, 1887
ss a74, difference OF ara.
The surgeon reports that the small
number treated for alcoholism this yea
(I4) as compared with 50 in 1886 and 8
in 1885. is without doubt, in his opinion
10 De credited to the less humber o
members who are given to protractet
debauches and bad liquor since III
opening of the beer hall. Only sucl
cases as can not with safety be Ireate'
out OF hospital are brought to hOspita
or treatment after a spree, and thos
treated in camp, especially at the guar
house, are not one.hfth ss many thi
year as in former years
That a large number of our men wi
drink to excess when they have tn
opportunity is true. and dnotwithstandin
the vatchfulness of our employees at th
beer hall these shrewd old topers WI
manage to get tight: but on leaving th
beer hall IL thew rho,w sutoxiraLiou the