The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-17
UPHOLDS THE CANTEEN
A CHARLES NOBLE HAS LITTLE
USE FOR WILLIAM Z. JOHNSON.
He Served i'm the and
Characterizes JOhnsOn's Ar
ticle as Untrue.

Mai. Charles Noble, in command at the
local recruiting station, in discussing the
visit of William E. Johnson to the Phil
ippine islands in the interest OF the New
Voice, Of Chicago, to investigate the army
canteen, yesterday said the man and the
articles he has written are unworthy of
consideration. He said to have fellow-of-
fcers with whom he is we'll acquainted
and knows 10 be honest men made the SUBJ
ject of unwarranted attacks and the brunt
OF false accusations warmed his blood to an
uncomfortable degree. The manner in
which he discussed the recent publication
of one of Johnson's articles on the sub
ject bore out his assertion.
Major Noble returned from the Philip
pines last winter and has since been In
charge of the local recruiting station. He
is a native of Marion county, the old home
stead that marks his birthplace still stand
ing south of this city, and he Is a soldier
who has earned his promotion in the ranks
of the army to that of major. In regard
to the Johnson article Major Noble said:
II do not know of any punishment too
severe for such men as this William E.
Johnson, who went TO Manila for the New
Voice, the national Prohibition organ. He
leaves the impression that the drink sold
at canteents is responsible for many Of the
cases i'm hospital and suicides. This is
not true. He is very careful not to men,
ton the native drink called 'bino.' The
beer sold at canteens caused no trouble.
This / know from being in at
different points where canteens were run
ming. To the drinking men the canteens
were beneficial rather than detrimental.
They sold beer, and this, in moderation, is
not injurious.
USE OF BINO.
''Where the men could not procure other
drink some would take to bino. This is
cheap, and can be had at almost any way
side shack or hut from natives. 1 had con-
siderable trouble with dealers in this stuff
/ never sampled bino, but was told the
odor and flavor is not bad, more like a liq-
eur than whisky. 1t is OF a light color. an
insidious drink to strangers. The natives
are moderate with it, but overindulgence
makes men crazy. A number of cases oc-
Cured in my command. fortunately with
out serious results, except TO the bino-
crazed men. who always had to be con-
trolled by muscular strength. If the sale
OF bino could be stopped or the liquor de-
stroyed there would be little complaint
against canteens or American saloons, ex-
cept from such men as this Mr.. Johnson.
whose effort is TO put all the onus on the
Americans.
"A percentage of the profits of the can
teen goes into company funds for the pur-
chase OF articles of food for the mess
other than regular rations.'
"What about this Mr.. Brown, who is said
to be at the head OF the American Com
mercial Company, purported TO be operat-
ing $50 canteens in the Philippines" was
asked.
Mr.. W.. w. Brown" the major said. II
know personally. He rs the pioneer OF the
American Commercial Company and the
canteen. AS TO his name being 'Bronisky,'
the is news 10 me. IL is just that he
should have the trade and the army help
him, for he has been of much benefit TO
the army. The remainder OF Mr.. Johnson's
article, referring TO the work OF Brown and
methods used In liquor traffic. / think a It's
sue OF falsehoods. l have been in the
American Commercial Company's place.,
met all the firm and employees. and Mr..
Carmen referred 10 in the article, was