The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-09-02
Gen. Corbin on the Canteen.

an dINlStlC Necessity.
Gen. Corbin on the Cantcen.
People who have a real, honest inter-
est in what makes for health and NOR
ality in the army, and who are not SIM
ply trying to carry into effect untried
theories OF their own, are invited to
study candidly and dispassionately the
report Of Adjt. Gen Corbin on the
workings Of the canteen system. There
is probably no subject upon which such
a vast amount OF transformation has
been published: and in the many indig-
nant attacks which have been made
upon the system, the actual facts in
the case have as a rule been ignored.
The report OF Gen. Corbin explains
the system and its workings more lu-
cidly than anything which has hereto
fore appeared upon the subject. The
canteen is simply the soldiers club.
conducted by the soldiers themselves,
with their own money for their own
beneft. The war department does not
concern itself with the matter, beyond
extending rigid restrictions around the
canteen. prohibiting the use of spirit
uous liquors there. and generally pro-
tecting the men from having their
funds dishonesty Incorporated. Al
most without exception. post and COM
pany commanders heartily indorse the
system: and claim that it has worked
to the betterment Of the health and
morals OF the service, has increased
the attractiveness OF the service to the
enlisted men and decreased the per-
centage of assertions.
The statistics furnished by Gen. Cor
bin abundantly substantiate the claims
Of the officers. Desertions, which were
annually 10 per cent. OF the whole en-
listed force, have decreased until they
are now less than per cent Trials
and convictions for drunkenness. which
were annually 3,725. have decreased
during the six years since the establish
ment Of the canteen until they are now
but 1906. The average amount spent
by officers and men. including civilian
employees. for beer in the canteens is
but IS cents a month.
These facts speak louder than a whole
volume OF theories. The opponents OF
the canteen have nothing with which
to refute them. They have no substi-
tute to offer for the canteen, but insist
on its abolition, that the men may be
compelled to fall back upon the low
groggeries which the canteen has
driven out of business, as their sole
places Of resort. The enlisted men of
the army have no truer friends. none
who take a more intelligent interest in
their welfare, than their own officers.
The opinion Of these officers on the
canteen matter ought to be sufficient
TO settle the whole controversy.
The campaign opened In most en-
couraging fashion last night with the
great Republican rally and rati-
fication meeting at the Armory. No
more interested or enthusiastic multi
tude has gathered within its walls than
that which crowded II beyond Its ca
pacity TO welcome and TO hear the Re-
publican leaders last night. II Is not
apathy but waiting that has held the
party silent. The soldiers are there,
standing ready in the ranks, listening
for the word OF command. AS they
heard II last night they sprang TO their
feet with hurrah and asked only 70
follow their leaders. Those leaders,
too are ready for the final tug-of-war
with the forces oS Reputation and dis
honor. II is an inspiring campaign.
The eloquent and imprisoned ad-
dresses that were made last night show
how close to the hearts OF the people
are the issues that the Republican
party has made It's own The first gun
has been fired. Now let there be no
iessening Of activity or effort until the
nation is safe and the state OF Wash
ington redeemed from the last trace of
its one-time political alteration.
Paul Dunbar, the coiorea poet. while
engaged In missionary labors among
his brethren in Lower New York. was
robbed Of his watch and chain. dia-
mond ring and other valnabies. This
Is a solemn warning to all missionaries
TO visit pawn shop or a safety de-
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