Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-01-08
THE SENATE.

More than the usual amount of routine
business was transaC ted by the Senate at
the opening of today's session. about half
an hour being devoted to the introduction Of
memorials ard bills.
The Senate then resumed consideration of
the army reorganization bill. An amend
ment offered by Mr.. Bate Crenn) was
adopted authorizing the Secretary of War
to appoint 100 additional hospital stewards
in the regular army. hospital stewards for
Six months in the volunteer army during
the Spanish war being given preference
The committee amendment re .ating the
Sn-cailed 'canteen' question, which had
been passed over, was laid before the Sen
ate and the discussion was opened by Mr..
Gallinger On. H) in opposition to the pro-
posed ms ndment. He declared that the old
question whether saloons in the army
should lie lesallZed again was before Con-
gress. He maintained that if beer was sold
at post exchanges other intoxicants, Of
course. would be sold.
Mr.. Galiinger made an extended argu-
ment in support of his position, quoting
many eminent authorities to prove that the
use of alcoholic stimulants among men in
and out of armies was most de.eterious in
Its effects.
He urge that the committee amendment be
Tele cted and that the bill be left so far as
the canteen question is concerned as it was
when it came from the House.
In reply to Mr.. Gailinsers argument Mr.
Il
committee. discussed the canteen question
a length He had for a long time been a
member of the board of managers of the
soldiers homes of the country.
The canteen had been adopted at the SOL
diers' homes absolutely as temperance
measure. These canteens were allowed to
sci. to the old soldiers only beer. and 1t
had been found that the inmates were
willing 10 take glass or two of beer at
the canteen in preference to visiting the
groggeries which surround nearly all of
these institutions. Mr.. Sewell declared that
the experience of the managers of the sew
eral homes was that the men preferred to
patronize the canteen to q limited and &c
stricted extent than to go outside for worse
drinks. He had seen hundreds of cd SOL
diers brought TO the homes under the in
huence of liquor before the adoption of the
canteen system. The result of the adoa-
tiol. OF the canteen was distinctly beneficial
and beneticent.
In conclusion Mr. Sewen said: THE
American soldier ought not to be con-
demned to a reformatory. We cannot re-
cruit the army if you abolish the post ex-
change 1t is opposed to the soldiers idea
o. liberty to be tied down in that way,
and he will not have it
Mr.. Hawley declared that the post ex-
change promoted discipline and good order
In the army. He said that the officers, as
well as the men of the army view with
dismay the proposition to abolish the can
teen
Sharp Tilt.
y sharp tilt occurred later Mr.. Petit
grew was questioning Mr.. Hawley regard
ing the canteen in the army. Many Ques-
tons had been asked and the replies given
when Mr.. Hawley said: Il decline to an
swer any further questions"
II am perfectly aware" said Mr.. Petit
grew, ''of the senator's inability to answer
any question intellgently."
''Oh, What does he mean" retorted Mr.
Iawlty, by a low-down insult like that"
This ended the incident.