The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-02-10

soldier and II that soldier goes TO the
csnteen for a bottle OF beer the recruit
thinks it the proper thing. and usually
goes one better. and not being aecus-
toned 10 its use usually resulted in his
being sent to his quarters 10 set over
the effects II the canteen VAS not
there they would have TO have permit
10 leave the lines. and as they could not
be obtained very often The temptation
70 a great extent would be kept from
them
If the canteen Is abolished would 1t
cause men TO become insubordinats and
leave camp in serach OF something to
drink? IN many cases. and enc might
say nearly all. where the drinking habit
was formed, il would so result. bur
would not have that effect upon che
newly enlisted who did not have the
cravings Of depraved appetite 10 con-
tend with.
Would it cause an Increase OF the So
looms near the post? PROFESSIONALLY it
would. If the post was located near 3
town or on any bur military reserva-
tons Upon military reservations there
would be no chance for such places and
the only whisky possible TO be obtained
would be from the -bootlegger" and his
Tx, and that only in isolated cases They
all agreed that If a man wanted whisky
that in most cases il could be obtained
and they cited many instances where men
had evaded the guards AID walked many
miles TO obtain it, They knew when they
went thar arrest and punishment would
follow. but with that craving upon them
they would have given their souls for
bottle Of the coveted article Rut
these cases We're few as compared win
a regiment, probably not being more than
one to a hundred
These sergeants were none Of them alb
stainers. but all said they took their
beer regularly. and even freely discussed
different times when each and all had
been on what they called "jags" Yet
ell agreed that as moral factor in the
future welfare Of the army thar q was
well to abolish the canteeu 50 as 10 re-
move the temptation from the many
newly enlisted men who would be re-
eruited under the present law.
Many OF them said that they would not
spend half so much for drinks e they
always had to 60 out of the post for Il
as they Go now when they only have to
go TO an adjoining room.
The one great argument I have found
everywhere is the benefit derived from
the profits in buying such things for the
table that are not furnished them Tha,
point seems to have been overlooked in
all congressional debate. Had IT been
noted. there would have been good
chance to do the army a real good ser
vice by changing the rations So that
they would not be a menace to mems
health It is a standing shame that men
must either buy liquor so that the profits
can be used or else contribute part %
their monthly pay 10 mess fund so as
70 be able to have sufficient 70 eat II
is not that enough Is not issued but the
variety is what is lacking The theory
is that all being staple articles they can
be exchanged FOR other products az the
local groceries. In many cases il IS done
but always al a discount. and IN many
other eases tho goods are not suited 20
the local demand and cannot be disposed
Of at any price. There is certain ur0-
portion Of baking powder issued with the
-four and that Is nearly ali dead loss 20
the men. whereas II cash was paid over
To each company for rauons not drawn
the amount could be used 10 buy such ar
ticles. and especially vegetables. as Were
wanted or in season.
In this article 7 have not been biased
by my own opinions nor tried 70 draw
moral Knowing that the question has
been frequently discussed and in most
cases information lacking. 7 have tried
10 give only what have seen AMI what
have been told by others who have
had q better opportunity than ! to study
the situation. J. .. RHOADEs