Washington sentinel., 1901-03-23

Relief will not come Simply Oy
asking. Whatever the cause, the
impression is general that beer can
stand any tax asked of it. While
revision OF war revenues was under
discussion the press OF the country
took a lively interest in the
subject. Every ite m in the lis had
its advocates beer had them too
but they were not found in the
large dailies, unless paid for in ad'
vertisements or at so much a line.
The strongest opponents OF beer
tax reduction were iound in the
press. The heavy expenses neces-
STATED by the Governments for
eigu ventures no doubt initiated
against greater decreases in rev.
enues as potent power in in
flueneing Congressional action in
imical to beer was the press.
This uniriendly spirit must be
removed. Public opinion must be
aroused TO the material losses that
will follow over-taxation OF the
brewing bnsiness-losses in which
the farmer is interested in market
for his products, the mechanic for
his labor, manuia ctuTeTs for the
thousand and one different articles
the trade utilizes, the taxpayer tor
the burdens his shoulders will have
to bear to make good any dehc.
iency resultiDg from the brewers
shortage, and Congress to the
knowledge that yielding TO the
pressure Of preiudiced influences
or to the weight OF ianatical senti
ment may erIFsnle a source OF rev.
enue that is we'll nigh indispensa'
bic to the Governments needs,
Brewers themselves must take
hand in this work by supporting
those whose endeaVors are devoted
to the attainment Of the only OBJ
ject which will give them adequate
Teiiel and a share in the wave OF
prosperity now sweeping over the
country complete repeal OF the
war tax. This alone will give re-
lief and this alone will give satis-
faction. II whisky could save it.
sell from the imposition OF higher
tax, certainly SO powerful a body
as the brewers should be able to
secure the remission OF the re-
mainder OF the doubled impost.
Shall the work 90 On7
FIRST Fruits OF Canreen Abolition,
A Chicago special to the New
York WOyId gives melancholy,
but not altogether Unexpected. ac-
count OF the effect upon a part OF
the army Of certain reioimatorY
legislation by Congress:
The abolishment Of the army canteen
is producing riot and disorder just
beyond the confines of army posts,
Friday was pay day at Fort Sheridan,
where I, 600 soldiers ofthe Fifth Infantry
are in barracks. The villsge OF High
wood was taken possession OF by 400
drunken soldiers yesterday
They destroyed two saloons and
drank most of the liquor in the town.
There were scores of fights and the
whole town was terroTized. This was
the first pay siEce the canteen was
abolished.
The men used to buy beer on the
reservation Now they buy whisky in
the surrounding towns.
General Otis, commander OF the
Department Of the Lakes, said today
81 was one Of the officers detailed 10
study the operation Of the military post
canteen and note its effects on the men,
l had always been opposed TO the can
teen, but after Investigation was COM
PEELED to endorse it,
'OuuEI LllE bFoAEAAi AlAN RAOAAN' ~ 49,
canteers went to tuy de licacies for the
soldiers table, so that they got the full
benefit Of all that was spent for beer on
the reservation Now the men spend
more and the profits go to the owners
Of the private gin mills"
This news will give pain to a
great many men and women who
have labored for the abolition OF
the army canteen. We confess we
cannot understand the reasoning
OF those who imagine that soldiers
in barracks can be prevented from
drinking by the simple expedieni
OF suppressing the sale of beer on
the reservation; but many deludec
people did imagine it, and we com
.niserate them in their disappoint
ment. We fear. moreover, thai
we cannot offer them the smalles
hope for the future. Human fol
lies and human appetites are no
to be disposed OF by an edict. Th,
abolition Of the canteen has beer
followed, as its estab lishment wa
preceded, by the rum shop, tn
dive, and the dance house. Mod
Grafton. gives way to intemper
auce. Discipline is succeeded b,
license. Alas, that il should b
so; but so it is. And army off
GERS, almost without exception
predicted Just this consequence.