The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-10-31
Officers Quoted as Saying the Adolf
ton uf the Canteen Has Been Det-
rimentaI to Good Order.
REPORTS OF VARIOUS BUREAUS
GEN. GILLESPIE On THE CONDITION
OF HARBOR FORTIFICATIONs.
Postal Service Estimates show $685.
Ss5,5o6 IL Required for the Fiscal
Year Ending june 30, 100

WASHINGTON. oct. 3O.-The annual re-
port Of Inspector General ]. c. Breckin-
ridge says that while there are reports OF
harmony and good will among the officers
Of the army the expression "All officers
are thoroughly instructed and efficient is
not heard so frequently as before the Span
ish war. due, nc doubt, to the influx of
young and inexperienced officers. Most re-
ports, however, are favorable. Some lack
of attention given by officers to their daily
life and duties is noted. The report COM
mends the sagacity and ability of Of
fcers who have conducted civil affairs in
trusted 10 them abroad. The class of
recruits received is reported generally up
To the standard. The discipline of the
troops is reported generally good.
of the post exchange the Inspector gen.
eral says: The reports SHOW that wher-
ever practicable post exchanges were in
operation at the garrisoned posts at the
time OF the inspectors visits, the pre-
scribed rules and regulations were being
fully compiled with and their business
was being satisfactorily conducted. A ma
JOrity OF the posts at which exchanges are
maintained were inspected before the law
prohibiting the sale OF beer I'm the canteenS
was enacted. and most of the reports
would not show the effect of the law upon
them. At some of the posts inspected
since IT was reported that the exchange
was closed. as il was being operated at a
loss after the sale of beer was prohibited,
while at others the operations under ex-
listing law were stated to be unsatisfac-
tory The sentiment OF the army on the
subject is we'll known and is given ex-
preston in the following remarks of in
spectors general:
Colonel Burton (Cuba) says: Officers
generally complain that the elimination OF
beer has worked a hardship on the soldier
and has been detrimental to good order
and military discipline"
Lieutenant Colonel Reade Dakota) re-
ports that the consensus OF opinion is that
the canteen feature promotes the morals,
temperance, discipline and health of the
men: and Major Sharpe (Colorado) consid-
ers the anti-canteen legislation of last win
ter Ill advised, and remarks that if there
l. no authorized and decently-kept place
OF resort within a garrison where the sol
der can find recreation suited TO his tastes
and station OF life. he will seek il outside,
and the innumerable brothels and whisky
dens which are springing up on the edge
OF reservations will prove the most baleful
and destructive enemy To COntentment and
good order which a garrison can be cursed
with"
Colonel Sanger (Philippines) reports: The
suppression of the canteen has practically
suspended all post exchanges in these
Islands. and until officers and enlisted men
can adapt themselves TO the change il is
not probable they Will be re-established.
General Breckenridge speaks in high
terms OF the various departments, especial
~ mentioning that favorable reports have
been received OF the quartermaster, sub
sistence, medical and ordnance bureaus.