The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-01-09
CONDEMN THE CAnIEEN
Feature of the Arry Bill Debate
in the Senate.
Sr. McCumber Fayors the House
Proposition AboIishing the Post
Exchnnge-Mr. Teller Says the SOL
dfers Are Being Ruined-FEIf-
pinos DemOraIIzed by Liquor.

After the transaction Of soIe routine
business, the Senate today resumed con
sideration of the Army Reorganization
bill, and Mr.. McCumber took the floor
in opposition to the committee canteen
amendment. His criticism OF the canteen
was not very severe; All he asked was
that fair trial be given the House pro
vision, which prohibited the sale Of liz
uor- Liquor, he said, had been sold at the
canteen; now try the canteen without the
sale of liquor.
Mr.. Teller followed in a sharp arraign-
ment of the canteen system. He could
not believe the cantee- system was =
proper one or a beneficial ore in the pro-
motion Of temperance. the hest people
in the country were asking for this Iegis-
lation- The canteen, ne Sc ID. was a vi
cious system. AS between beer and light
wines he would prefer the sale OF the lat
ter as It was less deleterious. He said he
never used wines or beer or liquor of any
kind
The saloon influence is fighting the
army canteen.' remarked Mr.. Hawley.
Il deny it, said Mr. Teller with some
emphasis. THAT is an unfair Statement. :"
Mr.. Teller was most severe in his de-
nunciation of the liquor habit. He was
opposed 10 placing any temptation in ne
way of the young men who enter the army.
Mr.. Teller read soma documents he had
received from Manila relating 10 the
growth OF intemperance in the Philippine
Islands since the advent Of the American
soldier. There was very little drunken
ness, formerly, he said. among the Fill
piaos but TOW there was marked change
sir. Lodge suggested that the army can
teen was not responsible for that condi-
ton OF affairs.
Mr.. Teller said Of co,>se it wasn't, but
it was the American siuoCn which had
followed in the wake of the army
IT'S In the power of the President" ex-
claimed Mr.. Teller. 10 close all the sa-
looms in Manila. If he doesn't act, then
the Senate should -
Statistics showed. be said, that before
the occupal cy OF Maniia by the Ameri-
can army t.ere were but three saloons,
now there were more than 100. The sale
of liquors in the Philippines, he said. was
deInoralizing our soldiers and running the
natives, and it ought to be stopped.
SIR McComas ana Mr. Lodge did not
agree with the criticism made by Mr- Tel
Ter and suggested that be vas painting 2
picture Of the cSEE7 ton existing prior 70
the appointment OF the Taft Commission
which had already done much TO correct
and regulate the evil complained Of.
Mr. Teller said he was not aware Of
any Improvement of the condition, except
that the price Of liquor licenses had been
increased.
5r Foraker interrupted at this point to
state that II ne is present when the vote
is taken he VIII vote TO abolish the can
teen.
Resuming. Mr.. Teller said he had gone
q little beyond the canteen question. be
cause he wanted 10 draw The attention Of
the country 10 this subject The Presi-
dent could close every grog shop IN Ma
Mia and the SUlu Islands in one hour,
and he ought to do il. Unless We take
some positive action and eradicate this
evil exclaimed Mr. Teller. then We de
serve the condign contempt Of the AIneri
can people"
Mr. Lodge said he was satisfied the can
teen had done very little harm in Manila,
but il was the people who followed the
army and opened saloons he proposed
an amendment. which he offered as a new
section to the bill 10 prohibit the impor-
tati0n OF distilled spirits or other liquors,
except for medicinal purposes, into the
Philippine Islands. The new section was
ordered printed
Mr. GaHinger offered an amendment as
a new section to the bin that all liquor
licenses issued in the Philippines prior
TO the passage OF this act shall De re-
voked and cancelled