New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-25
THE CANTEEN DEFENDED
MANY ARMY OFFICERS SAY ITS ABoLI-
TON HAS BEEN HARMFUL
TO THE SOLDIERS.

Washington, Nov A-The War Department is in
constant receipt Of data concerning the canteen
question and the effect Of its abolition the army.
It is said at the department that only such in
formation as has been contained in the reports OF
army officers the subject has been given TO the
public. and it is denied that any effort has been
made to influence public opinion. It is also said at
the department that the recommendations Of the
adjutant general IN his annual report were based
on the information contained in these reports II is
pointed out that the existence Of something like
400 saloons in the neighborhood Of the army posts
is shown by the reports received at the department
$50 TO 300 Of which said to have been opened
since the closing OF the cauteen This further state
ment is made at the department:
enness and courts martial for drunkenness have
increased that deserton and absence without ieaye
canteen on the morality. discipline and heath OF
commanders are in consequence Of frequent changes
Of garrison and from the absence OF correct data
70 the degree Of dstrinent created BY the closing
u f me An s IL can n6 a an nommsnds ex
dressed an opinion that the erect Of {hH IN @
proved conditions
Attention is called to the reports from army off,
in the Philippines, and It is said at the de-
partment that while the reports the subject are
too voluminous to be given to the press they arc
on file. and at the call of Congress II they should
be desired
With reference TO the reports from the Philip
pines. a statement has been made public at the
War Department epitomizing the annual report OF
Brigader General Sanger. inspector general OF the
Division of the Philippines. after narrating tbs
evil effects the human system OF the native
liquors. the statement continues:
To remedy these conditions; the post exchange,
at which light beer sold, exercising a
wholesome influence. and General Sanger believes
that the exchange should be again made posi-
bility by removing all restrictions on the sale OF
beer and light wines
To the fear so often expressed by the opponents
Of the canteen system that the sale Of beer would
Initiate or induce habits Of intemperance General
Sanger shows from a careful census OF the S+2
companies Of troops in the Philippine Islands; that
In 90 companies every enlisted man used vinous,
malt or spirituous liquors at the date OF enlistment
n 100 companies. between 20 and 100 per cent: n
SO companies, between so and 90 per cent; in %
panies between 50 and 70 per cent Unfortunately,
and this number will probably increase II the
men are obliged. TO resort 70 native liquors
in order 10 satisfy what to many Of them is per-
fectly natural craving, the result will be most de-
plOrable.
General Sanger concludes with the remark that
'it is hardly probable in view OF this Information,
that Congress will continue the prohibition against
the canteen. when 1t is evident that the sale Of
beer would be a precaution against the pernicioIs
habits above stated and their fatal and disastrous
results