Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-09-26
SCORED BY FUNSTON
CIVIL AUTHORITIES INDIFFER-
ENT TO SOLDIERS WELFARE.
Low Dives Outside Military Posts
Cause Ruin Of Good Men-Aboli-
ton Of the Canteen.

Brigadier General Frederick Funston In
his annual report regarding conditions in
the Department Of the Colorado points out
that the percentage of trials by court-mar-
tiaI of enlisted men has nearly doubled dur
ing the past year. Upon this point the gen.
eral says:
'It is therefore plain that there has been
a deplorable increase of offenses in general
and Of desertion in particular. In my opin-
ion there are two principal causes for this
state of affairs; first, resentment to unac-
customed limitations and restrictions felt
by men returning from field service to the
monotony and routine work Of garrison life; !;
second. the abolition of the canteen feature
of the post exchange. Since this action was
taken saloons of the lowest type have been
established just outside the boundaries Of
the various reservations; their proprietors
are, in almost every case, unprincipled
scoundrels who leave nothing undone to de-
bauch the soldiers and obtain their money.
Being in all cases outside the limits of any
city the proprietors of these resorts are
subject to no municipal police regulations
and sell liquor regardless of hours and
whether the buyer is already intoxicated or
not.
Gambling is universal in these dives
and they are frequented by dissolute wo-
men. The soldier whose desire for drink
would ordinarily be satisfied by a few
glasses of beer in the canteen of the pest
exchange goes to one of these resorts and
does well If he escapes before he has spent
or gambed away all his money, overstayed
his leave or engaged in an alteration.
Local Authorities Indifferent
GAS a rule the local authorities regard
the existence of these places with indiffer-
ence or approval as it causes the soldier
to spend his money in the community. The
efficiency of the army or the ruin of good
soldier Is nothing to them There can be no
reasonable doubt that most of the trials by
general courts martial and summary courts,
at least so far this department is con-
cerned, are directly traceable to this cause.
Since l have had command here there has
taken place the ruin and degradation Of
several non-commissiened officers Of long
service and fine record. In short, the recent
legislation by Congress on this question, so
far as this department is concerned, has
had no effect except to lower the discipline
of the army, ruin scores of good soldiers
and fill the pockets OF lot of saloon keep
ers, gamblers and prostitutes"
Useless Ammunition.
General Funston says that at many posts
the magazines are incumbered by lot Of
ammunition for 3-in. muzzle-l loading cannon
manufactured in the eos and 7Os, consist
ing Of percussion shells, time shells, case
shells and canister. This ammunition, he
says would probably cause accident If fir
ing was attempted. And even where field
artillery is stationed, he says, practice had
by firing this mateEial would be Of no BEN
eft to the artillery. 1t Is recommended that
some disposition be made Of this useless
and dangerous material at the various
posts.
Disputes Regarding Water.
The water supply at number Of posts in
the Department of the Colorado has caused
considerable concern. General Funston
says the controversy between the city of
Cheyenne. Wyo., and the authorities Of Fort
d. A. Russell regarding certain water rights
has reached the stage which renders 1t nee
essary for the governments rights to be
ascertained or the posts abandoned Con-
siderable trouble has been had at Fort
Grant, Ariz., on account of the water sup
ply.
The establishment of other forts and the
completion of the railroad to San Carlos
agency have induced Gen. Funston to rec
ommend that Fort Grant be abandoned.
Regarding the proposed construction Of
post at Albuquerque, General Funston
recommends that board be appointed to
VISIT that place, and also Las Vegas and
santa Fe, and observe carefully the Ques-
tlon or water supply, climate, etc. before
any action Is taken. Las Vegas will donate
10000 acres near a limitless supply Of water
II post is located there.
The inspector general Of the department
reports that as general rule the quarters
and barracks are not in good condition.