Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-29

ment does not provide, such as "delicates-
| SEN cigars, tobacco and general merchan-
use. articles of clothing, stationery, etc,
ana as such, exercised very important
! function.
The establishment Of the canteen system
| IN the light of the evidence which will he
presented hereafter, proved to be the most
| efficient prophylactic measure for the sup
| preston or diminution of vice and drunken
ness among troops, and its abolition by an
act OF congress. approved February 2, 1901.
on purely sentimental grounds, must be
| deeply deplored by all interested in the
prevention OF physical and moral diseases
S1nce the question of intemperance is in
tinately connected with the health, morals,
d'sclpllne and general efficiency of the
army, 1t Is necessary to consider the sub
1ect in all Its bearings, and for the purpose
OF approaching the question from the prac-
teal rather than the sentimental stand
point we VIII present summary of The
evidence:
Personnel Of the Army.
The recruits for the army are enlisted
generally from among men of ordinary
walks of life and reflect therefore the quail
tiles of the latter, whether they be good or
bad.
1t is not true that the soldier is peculiarly
dissipated above all others and requires
special legislative measures to safeguard
him against his weakness: for as justly re-
marked by DR.. Munson in his Theory and
idCtiC0 VI I1ySleHS, page o<U.
He brings with him into the service the
result Of the moral molding to which he
has been subjected during his childhood
and youth In civil life. and does not change
his nature moral standards with the
mere DOMINIC of the uniform"
One of the members of your committee
served in the army both as an enlisted
man and contract surgeon from 1867 to
1889, another member served as an officer
Of artillery and We have therefore per-
scDal experiences and observation as to
the character and habits of the enlisted
men, the question of intemperance its pre-
dispOsing causes and effects upon the
health and morals of the troops. We are
disposed to divide the rank and file of the
army into four classes. The first class In
cludes number of young men, who have
resisted the temptations of the saloons In
civil life and will continue to resist the
temptations after they enter the army.
The second class comprises many men, es-
pecially of German descent, accustomed
all their lives to drink beer instead of aka
loidal beverages, such coffee and tea,
who crave for companionship and the gen
teel amusements of club and gymnastc
hail.
The third class is made up of intelligent
mechanics and clerks, who, by reason Of
periodical attacks of Incorporate drink
ing habits, have lost their positions in civil
life, but, possessing sufficient self-respect
and manhood, have entered the ranks for
the purpose of securing the benefits of army
discipline.
The fourth class consists of men without
aim or purpose in life, and without inter-
nal resources for legitimate amusements;
they are fond of morbid excitement and the
alluring influences of the saloon, and ap-
pear to find 1t difficult to check their craV-
ings for liquor. in spite of the restraining
effects of the army discipline.
Prevalence of Alcoholism in the Army.
1t is difficult to give an exact estimate of
the extent of the drink habit, except by
the amount of beer actually sold in the
canteens, and the prevalence Of alcoholism
as shown by the army medical statistics.
Statistics prepared by the adjutant gen.
eral of the army show that during the
year 1898. the first year of the Spanish
American war, with its rhardshps, excite
ment and general employment of the army.
the average amount spent for beer by each
man in an army of 231 ,O5S officers and men
was sal per year or As 10 glasses at
cents each, 20 cents per month, equal
to glasses per month for each man. The
consumption in 1899 in an army OF 99l6O
officers and men was 5000, or 139 40
glasses per year, or SO cents. or IL 3-5
glasses per month for each officer and
man. This is very favorable showing
when it is considered that the average con-
sumption of liquor in the United States
amounts to 17.6S gallons per capita.
Since there is reason for believing that
the per capita consumption of liquor in the
United States has steadily increased, the
decrease in the army rates fol alcoholism
is especially gratifying, and can only be
explained by greater care exercised in the
selection of recruits and in the character
and preparation of food, a more rapid
elimina ton of inebriates from the army,
and last but not least. the beneficial eff
fects from the establishment of canteens.
It will be observed that the decrease is
especially marked since the establishment
of canteens In 1889, while the slight
changes in 1901 and 1902 are not sufficient
" marked to base conclusions thereon.
Nevertheless they indicate In connection
with other evidence an increase in alcohol
ism since the abolition of the canteen
The Canteen as Prophylactic Measure
In order to appreciate the benefcent ef-
fects of the canteen system, not only in the
reduction of the drink habit. but also a
powerful moral factor in the life Of the
soldier 1t should be remembered that prior
to the Inauguration of the canteen or post
exchange the so-called suffers or post
traders store was allowed by army regu-
lauons. These stores furnished merchan-
disc and Injuries not supplied by the COM
missary department. The most profitable
articles of sale were WHISTLES. brandies,
wines, cigars and bottled beer. These were
usually sold across the counter, and very
few of the sutler stores provided the facili-
ties of club LIE, such as billiards, reading
rooms or games.
1t Is quite true these establishments were
subject to military orders. and the sales of
liquor could easily be controlled but when
ever and wherever the attempt was made
on the part of the commanding officer to
regulate the character and amount of
drinks to be sold 1t was promptly frustrated
by the establishment outside of the post
reservation of little shacks or shanties for
the sale of vile whisky. These were gradu-
! ally enlarged by the addition Of rooms for
gambling and the Introduction of leWd
women of the lowest class. and as result,
In addition to the excuses of alcoholic slim
ulants, the effects of an immoral life and
its far-reaching consequences were stamp
ed upon those unable to resist the tempta-
tons, and as a result trials for drunken
ness, absence without leave. admissions for
alcoholism and venereal diseases increased
with startling rapidity.
At posts situated within the heart Of an
Indian country, and where it was impracti-
cable to establish grog- shops within rea-
sonable distance from the post, whisky was
brought into the garrison through the mails
In various DISCUSSES or in express packages,
and peddled in twO-ounce phials by soldiers
themselves. Others resorted to the pur-
chase of essence of ginger, lemon. vanilla,
bay rum alcohol and patent or proprietary
remedies containing alcohol in various per-
centageS f.t
Hence oven the most favorable environ-