Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-10
WITHOUT THE CANTEEN
REPORTS FROM COMMANDERS OF
ARMY POSTS.
Increase in Neighboring Saloons I'm
der the Present Law-Habfts OF
Men When Enlisted.

Men When Enlisted.
The reports made by army officers on the
operations of the autf-canteen law, trans
mitted to Congress by the Secretary OF
War. in response to a resolution of Inquiry,
contains a volume of information on the
subject. Immediately upon the passage Of
the law every canteen in the army was
promptly and summarily closed, resulting,
in many cases. In considerable loss by rea-
son OF unconsumed stock on hand, which
could not be disposed Of and every applfca-
ton for exemption on account OF special
conditions was invariably denied.
In order, however, that the department
might be advised as to the effects Of the
law. post comma nders were required to re-
port at the close of the year as to how
many additional liquor saloons had been
opened within a mile of the post since the
canteen was closed; whether or not drunk
enness, desertion. absence without leave and
courts-marttai for drunkenness and ohenses
caused by drunkenness had increased or Oh
nainished, as also as to what was the effect
on the morality. discipline and health of
the command. AS a consequence of these
reports. the adjutant general, In his annual
report for 1902, has made the following
recommendations:
existed prior to the passage Of the act of
February 3 1901. prohibiting the sale of
beer. is desired and urged by the great ma
jority of officers and men and by none more
than those of pronounced temperance views.
Numerous reports confirm the views long
held by this Office that the old exchange
contributed to sobriety, health and con-
treatment of the men. The increase of deser-
lions and Of trials for attractions Of disci-
piine Is. by those best Informed, attributed
to the abolition Of the former privileges of
the exchange"
Increase in Saloons.
The reports upon which this recommends
ton was based show that the total number
Of liquor saloons within one mile Of mill
tary posts. the majority Of which dispense
alcoholic spirits of the vilest character. is
very little less than 1.4O0. of which number
between $50 and 300 have been started at
posts within the United States since the
closing of the canteen. The majority of
posts have reported that drunkenness and
courts-martial for drunkenness have in
creased; that assertions and absence with
out leave have increased that the effect of
the closing of the canteen upon the morali-
ty. discipline and health of the troops has
been bad. While many post commanders
are, in consequence of frequent changes of
garrison and from the absence Of correct
unable to report as to the degree of detri-
ment created by the closing of the canteen.
it Is stated an absolute fact that In no
single case has post commander expressed
an opinion that the effect of the abolition
of the sale Of beer in the army has resulted
in improved conditions.
In the Philippines.
The foregoing statements relate particu-
larly to posts in the United States. In the
uh
Of the army has been stationed for the past
four years, and where one-third of the in
fantry and cavalry Is permanently sta
toned, peculiar conditions prevail that re-
auire special treatment. The situation in
the islands is clearly epitomized in the re-
port of Brigadier General ]. P. Sanger, In
spector general Of the division Of the Phil
ippires, in his report dated June 30, 1902,
and published in the annual report of Major
General Chaffee. General Sanger, who by
himself or assistant, has visited during
the year every one of the $50 occupied
places in the Islands, remarks that from
the monotony of his existence the enlisted
man in the Philippine Islands has become
the absolute victim of his environment.
Rendered more or less indifferent by the
climate, deprived of pleasant and exciting
recreations, amusements and sports, and
lacking prompt and regular municatfon
with the outside world, his life is absolutely
colorless. ard, as a result he associates
more or less with the native population, and
soon adopts some of their habits. with dis
agreeable consequences.
Among the worst of these is the use of
the native drinks, which not only contain
ethylic alcohol. winch is the alcohol in good
liquors, but the methylic and amylic alco-
hol. or fusil oil, and furforal. the effect of
which Is a maniacal excitement, often with
homicidal and suicidal tendencies and WITH
and after depression that becomes chronic
melanchoHa and often insanity. The eff
fects on the physical condition of the per-
son are severe, usually inducing inffamma-
ton of the stomach and cirrhotic changes
In the liver and kidneys. To remedy these
conditions the post exchange, at which light
beer was sold, was 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.
Use Of Liquors.
To the fear. SO often expressed by the OPP
ponents Of the canteen system, that the
sale Of beer would initiate. or induce habits
of intemperance. Gen. Sanger shows from
careful census of the 342 companies of
troops in the Philippine Islands that in 60
companies every enlisted man used vinous,
malt, or spurious liquors at date of enlist
ment; In 100 companies. between 80 and 100
per cent: in So companies; between so and
80 per cent: in % companies, between 20
and 80 per cent; in 20 companies. between
90 and 20 per cent. Unfortunately quite a
number Of men habitually drink to excess
and as this number will probably increase
If the men are obliged. as now, to resort to
native liquors in order to satisfy what to
many OF them is a perfectly natural cray
ing. the result will be deplorable.
To the assertion that beer is not an I'M
known quantity in the Philippine Islands
and that soldiers who prefer 1t will find it
where the native decoctions are sold. 1t is
to be remarked that the average charge for
bottle of beer throughout the Philippines
Is 50 cents. Mexican, and like most of the
beverages manufactured in the Philippine
Islands, Is very much adulterated. 1t was
sold in the canteen prior to it's abolition at
the same prices as in the United States.
Gen. Sanger concludes with the remark that
TT is hardly probable. in view of this in
formation. that Congress will continue the
prohibition against the canteen when 1T is
evident that the sale of beer would be pre-
caution against the perpiejarS habits a hove