The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-12-04
SEEK RESTORATION
Of ARMY CANTEEN
Army and Navy League to
Petition Congress.
MRS. KELToN SCORESW.C.T.U.
Doesn't Comprehend" and Has
Wrought Great EviP-"Mis-
guided Zeal"


guided Zeal"
An appeal TO Congress for the restors-
ton Of the army canteen viii be made
at the coming session by the Army aud
Navy League.
The petition viii be in accordance with
a resolution presented at d recent meet
ing or The league By Mrs. Josephine 9.
kelton, widow Of the late Gen. John
kelton, and vice president Of the league.
The announcement IS made by Mrs.
Kelton that every effort will be made TO
nave tue bill fayorabIy acted upon be-
fore ,he spring Adjournment of the Ma
tional Legislature IL IS believed by the
members OF the league that the measure
stands IN fair way Of receiving the APP
prevail Of Congress, in view of the re-
cent agitation for the canteen from high
official sources.
Vigorous Campaign Planned.
Mrs. Kelton. with the other members
of the league, OF which Mrs. steruberz.
the wife Of former Surg. Gen. George NJ.
Sternberg, is president. are determined
10 carry on vigorous campaign for the
restoration OF the canteen.
As TO the opposition which may arise.
Mrs. Kelt0n Sud yesterday:
What the 'Voman's Christian Tenn
perance Union has done against the
army canteen is the worst abuse Of tenn
perance that can be imagined. All the
members Of the Army and Navy League
believe in temperance on the temperance
question, but the abolition OF the cam
teen Is an Incorporate use Of authority.
We expect a strong fight. and We are
prepared 10 defend ourselves and our
theories. The women Of the Army and
Navy League believe they are as power
ful to accomplish results as are the
members of the Woman's Temperance
Union.
Have Wrought Great Evil.
Il made an address at the November
meeting Of the league, the purport OF
which was that through a misguided
zeal and lack of understanding the rea-
sons which led 10 the establishment Of
the canteen the Woman's Christian Tenn
perance Union has wrought a great evil
to the United States.
These women do not comprehend even
remotely the manner of conducting sales
of beer and light wines on Government
reservations. II they did. they would
know that a three years test proved
that the canteen was beneficial and not
detrimental and that when they urged
Congress to pass. on February ,, 1901,
the resolution ab0lishing the canteen.
they undid the labor of many years Of
men who have studied these questions
scientifically and thoroughly
4 moved, therefore, that our league,
which for seventeen years has worked
for the elevation and general welfare
of the enlisted men of the army and
the navy, should pass a resolution ask
ing Congress to restore the canteen.
No Dissenting Voice
This resolution was carried amid ire
mendous applause. With 100 members
OF the league present. there was not d
dissenting voice. 1 asked that objec-
tions OF arguments on the resolutions be
offered. but r, one responded. and the
resolution was carried unanimously.
Mrs. Sternberg, wife OF the former
Surgeon General Of the army, was ap-
pointed with me as a committee 10 get
society and present them 10 Congress.
We are already deep in our labors, and
/ expect them to be successful
Il think the fact that We are women
who work among the enlisted men, and
who are for the most part wives or
daughters Of soldiers, should give a
stamp OF authority 10 our firm cOnvie-
ton.
In the league are such women as
Mrs r. H. Buckingham, Mrs. Townsend.
Mrs. Russell A Alger. Mrs. Audenried,
Mrs. Adna r. Chahee. Mrs George
Gillespie Mrs. Arson Mills Mrs. p. NJ.
Rixey. wife Of the Surgeon General OF
the Navy; but the list comprises 500
women from every sec
lion OF the country.
Many Al promising young man has
gone 10 the bad because ne is not pro-
teoted from the terrible Influences which
cannot work within an army post. The
oanteen makes for Temperance
Along Old Lines.
Mrs. Kelton said further she is in ia
Vor OF the cantcen being established
along the same lines formerly prevail
ing. The laws governing canteens then
provided that only "a limited quantity Of
liquor might be sold each man within a
certain period.
There can be no question that the
abolition of the canteen has brought
about great dissipation on the part OF
enlisted men. Both plans have now
had a fair test, and the consensus OF
opinion among those in position 10 see
the results Is that the abolition OF the
canteen has been harmful TO the morals
of the army.
IF 1t We're possible To stop liquor
traffic altogether. TO abolish ali saloons
and prevent the manufacture OF iHt0Xi-
eating drinks, I would feel as well
pleased as any member OF the W c. L.
L. But knowing this is impossible.
think the best plan Is TO adjust our
selves TO conditions.
Therefore. il is better that the en-
listed man be permitted to drink Ia
moderation amid agreeable surround
mgs. than 20 be driven 10 places where
he will not only be compelled 10 drink
bad LIQUORS. but must be- thrown with