Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-03-04
ARMY TEMPERANCE.
SUCCESS Or THE BRITISH ROYA;
ASSOCIATIONS WORK.

William Il. Curtis Describes the
Substitute For the Cnnteen which
His Mnjesty's Forces In India Have
Found So Satisfactory.
William Il. Curtis, Washington cor
respondent of the Philadelphia Press.
In letter discussing the army canteen
question calls attention to the success
full work of the British Royal Army
Temperance association, which was or
gained on the total abstinence princi-
pie rs far back as 1862 and has con-
unued its work until today. In 1888
all of the several temperance associa-
tons in the British army in India were
consolidated with it, and there is now
very large organization sustained by
the higher military officers, the civil
governors, the clergy and other people
who feel an interest in the welfare of
the soldiers.
In the list of patrons are five bish-
ops, one field marshal, one general, five
lieutenant generals, fifteen major gen
erals, ten brigadier generals, six gov
errors and the viceroy. The organiza-
ton now has a branch at every Brit
iSh barracks in India, where n room is
set apart for the use of total abstain
ers, with a library, newspapers. maya
zines and all forms of amusement and
bar for the sale of soft drinks and
light refreshments This is done on
the principle that temperance men
should have the same facilities for re-
freShment and amusement as the nom
abstainerS. and it is the universal tes-
timony that the association has not
only promoted sooriety in the ranks.
but has been very effective i'm securing
employment for DISCHARGED soldiers
who have been among it's members.
The business OF the association is
managed by Rev. j. IL BatcSon, the
general secretary. who is constantly
travelling from post - post inspecting
the clubrooms. encouraging the men
and promoting the organization in
whatever way seems most eXpedient.
Out Of total average military strength
of $4,000 men i'm 1903 the membership
of the society was 21. 4S9 in 1873 branch
es, the average for 1902 was 21.521 and
in 1901 was 21,726.
In order to join the association SOL
diers are required to take the follow
ing pledge: Il promise, with Gods
help. to abstain from all Intoxicating
liquors except when administered me-
dicinally or in n religious ordinance so
long as retain this pledge" All mem
bers are on probation for one month,
and If an applicant shall have kept the
pledge for thirty days he is admitted
as full member and pays monthly
dues amounting TO about 10 cents in
our money.
To encourage members TO keep the
pledge honors are conferred n the
form of badges and mcdals-for six
months. twelve months. for two. three
and up TO ten years. then FOR fifteen and
twenty years Tie ten, fifteen and
twenty year medals are ornamental
and expensive. and good many men
are wearing them. The number wear
ing the short term medals runs into
the thousands
The Royal Army Temperance asso-
citation is not self St,nnorting except in
the LARGE barracks. where there are 500
or more men to contribute. At the tenn
perancc bar tea. coo. mineral waters
and other soft drinks ana light refresh
mcutS are sod at IN advance of II per
cent above cost. which barely covers
the cX"cnSe Of handling and wastage,
and CnlHSS the patronage is large there
is apt To be Il deficit The government
furnishes quarters free of cost and a
certain amount OF furniture. 1t fur
nishes fuel and light and transporta-
ton and tents while on the march. 1t
treats the temperance association eN-
actly as il treats the institute" or
canteen, as the Britishers call il, and
1T usually makes up deficits that are
unavoidable
But the officers of the association ap-
peal for and receive generous donations
from private sources, and mt morning
service on one Sunday in the year a
collection for the benefit of the asso-
citation is taken up in every church of
the Church of England throughout In
Ola. 1t has also received the proceeds
OF amateur entertainments. baZaars.
cricket matches and other affairs given
by its members and their friends. Last
year the contribution of the govern
mcnt was only lotto rupees, which is
equivalent to about 5000 in our mon
ey, while the general expenses covered
by receipts from other sources were
in the neighbOrhood of $4,000.
Mr.. Bateson, who is very earnest
man and full of enthusiasm about his
work, has expressed wish, Mr. Curtis
says, to do everything in his power to
encourage the temperance movement in
the United States army and if such a
movement were taken UP here would
be glad to contribute his knowledge and
experience
wanted, Good saloon Keeper.
The Oklahoma Pilot offers the fol-
lowing standing reward: Zone hundred
lAllnl.S o. =.