The San Francisco call., 1905-01-23
SENDS A SHOT
INTO CANTEEN
Brawling and Murder Are in
Beer Sold i'm Reservations,
Says Rev. J. I'll. n. Williams

Shall we have the canteen within
and saloons without the Presidio
gates ?' asked the Rev. James H. n.
Williams yesterday in an address at
Simpson Memorial Methodist Episco-
pal Church. In answering the ques-
tion in the negative Mr.. Williams said:
There is drunkenness and brawling and
murder in canteen beer in beer sold out
side Of Government reservations. We charge
the canteen with being the place where appe-
tites for stronger liquors We're formed and de-
veloped and that light wines and mild beers
stronger drinks.
Advocates of the canteen leave the inference
that its abolition is the cause for increased
desertions from the army. at least in
greater degree than any other cause But
true that army is the best paid best fed,
best clothed and best sheltered army in the
world And yet nine out Of ten of our soldiers
to account for this large per cent Of deser
tions. recently gave number of reasons,
among them being non attraction of military
service in the time of peace, low wages, neces-
sary restriction of liberty. prevention from
getting ahead in the world in ability to
marry and make home and deprivation of
moderate solace in post exchange beer
If great corporations and railroad companies
employing large numbers of men prohibit
liquor drinking among their employees on the
ground of safety economy and the welfare OF
to have an equal interest in the men who
its uniform? When the Government has
taken away the canteen from within the gates
a self-respectfng city government con-
tinue to license saloons at the gates to entice
and corrupt the soldiers? Surely not. And SO
say No canteen within the gates and no
yaWning saloons without The fair name of
the city Is surely injured in the esteem OF
every visitor to the Preside who must reach
its main entrance through a street lined with
saloons. Every good citizen desiring the well
fare of the soldier and appreciative of every
effort in his behalf will indorse the work of
Major General Macarthur. who is seeking to
Danish these dives and brothels that cluster a.
the gates of the Presfdio.
Here is one of the finest military reserva-
tions and posts in all the country with pros
pect of it's enlargement and Improvement But
If our city government takes no steps to close
up those hell holes and our citizens in general
Indifferent to the disgraceful menace, can
we expect the national Government to spend
its money in enlarging and in beautifying the
grounds?
The liquor power has long enough held San
Francisco by the throat and controlled its pub
lie affairs. Something needs to be done of a
very vigorous kind. not only at the gates of the
Presidio but In other parts OF the city. A raid
and then in Chinatown and In some
brothei alley or dive is very puerile and
farcical affair. From headquarters out to the
farthest point that is reached by city power
and authority we need government that stands
for all that is clean and wholesome, and that
Is the recognized enemy of all evil-doers who
neither expect find protection or con-
nivance in their wicked ways. That is not to
be looked for under the present administration
We need first of all. a Mayor with moral
conviction and influence, who will gather about
him men OF like feeling and purpose; who can
be relied upon to lead in moral reforms and to
put down graft until our city shall have name
that Is as fair as her situation is beautiful and
commercially advantageous.
Then no three thousand saloons will act as
highwaymen in the city's midst and no pen
Will be defiled in Mayors hand by signing
an ordinance that licenses such a monstrous
gambling plant as Ingleside. But all good peo-
PIE must be awake and alert, for the enemy
demand 1t and get it. The power is ours If we
but use our right.