The Washington times., 1905-09-10
FOR AND AGAINST
THE ARMY CANTEEN
Arguments Pro and Con
Advanced by Experts.
CONGRESS MUST DECIDE
: Re-estahlishment of Post Refreshment
Depots Subject Now for Much
Contention.
CONGRESS MUST DECIDE

The American Tommy Atkins or
Jack Tar does not differ materially
from his brother in other walks of life
In his social proclivities. After the hours
of drill are over the soldier or sailor
on leave from the post. is going to have
good time, decently, II he can, and in
good company, but have a good time
he will, somehow and somewhere.
Until recently this social instinct was
answered by the post canteen. Located
inside the barracks under the control
of officers selling only light drinks and
semi-luxuries such as butter jam, and
crackers, the mess did not furnish. the
canteen had, in the opinion of many
veteran officers. the virtues OK a social
club without the vices.
Then Came the Serpent.
Here the soldier came for a game of
cards and a chat. Here he wrote his
letters, and. II of a bookish turn of
mind. enjoyed the good supply OF Tnaga-
zines and entertaining books He had
the satisfaction of knowing the money
he spent came back to him in some
measure, for the profits of the canteen
went into the officers hands to provide
iuxnrtss for the mess table of himself
and comrades. But serpent crept into
his Eden.
Some busybodies espying the boys at
their good time, raised cry of horror
ana set about TO discover ways and
means to abolish the "canteen evil"
congress, then maintaining a private
canteen OF Its own. g. hole in the wall, -
against the frank advice of officers
VINO had dealt With enlisted men for
years. did abolish the army canteen.
But the results have not proven their
wisdom The soldier boys still drink,
but they go outside. in many instances
to questionable places to obtain il. So
last year. movement was begun to
have Congress re-establish the army
canteen- It will be one Of the first acts
of the incoming Congress. sanguine ad-
yocates allege. Prominent men and
women have been interested In 1t, those
who are concerned in the moral health
Of the soldier and the temperance of
moderation In this connection the two
Interviews herein presented, one favor
ing the restoration and the other as
emphatically opposed to It. are valua-
Bile.
The Right Rev. Charles II. Brent,
Episcopal bishop OF the Philippines, re-
Gently gave an interview in Washing
ton. vigorously denouncing the present
condition of morals and temperance
among the soldiers stationed in and
about Manila Bishop Brent is well able
to Judge for his official position brings
him in contact with both enlisted men
and officers. He has made a study of
the question and investigated It in all
the insular phases.
Bishop Brent conferred recently with
President Roosevelt and Secretary Taft,
Il .
nounced. It is said that the subject Of
these conferences was the deploTable
condition. morally. OF the soldiers in
frankly and without reserve, telling the
worst and best features OF the situa-
don.
Bad in Philippines
In particular Bishop Brent said:
Il have no hesitancy IN saying that
the present condition OF affairs among
the enlisted men Of the Philippines is
lamentable. I have talked with many
army officers. and they all deplore the
fact that our army posts are fringed
around by low vini shops kept by ma
tives. Vino. as perhaps you may know,
IL the most awful liquor. especially for
foreigners. and often causes insanity.
1t Is made from the juices of & fern
or palm called 'nipa' and a liquor dis
TILED from rice. Tho vino fiend Is as
incurable as the opium one, and the
natives are largely addicted to drink
ing the vile stuff.
I'm addition, 10 IS sold In places the
soldier should, have very little to do
with. for the lowest vices are the con-
couitants- have seen these with my
own eyes, end I know the terrible re-
suits they produce. With one exception
tAe army officers have talked to are
In favor OF the restoration OF the army
canteen. and the exception admitted the
evil without II, but wished fer another
way TO check it.
although Il Is always easier 10 pro-
hibit than TO regulate. still regulation
ts the strongest It stands to reason
that It IS infinitely better TO provide en-
listed man with beer and other light
liquors under proper supervision. and III
restricted quantities. than to have him
go outside the post and get them. fol
have them he Will somehow and some
where.
The sensible man would consider Il &
cistinc. advantage TO aid the soldier
az a man. giving him better food anC
placing on him the responsibilities O.
temperance, and not driving him out
Sioe 10 1dunLS &noIo temperance ID All
possible.
Proper Amusements Lacking.
zone OF the greatest troubles in th'
islands Is the lack OF rational emuse
ment. The commanders OF the post
stationed there have done their bes
to provide games and other sports 4
engross their attention. II IS very serl
ous thing. Literature nartly fills tn
gap. Fort Mckinley has a club house
and every camp should have one. not ;
mere makeshift. but a really attractive
hall. not much Of a gymnasium. becaus
OF the climate
''One thing I think. should be said
and that Is that the officers are keenl.
anve TO the fact that the money 70
these improvements viii have 10 com
from outside sources. They have
keen interest IN the enlisted men and ar
all anxious for the restoration OF tn
army canteen. as I am. as a partia
remedy for these several evils
This is the earnest view OF a Chris
tian bishop. a man. OF course. opposet
IN the use of Intoxicating liquors. bu