Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1914-04-16
nComyW THURSDAY, April 16 1914
Another Great Temperance Victory.


Absolute prohibition will prevail in the
United States Navy after July lst, 1914.
Secretary Daniels Sunday made public
sweeping order, which not only will
abolish the traditional "wine mess" OF
the officers, but will bar all alcoholic
drinks from every ship and shore station
of the navy. This order, constituting one
OF the most notable victories won by the
prohibition forces, was issued upon the
recommendation Of Surgeon General
Braisted.
After July lst the officers. young and
old, will either have TO learn TO like grape
juice or 60 thirsty. The traditions OF
more than century are 10 dry up in the
drought. Secretary Daniels order reads
as follows;
"The use or introduction for drinking
purposes OF alcoholic liquors on board
any naval vessel or within any navy yard
or station is strictly prohibited, and COM
mandlng officers will be held directly re-
sponsible tor the enforcement OF this or
der"
Before promuIgating the new rule
Secretary Daniels asked for an opinion
from Surgeon General Braisted. The
latter strongly urged the putting into
effect OF such an order, calling attention
70 the numerous couhs-martial OF officers
for drunkenness and the effects OF alcohol,
which, in the opinion OF the Surgeon
General, have been destructive OF diSci-
pline and morale. AT the same time the
Surgeon General suggested that upon
certain special occasions, when represen-
tatives of foreign governments are being
entertained on Shipboard. il might be ad-
visable to temporarily modify such a aregu-
lation against intoxicants. Thus, he
pointed out, foreign guests could be en-
tertained in ga manner which would
avoid the possible appearance OF criticlz-
ing their own customs and regulations. )"
In making public the order Secretary
Daniels said:
al am in hearty agreement with the
views expressed by the Surgeon-General
in his paper accompanying the recon-
mendation. There should not be on
shipboard, with reference TO intoxicantS,
one rule for officers and another and
different rule for The enlisted personnel.
The saddeSt hour i'll my official lie IS
when an officer or enlisted man must be
punished ior intoxication. During the
last week it has been my painful duty to
approve court-martial for dismissal
from the service OF an officer for intoxi-
cation. He told me that he had never
tasted intoxicating drink until he did so
in the wine mess on his cruises. Others
who have been disciplined for drinking
TO excess have made similar statements
to me. Officers are now commissioned
at the early age Of y years. Has the
government a right TO permit this tempta-
tion, which too often destroys the high
est usefulness of young officers think
not. II there is one profession more than
any other that calls for clear head and
steady hand, it is the naval profession.
Experience has shown the wisdom OF
having no intoxicantS on our ships Tor
the young men who enlist. believe that
experience has demonstrated that uni
form rule should prevail in The navy Tor
all who enlist in the service from the
highest rank to the youngest enlisted
man or officer who comes into the ser
vice and that the abolition OF the wine
mess will be justified"
The VINE mess is supported by the OF
ficers themselves. Those in the senior
and junior officers ward room supply the
wines and liquors from their own purses.
Each officer. on many OF the ships, has
his private locker. The rule, it is be-
lieved, will apply with special effect on
the officers clubs at the various navy
yards and the Naval Academy at Anpapo-
lis. II would even prohibit the Superin-
tendent or any OF the governing officers
at the Naval Academy who live on the
academy grounds to have wine in their
homes.