Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-04-10
Grape Juice Afioat.

The order just issued by the Secretary
p1 the Navy applying absolute prohibi-
non-navy-wide prohibition-to the SER
vice OF which he is administrative head,
u IN sequence to Mr.. Bryans boom for
grape-tuice. Hon Josephus Daniels is
Hon. William j. Bryan's alter ego In
immature and may be relied upon to pro-
mote the latter's propaganda for moral
reform by departmental decree To re-
gulate everybodys personal conduct is
me passionate desire of both Secretaries
Mr. Bryan would remove the wine cup
from reach of diplomats Secretary
Daniels orders that naval officers shall
aot look upon wine when il is red or any
otner color on shipboard, in their clubs
n haVaI reservations or in their homes
irape-juice is not specifically mentioned
as permissible, but the example of Pre-
ner Bryan probably is deemed to have
me force of regulatian.
hite everyone Will agree that intem-
perance in the army and navy is 10 he
hseountenanced, there will be no such
agreement as to the necessity or expedi-
sncy or Secretary Daniels order. The
lazy is not given to carousal afoat.
Time was when scenes similar to those
harryat depicted were not unfamiliar in
our navy, but great change has come
over the manners of Jack and his officer
n the last generation. The grog ration
vas accomplished so years ago Its aboli-
Ion was accompanied by legislation for
ndding the presence of all distilled spirit
lous liquors on board ships of the navy
ave such as might be required in medi-
al supplies That regulation is in force
ma needs no emphasis from Secretary
Daniels. The wine mess" against which
he directs his edict of prohibition has
,een paid for by the officers out of their
,wn pockets. Its list is made up
d light wines, beers and ales One
81 its most useful functions has been
aund in the entertainment of foreign
iayal officers as visitors. Abroad wine is
nuch more commonly drunk than in the
United States, and our officers very linn
led wine mess has enabled them TO re-
aprocate courtesies. There is no off
iers par on board our warships. The
majority of naval officers who take a
rink" when off duty on shipboard limit
heir potations to beer, ale or a little
vine. Champagne is too expensive to be
much In demand. Probably most large
Tubs carry bigger stocks Of wines etc,
han are found on board q flagship
What drinking there is on board a man.
H-war by officers is of club proportions
indulgence being governed by good sense
md good manners.
Neither the law nor naval custom is
oierant of excess. officers may be dis.
Missed from the service on conviction O,
ntoxication on duty. Secretary Daniels
ties one such conviction which has, come
,efore him as justifying his sweeping or.
.er. He may not have intended TO con.
Fey the impression that there Is so mucf
drunkenness in the service as to leave
i'm no alternative but to put on pro
fibition law, but that is the impression
he public Is liable to obtain. From thi.
soint OF view his order does great injus
ice to the corps OF officers. They as {
slaole are temperate men, while anlone
hem is a contingent Of total abstainers
lis action Is eminently calculated 4
niIitafe against ease of enlistment, fol
sarents may be shy of allowing theil
ons 10 enter a service whose admins
rative head declares IL is necessary u
rive even beer out Of the wardrooms In
he interest of efficiency. a Govern.
rent should take cognizance of personal
crducf only when il encroaehes on the
roprfety OF professional conduct--Bos-
on Transcript
when one views dispassionately the