Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-06-15
The DRUG HABIT
AMONG TKE SOLDIERS
IN THE CANAL Zone

ASSOCIATED Press Correspondence
Panama. May 25-Fo.lowins an in
vestigation ordered b. Br.gadier Cen
eral Clarence r. edwards. L. S. A.,
commanding the Panama Canal
Troops. many arrests have been made
and number of convictions obtained
of natives ot Panama for selling CO.
caine and othe-. drugs TO United
States soldiers Stationed on the canal.
several soldiers nave been arrested
and will be tried FOR using the drugs
and probably will be given severe SEN
fences for the deterrent influence such
punishment may have on the many re-
cruits that are constantly sent to the
isthmus.
The investigation was begun short
time ago when the United States
troops. following riots. undertook a
separate patrol Of the districts Of both
Panama and Colon frequented by the
soldiers when on leave from the camps
on the Canal Zone. 1t was then learn
ed where soldiers were obtaining CO.
caine and becoming addicted to its use.
It is not possible to obtain drugs on
the Canal Zone because OF the severe
penalty attached 70 their sale and use
within United States territory.
Captain =. " Coleman, l.. S. A..
commanding the Patrol Company,
early in his investigation found that
many Of the habitues Of the tenderloin
district of Panama not only were
addicted 10 the cocaine habit but also
We're acting as gents for several of
the largest drugstores in the city in
the sale Of the drug. He obtained
conclusive evidence showing the con-
nection between the small peddIers
and the large vendors. He ascertain
ed also that in many instances the
soldiers and others can easily obtain
the drug direct from leading drug
stores.
1t has been learned that between
100 to $50 soldiers have already form
ed the habit and that it's use has been
growing very rapidly especially among
the recruits who have recently come
to the Isthmus. Most of these young
soldiers are from the interior of the
United States. No cases have been
found among the soldiers of the 29th
Infantry. which formerly was sta
toned near New York city and thus
probably have come in contact with
the results Of the drug habit.
One Of the distressing features, ac-
cording to the military authorities, is
the lack Of adequate corporation on
the part Of the National Police au-
thorities of Panama. They seem to be
willing to arrest and fine the small
peddlers who are mostly negroes. but
unwilling to make an example of the
druggists, all Of whom are influential
men in the community. Capt Cole
man obtained conclusive evidence
that one Of the leading druggists Of
Panama was making speciality of the
cocaine traffic but owing to the apathy
and unwillingness of the Panama au-
thorities was unable to obtain ade-
quate punishment.
The laws of Panama do not provide
for more than a nominal punishment
upon conviction. They specify a SEN
tence Of 20 days in Jail, which may
be trippled If, in the discretion of the
Mayor Of Panama, such additional
punishment is warranted. Heretofore
the drugstore owners and large ven
doris of habit-forming drugs have es-
capped with light fines. The Canal
Zone laws provide severe penalty
for the vending and use Of drugs and
few cases have arisen among the
white canal workers.
A detailed report of the investiga-
ton has been prepared by Major H.
A. White. U. S. A., of the Judge Advo-
cate Generals Department, and sent
to the War Department