Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-29
MAY MAKE
HIS ARMY BONE DRY
Considers Forbidding Light
Wines and Beer Also to
American Soldiers.

BY the Associated Press.
WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN
FRANCE. Friday. December 2S.-Gen.
Pershiug. In an interview with corre-
spondents today, said the question Of pro-
hibiting the sale of all intoxicating liquors
to American troops. which he favors, is
being discussed with the French gov
ernnent. He explained his recent order
prohibiting the sale OF all intoxicants, ex-
cept light wine and beer, and the condi-
tons prevailing in France. which caused
it to be drawn as it was
1.-The question of prohibiting the sale of
all intoxicants to American troops is un-
der discussion with the French govern
ment,'' said Gen. Pershing. but. OF
course, there are difficulties here in
France that do not exist in the United
States. The general order issued De-
cember is was d long step toward the
prevention of drinking among our men.
1T was not by any means intended TO
convey an injunction TO the American
troops to drink light wine and beer, but
form TO French regulations on the subject.
Prohibits Accepting Gift.
"It stated only that light wine and
beer would be permitted and prohibited
the purchase of and acceptance of gifts
|of whisky. brandy. champagne or
similar beverages. 1t ordered that all
z
sold be forbidden American soldiers.
1t is the same regulation made in
France by the British army and by the
French.
although I am heartily in favor Of
prohibition for the American expedi
tionary force. the situation in France
and the United States is not the same.
Comparatively few French people drink
water as we do; they. drink wine in
stead. This is partly because the
French water supply is not as pure as
ours. French wine is light and much
less intoxicating than is generally
supposed. An intoxicated Frenchman is
a rare sight indeed. French beer also
is by no means strong. The French
government issues to its soldiers Il
regular wine ration.
OBVIOUSLY there are obstacles to for
bidding wine shops in the zone of the
army to do business at all, which prac-
ticalIy is what the French would have
to do Local sentiment will play
large part in the determination of the
question.
Contained Social Order.
''The same order which forbade SOL
diers taking strong drink contained
the most rigid regulations to prevent
the spread of the social diseases. The
two questions are connected closely
Thus far the record of the Army in
both respects has been most excellent
II is highly gratifying To me and is
testimonial to the high character Of
the American soldier. Everything pos
sible is being done to protect his morals
and his health, and to make him an
honor to himself and his countrymen."
Still another day Of bowling snow
storm--the fourth-saw virtually the
entire American expedlttonary force
within the Army zone abandon prepa-
rations to battle the Germans and be,
gin a fight to keep from being showed
under All last night and throughout
today the flakes fell. choking the roads
and badly delaying traffic.
BY nightfall the roads We're in such
shape that plows were brought out to
keep the way clear. Soon after dark
the sky cleared and full moon came
out, bathing the entire country in light
almost as brilliant as day, and making
conditions ideal for air raids. There
were low hanging clouds on the hori-
zon. however. giving promise of more
snow.
Virtually all training work was called
off today, but will be resumed tomor-
row unless more heavy snow makes it
impossible.
Gen. Pershing Cables Order.
Prohibition of the sale of intoxicanfs
of any description to members of the
American expeditionary forces is under
discussion between Gen. Pershing and
the French authorities. The War De-
partment has been so advised by Gen.
Pershing. who. in order to clear up ap-
parent misunderstanding at home,
cabled the text of his recent order for
bidding American soldiers to buy or
accept as gifts any intoxicants other
than light wines or beer. The order al
ready has been published in this coun-
| try in press dispatches.
The departments statement adds:
"The department is advised by Gen.
PershinE that since there is. little beer
sold in France the men are thus limited
Ito the light native wines used by the
French people. The use even OF these
IL being discouraged by tho command
! Ing general In every poo0tbIe why.