LIQUOR AT VOLUNTEER CAMPS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 477, 8 April 1909, Page 9

LIQUOR AT VOLUNTEER CAMPS.

Sir, —I have been informed that thero is a liqflof caiiteen being opened at Oringi during tho volunteer Easter encampment. It is ,to bo hoped that this is not true, as t understand that it'_ was decided tho year beforo Inst that no liquor was to be sold at -volunteer camps. Sonio few roars ago I was a volunteer, and I have seen tho havoc wrought by liquor Canteens in the field. I havo seen ilUffibors of men absolutely incapablo during tho whole period of encampment, and tho guard tent crowded with "drunks." Surely to goodness tho authorities should not permit a cajiteen. ' Many a bright, temperate youth returns from a volunteer 6amp with his'principles shattered, and it is certainly not tho way tp train our fighters. It is'an admitted fact that during tho Russo-Japanese war tho Russian armies had canteens, and wild orgies were popular beforo and during tho progress of battles. The Japs, had no canteens, and were total abstainers, and the results of theso battles aro now history. This goes'to-show that "Dutch courage" does not make good soldiers—grog and gladiators, do not travel togother. I hope that if a canteen has been suggested, better judgment will -provail. Is tho Government legally right in- promoting these "swizzle" dens? The business is an_ insult to the people of tho country, ,a majority of whom have voted against liquor in any shape or form.—l am, etc., EX-VOLUNTEER. April .6:-