tuation is even worse. We have it from
indisputable authority that, so far from seeking to check the evil
among their men, officers of the highest rank freely mingle with
them at the garrison saloon, and urge and incite them to drink. Is
it to be wondered at, therefore, that the sickening scenes depicted
by our correspondent are of almost daily occurrence?--that young
lads, fresh from the pure influences of peaceful homes, the
mother's blessing still echoing in their ears, the mother's kiss
still warm upon their brows, are forced to witness such revolting
crimes, to hear such ribald oaths, and gradually, through the
example of officers seeking doubtless to increase the revenue
derived from the sale of the vile poisons they purchase at
wholesale from equally vile distillers, and in the hope of winning
the favor of these all-powerful superiors, to forget the teachings
of home, the prayers of parents and kindred, and to yield to the
tempter and become in turn slaves of the soul-destroying habit,
helpless victims of rum? How long, O Lord, how long will the
representatives of a free and enlightened people continue to
sanction such infamy?

"That's one of a dozen editorials," said the colonel. "What most
concerns us is the one of a dozen letters on which it is based. Now,
look at this." And Sandy read.

FORT MINNECONJOU, S. D., _May 30, 19--_.

EDITOR BANNER OF LIGHT:

Since My Last, of a Week Ago, No Less Than Seven Soldiers, Men Who,
Could They Be Divorced From Drink, Would Be Ornaments To The
Service of Their Country, Have Been Thrown Into the Garrison
Prison, Or Hauled Before Their Judges,--these Latter the Very Men
who advocate and encourage the sale of intoxicants,--to receive
their punishment for various crimes and misdemeanors committed
while under the influence of drink. And so it goes. They, the
helpless victims, must suffer the consequences of the crimes of
their officers, who are able to divide each month the profits of
their nefarious traffic, and go utterly unwhipped of justice. Only
two days ago, speaking of this matter after morning service, one of
our veteran soldiers said, with tears in his eyes, "If the
Christian people of this land only dreamed what sins were being
committed under cover of the devil-inspired Canteen, they would
r