Temperance in the German Army

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 28, 1907

Temperance in the German Army

IT is becoming more and more evident that the kaiser intends to reform the German army into a strict temperance organization, by abolishing the sale of alcoholic beverages at all canteens. Experiments have been made at different army posts, especially at Nuremberg, where the canteens during the last few months have sold nothing but tea, coffee, and lemonade, without a single protest from the rank and file. The issue of brandy and beer as part of the army ration will, it is said, be abolished throughout the whole empire in the near future.

As the result of the appointment of a commission by Kaiser Wilhelm to look into the drink question, the true condition of the drinking habits of the people has been brought to light, and among the best people of the nation there is considerable alarm.

In the commissioner's report to the kaiser it is shown that the German people have consumed alcoholic liquors during the past year to the amount of $750,000,000.

The kaiser's commissioners report that drinking is steadily on the increase, this increase amounting to $125,000,000 per annum in late years.

When the kaiser read this part of the commission's report, he cried: “An increase of six hundred millions in five years! Why, the Yankees themselves could not stand it.” Reports show that there was a long discussion between the kaiser and the commissioners as to the possibility of reducing this tremendous amount. The drift of it seems to be that an appeal must be made to the nation, begging it in the name of patriotism to stop such well-nigh infinite beer drinking.

“The tremendous guzzling must be stopped somehow,” his majesty repeatedly cried. General Field Marshal Count Waldersee, a teetotaler, has proposed an appeal to the German people's pride in the army.—Selected.