29 JANUARY 1916, Page 13

[To THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR."] SM,—Is there any possible

remedy to cheek an evil which tho following incident reveals ? I was travelling a few days ago • on one of our big railways, and in a full third-class compartment. After we had travelled a certain number of . miles an attendant opened the door from the corridor, and, with the information that we had passed out of the London area, asked if any of us wanted any drinks. He had beer with and, I believe, whisky too. The two soldiers next to me had; up till then, been contentedly smoking and reading. But the attendant reminded them that they were now outside the drink-restriction area-, and now was their chance They accepted it. To me, who warmly supports the policy of " Down Glasses during the War," though I dislike teetotalism as a general rule, this incident seems quite revolting. Is there no way of keeping the lure of drink away from our men ? The foe without is a terribly stern one ; but

'the foe within is still more so.—I am, Sir, &c., • t•

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