We are not amongst those people who think that if
a Dominion soldier takes to drink, it is the fault of the British nation and Govern- ment, and that the individual is not to blame. We rightly despise Adam for saying : " The woman tempted me." We do think, however, that this is a case in which, unless there is a good excuse for the publican's behaviour of which we are unawa: e, the military authorities ought to take strong measures. The public-house in which a soldier can get served first with stout and then with nine or ten " double-headers " is the kind of establishment which, if situated near a camp, ought to be put out of bounds. We trust that those of our readers who are opposed to our "Prohibition-during- the-War " views will not think that we quote this case to create prejudice. We do so merely to show that the military authorities, purely as a matter of discipline, should deal sternly with the lower type of public-house. It is idle to say that the War Office is afraid of the Trade and dare not annoy so powerful an interest. We are certain that it would be supported by persons of anti-temperance as well as those of temperance views in such a matter as this. The distillers and brewers would be equally willing to see action taken. They do not, we feel sure, want to make profits out of " double-headers " swallowed nine or ton at a sit ing.
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