CANTEEN' (Fr. cantina, from It. cantina, cellar MILITARY. A place of refreshment, set apart in every army post, wherever practicable. for the use of the rank and file of the troops sta tioned there. In the States. the canteen system consists of a number yf so-called post ("changes. intended to combine the advantages of a gymnasium and reading and recreation rooms. There are also in the same establishments co operative stores and restaurants, including lunch counters, where are sold non-intoxicants and to bacco. The primary purpose of the entire un dertaking is to furnish the troops, at reasonable prices. with articles of ordinary use, wear, and consumption not supplied by the Government, and to afford them means of rational recreation and amusement. When the exchange or canteen is free from debt, the net profits are distributed among the various organizations stationed at the post. for the maintenance of regimental and post athletic teams and other institutions. Pre vious to 1901, when the sale of intoxicants was abolished, the post exchange was permitted to sell beer and wine to the troops, the sale of spir it- being, however, prohibited. This department was for the advantage of men confined by their duties to the post. or those not desiring to go (onside. Strict regulations were made and en fm-eeil against possible abuses of the privilege; the beverages sold were generally the best pro curable. and retailed to the soldier at the lowest possible price. As a result of public pressure, however, the canteen was formally abolished by act• of Congress in 1901. There has been much controversy regarding this side of the canteen, the majority of army officers being strongly in favor of the canteen, and the several national temper ame societies as strongly against it.
In England there is a canteen established in every post, barrack, and standing camp; in the latter instance each regiment stationed in the gar rison or camp has its own regimental canteen, while there is, in addition, a separate establish ment known as the garrison canteen. The canteen is divided into two parts—the wet canteen, where ale, porter, and mineral water are on sale: and the dry canteen, at which groceries may be pur chased. A separate institution is installed in all permanent barracks. known as the 'recreation rooms.' This also is a regimental institution, and generally contains pool and billiard tables, material and accommodations for the playing of cards, chess, dominoes. and similar games, for
which no charge is made. There is a room in the same building set apart for library and reading-room. In garrisons and standing camps there is a permanent library of considerable size, supplied with standard and errrent literature. British soldiers are allowed three-quarters of a pound of beef and one pound of bread per diem. This is the regular Government ration; all other food is purchased by the soldier, for which an average allowance of threepence halfpenny is deducted from his pay. the scale of pay being so arranged as to cover this deduction. The value of this system to the soldier is that it gives him so much increase of pay when away from his mess or regiment. All groceries are to be purchased from the dry canteen, and are retailed to the different company messes at the lowest possible rate. Individual soldiers may also purchase foods and groceries in the smallest possible quantities from the dry canteen, and cooked meals or goods from the regimental cafe or restaurant attached to the recreation rooms. The wet canteen is for the exclusive use of pri vate soldiers; neither wines nor spirits are per mitted to be sold, nor are men allowed to have credit with the steward, as they usually are in the dry canteen. and invariably in the restau rant. A non-commissioned officer is always on duty, to maintain order and prevent the admis sion of men denied its privileges. Corporals have their separate canteen, and sergeants their own mess, military discipline not permitting the intermingling of the rank and file. All moneys over and above the expenses and work ing capital are divided among the various regi mental organizations and funds.
The canteen as an article of equipment varies in the different armies. In the United States, as in most of the armies of Continental Europe, it is a metal, leather, or wooden flask or bottle, having an average capacity of two pints. in the soldier carries his liquid refreshment on the march. in which ease it is carried slung by a strap over the shoulder. In the British .trin• such a vessel is called a water-bottle, while the canteen is a combination of pan, dish, and plate, constructed of tin. covered, when not in use, with a thin leather material, and carried, on the march, strapped to the valise (knapsack), pack, or waistbelt, aceording to the order in which the men are equipped.