A Soldier's Trial: An Episode of the Canteen Crusade

"A Soldier's Trial: An Episode of the Canteen Crusade" by Charles King is a story set in the army after the Spanish-American War. It follows Colonel Ray, a respected officer who feels let down by his career and personal life, as his family must deal with his niece Priscilla’s arrival, whose strong opinions against alcohol create conflict, especially concerning the military canteen that serves it. The narrative unfolds with a backdrop of struggle within the military community, highlighting themes of duty, morality, and the emotional scars of war through experiences of Ray's son, Sandy, who returns from fighting abroad. The clash of values between military life’s realities and moral expectations sets the stage for personal challenges and societal tensions within the family and the army camp.