Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 February 1911 — PLUG CHEWING TEST [ARTICLE]

PLUG CHEWING TEST

Marines at Navy Yard Try Many Varieties of Tobacco. Habit Has Declined Among Enlisted Men In Recent -.Years, but Many Demand It—Fragrant Weed Is Held Necessary.

New York.—Mastication is one of the accomplishments of the able seamen of Uncle Sam’B navy. Not the ordinary digest-your-dinner chewing, but mastication extraordinary, and a score or so of the strongest-jawed jackies in the Brooklyn navy yard are busily engaged in a terrific molar grinding contest to determine scientifically for the "benefit of the entire navy the best chewing tobacco to use during the coming year. Several large packages of various brands have arrived at the navy yard for inspection.' The commandant appointed a board of inquiry of officers to have the men properly test the varieties submitted and report their selection to him.

The consequence is that any one familiar with the practicability of Uncle Sam will be instructed as well as amused by paying a visit to the navy yard. There is- no chemical test, no scientific or analytical examination of the tobacco leaf. The men simply bite off the plug and chew an equal length of time each of the 30 brands submitted and decide upon their favorite.

A visitor walking through the navy yard noticed the extraordinary energy with which the sailors were testing the tobacco. From Sands gate to the commandant’s office near the dock where the new dreadnought Florida Is nearing completion, the old shellbacks encountered were busily and conscientiously engaged in that chewing test. When addressed the man always replied promptly and respectfully, but in monosyllables, and energetically continued their jaw wagging Investigations. The white bosom of looked as though it had been raked with nicotine schrapnel. On board the United States battleship Connecticut a detail of testers were busy. Every now and then the connoisseurs would consult the timekeeper to see if they had given the proper time to the brand upon which they were engaged. When the time allotted to each brand was up they would carefully drop it into the ocean and take a bite from another plug. A gunner’s mate, who was pointed out as an authority, gave an interesting chat on the practical side of tobacco testing and its benefits. “You see, mate,” he said to the reporter, “baccy ain’t a luxury in the service. It’s just as much a necessity to the sallorman as powder is ter a lassie's toilet table. I ain’t chawed but 18 of the brands, and so fur I ain’t found one I like, but I expect ter be able to tell the board by tomorrow. ’Baccy’s a great help on a long cruise. It’s coolin’ in hot weather, and warmin’ in cold. It softens yer troubles when yer lonely and a long way from home and those you . love. I tell yer, sonny, many a jacky thanked the quid in his cheek when the first shot was fired at Manila and he felt his knees trembling. He just chewed harder till he got the order to fire, and then o' course he didn’t care.” Inspector Ryan of the provision and clothing department who was recently transferred from Beattie, talking In favor of Uncle Sam’s practical method of testing the tobacco, said that the chewing habit isn’t as prevalent among the officers of the navy as in former days. Mr. Ryan intimated that the habit waa discouraged, and that pipes and cigarettes had to a great extent usurped the chewing plug’s place in the hearts of the sailor. Like the gunner's mate. Mr. Ryan said that tobacco to the sailor was an absolute necessity, and. Uncle Sam rec-

ognizing the fact, tried to give them the best and allow them to select it. If any of the men don’t like the kind chosen, they are able to procure their favorite brands before starting on a cruise.

The chewing test will continue at the navy department for several days, until all the brands have been thoroughly tested by the men. The officers on the investigating committee will then receive the consensus of opinion and make their-report to the commandant.