Show TEMPERANCE BOARD EXPLAINS CRITICISM I Washington Jan 8 The 8 The board of t temperance prohibition and public morals of or the Methodist Episcopal church issued a statement tonight ht ex- ex legret that the Impression should have e arisen that It was waR critical of or the war var department at a time when i its Il ts statements Indicate that tha the proper settlement of or the lie Question queston of drinking among American troops abroad is hi s sought ought The fhe board explaIned that hat Its recent statement alleging drunkenness Is amon among the tho lie soldiers In France was put out before General Genera PershIng announced t that hat negotiations were under wa way with the French authorities for prohibition of sale of ot any uny Intoxicants to the lie I troops Arm Army an and navy officers abroad mt have hate Indignantly denied denle the boards board's charges charge I |