The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-03-27
OPPOSE PROHIBITION.
Speakers at Mass Meeting Express
Their VieWs-Claim Personal
Liberty.
washington Star

washington Starr
Men and women of Washington
who oppose the passage of the prohi-
bition bills pending in congress or
any change in the present license
system of the District of Columbia
attended mass meeting and rally
at Masonic Temple last evening. The
gathering was under the auspices of
the district branch of the Personal
Liberty league, and the auditorium
was filled to its capacity. 1t is esti-
mated that at least 5000 others were
4, massed in F street, unable to gain
admittance. So great was the crush
on the street and in the corridors of
the building that it became neces-
sary for Sergt. R. e. Lee of the first
precinct to bring to his assistance the
reserve policemen from the 18th
street station house
In the audience were representa-
tive men and women of this city,
while seated on the stage were Rev.
Father Valentine F. Schmitt and
Rev. l. Fealy, representing the minis
try; P. T. Moran and Anselm Neu-
berger, representing the business
world; Gen. Andrew s. Burt, U. s.
A., and Capt. John j. Strain, repre-
senting the military and patriotic So
cieties; Charles w. Darr of the legal
fraternity, Dr. T. E. Lee of the medi-
cal profession, Sam De Nedrey, rep
resenting organized labor, and the
officers of the Women's Army Can
teen club
Display of Petition.
Suspended from the front of the
stage was long petition to congress
opposing any prohibition legislation. |
1t was signed by 1000 men of voting
age, and Chairman De Nedry said it |
was the work of one anti-prohibi-
ZIONIST. The resolution to the senate
and the house against any change
in the license system of the District
was unanimously adopted by rising
vote Music was furnished by Pts
torio's band and by several soloists.
In calling the assemblage to order
Mr. De Nedry said he esteemed it
great honor to be president of the
Personal Liberty organization which
organization stands for the fullest
liberty of the citizens in everything
that is lawful and right. Speaking of
the prohibitionists, he said If some
of them had been present at the crea-
ton of the world they would have
no doubt, informed the Creator how
He could have made better job of it.
He added that fanaticism and bigotry
are two of the greatest evils known
to mankind, and suggested as cure
for the prohibition habit education
and series of heart-to-heart talks
with the misled ones.
Mr.. De Nedrey emphasized the
statement that prohibition does not
prohibit. and said in his state. Iowa,
the prohibition laws are a delusion
and a snare, and made many persons
perjurers and criminals who would
not otherwise be so.
Speakeasy Raid in Kansas.
While the prohibitionists were
'aising hubdub here last week." Mr.. ;
De Nedrey said, "the police raided a
speakeasy' in the state capital of
prohibition Kansas The
Inference between whisky in Maine Il
ind the District is rs cents. 1t costs
10 cents a pint in the prohibition
state and SO cents here. The empty !
ug trade of Representative Sims
'tate-Tennessee-would make any
nan rich in short while If he had :
monopoly of 1t. The express com
'anies that enter Tennessee have had
o increase their force of employees in | :
rider to handle the jug trade that ;
las sprung up there under prohibit !
ion laws"
Rev. Father Schmitt, pastor OF st. i