The Washington herald., 1908-03-23

Liquor traffic in the United States is
an obstacle in the way of higher civili-
zation. The rum trade is a stencil in the
nosirils of the nation
Rev. DR.. Wilbur Thirkield. president of
the Howard University made this declara-
ton in his address before the mass meA-
ing of the Woman's Christian Temper
ance Union yesterday afternoon at the
Calvary Baptist Church.
Dr.. Thirkield asserted the moral uplift-
ing of the city of Atlanta was consequent
upon the enforcement of laws prohibiting
sale and distribution OF liquor
Atlanta Has Benefited.
Prohibition was advocated in Atlanta
many years ago. said he. While we
achieved some success at that time. still
the Victory OF a few mczaths ago. when
not only Atlanta but the State of Georgia
went dry repays us fully for our past
efforts.
The logic Of facts that appealed to tenn
perance workers and convinced the legfs-
iators in that section of the country. Is
applicable here in Washington. Prohibi-
tion will not hurt labor. or decrease pros
ptIit9s dS mas DeGn stated
Let il be enforced here. Decrease Of
crime and misegy win be apparent"
The speaker quoted statistics 10 show
the results OF prohibitory laws in Georgia.
Concluding his discourse. he said.
IN reference 10 the army eanteen,
have this much 10 say II ever the au-
thOTities try 30 Fe-egtablish the canteen
in the United States army, there will be
such storm OF protest in The nation
that it vii shake the foundation OF the
Capitol"
Attitude of ConKressmen.
Rev. S. Reese Murray briefly commented
upon the hearing given the prohibition
forces by the Congressional committee.
Mr.. Murray said It was evident from the
import Of remarks OF several Congress
men on the District Committee. that they
were not in sympathy with the mcve-
ment.
lie also told Of the fight put up BY
Washington ministers 10 place the exist
ing evil conditions in the right light be-
fore the committeeman.
Dr. Murray said he hoped to see every
man present IN the council room al the
Capitol on April 1 by o'clock in order
to show the legislators that the move-
ment was not carried on solely by women.
as has been alleged.
lie said he would also call the attention
Of Congressman to the fact that several
hundred speak-easies exist in this CITY.
In conclusion. he said:
The liquor people are idiots 10 raise
millions of dollars 10 combat the wave OF
prohibition that is sweeping this saloon
cursed land"
Crafts Discusses BeRninE.
Wilbur F. Crafts made a brief address
dealing with efforts 20 stop race-track
gambling in the District OF Columbia.
Il have never seen the people of the
District more active on the question OF
suppression Of vice than now. and have
been here twenty years"
He quoted many figures and facts to
show that betting at Benning race prack
Is conducted in opposition 70 law. That
this evil could be stopped by a stricter
enforcement OF the statutes was said 10
be the only remedy.
During the next two weeks we will
know definitely what settlement will be
made Of this matter. which is OF national
Importance" said he
After resolutions opposing the operation
Of the liquor traffic in the District OF
Columbia were adopted, the meeting
closed. with prayer by Rev. S. Reese
Murray.