The Washington herald., 1913-10-11
DISTRICT EXCISE
Law DENOUNCED
German National Convention
at St. Louis Criticises the
Jones-Works Act.
ACTION IN RESOLUTION
Dissipation and Violation of Statutes
Encouraged, 1t Is Declared in
Condemning Measure.

st. Louis, Oct. 1N-The Jones' Works
excise law, as far as its operations af-
feet the German societies and other
legitimate clubs of the District OF Co
lumbia, today received the attention OF
the seventh biennial convention of the
National German-American Alliance, in
session in this city.
4 resolution condemning the measure
as ''un-American and unsound" and urg-
ing the defeat at the polls of every can
didate for public Office who is in favor
Of abridging the personal liberty of the
individual was presented by Col Mar
tin Wiegand. John Weber, Karl Ham
mel, and Gustave Bender, representing
the United German Societies of Wash
ington.
Text of Resolution.
The resolution. which was unanimously
adopted. is as follows:
The District of Columbia is peculiarly
situated as far as legislation is con-
cerned- II is by law under the sole con-
troll and supervision of Congress, through
trained agents of the government. The
outlying territories ar insular posses
sions, such as the philippines, Porto
Rico, and Hawaii, have representatives
in Congress. The citizens of the District
of Columbia, although paying taxes, are
disenfra nchised. exercise no suffrage, and
are simply, although American citizens.
vassals. Under these conditions it is
not TO be wondered that Congress exer-
Cises its power automatically and dras-
tically, and the real conditions are never
brought home TO the attention of the
honorable gentlemen who legislate for
the welfare of the country
Recently Congress saw ft to enact into
law an excise bill more drastic and more
un-American than any that has ever
Deen foisted upon any community Or
Plantations such as the Turnverein, the
Arion, the Sangerbund, the Army and
Navy Club. Cosmos Club, Metropolitan
Club, and kindred associations. which
nave been organized for legitimate, in
.ellectual and social purposes, some Of
Them more than seventy-five years. are
deprived in consequence of this legisla-
tion from enjoying themselves. as they
have heretofore, in q rational manner
on Sunday, thus deprivinE a large num-
ber OF men, women, and children. who,
during the week, cannot have these in
tellectual and musical evenings. from
enjoying them on the only evening given
% them.
The new law is not only, as stated
above, drastic in this particular direction,
but it equals in its punishment for vio-
lation any OF the Puritan laws of New
England Of a century ago. 1t can no
longer De galnSald that legislation or this
character never prohibits. It stimulates
and encourages dissipation and violation
Of law. The education of the last twenty
nve years, not by prOhibtionists, but by
common consent OF intellectual people,
has brought about a splendid result OF a
reformatory character. There is scarcely
an economic, financial, or mercantile in
stitUtion anywhere in the country that
does not require at the hands of its en-
ployes sobriety and ability. Therefore
instead Of decreasing the alleged number
of drunkagds, drastic legislation increases
the number and drives men. aHa result
OF resentment and revolt against the eva
sion Of personal liberty, in doing the very
opposite Of what is contemplated by law.
Laws can punish. but never can correct:
education and home training are the
proper remedies.
Therefore, be it resolved by the Ma
tional German-American Alliance Of the
United States of America. That We de
nounCe as Unsound and un-American any
legislation that abridges the personal lib
erty of the individual or curtails the
God-given rights Of associations which are
organized for legitimate purposes from
enjoying themselves in a rational. decent,
and respectable manner:
And be il further resolved That we
invite the active and hearty cooperation
and support OF all organizations through
out the United States, as well as individ-
uals. irrespective OF creed or nationality.
to the end Of preventing the election of
any candidate to any office-local. State,
or natiolal-who Is in favor OF legislation
affecting these rights"