Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-01-29
National Liquor League
Declares Its Position

The goth annual conference of the
National Liquor League of America
which met last week in Washington,
D. c., to which John Ohlwef1er of this
city was one of the three delegates
from Illinois, adopted lengthy series
of resolutions, which are published at
Mr.. Ohlweiler's request:
/. Experience has demonstrated that
malt, vinous and spirituous liquor con-
tribute to the material enjoyment and
benefit of mankind.
.. Sumptuary laws are the result of
pernicious activity on the part OF an
insignificant minority. who assume to
regulate the appetites and conduct OF
the great majority OF the people. IN
support of this assertion we submit the
declaration of President William IL.
Nothing is mere foolish. nothing
more utterly at variance with sane pub
lie policy than to enact law. which
on account of conditions surrounding a
community is incapable of enforcement
And as a Confederation Of these eN-
pressed sentiments, we call the atten-
ton of the American people to the IN
mistakabIe language used by President
elect woodrow Wilson, who in express
ing his views upon this important sub
ject, says:
Forced prohibition create hypocrisy
and a disregard for law. 1t does not
promote real temperance. but develops
law violation and perjury.
& In view OF the idCt that the IWo
highest authorities in these sovereign
independent states have placed them
selves unequIVocally On record on
problem which involves not only the
millions of dollars that are required for
the proper conduct of the affairs OF the
government but is Of the greatest m"Tal
and physical consequence to one nun
dred million people. the delegates 10 the
National Liquor league representing
TO rest their case before the bar OF pun
TO rest their case before the bar OF pub
Uc cyniuiou and invite the illiberal, mar
row minded faddists to take issue WIN
the republics two exalted ana lIuStFi-
Gus citizens. ,.
who are interested in the manufacture
and sale of liquors aud whose hnanclal
contributions exceed those or any rshtI
Industry to the cities, states ana nation
we publicly and positively assert that
local option means prohibition ana we
challenge successful refqtauon iroTn
any source whatsoever. We are uIaI-
terably opposed to prohibition. but
earnestly favor regulation and proper
control of our business.
3 Resolved. That Immediate actl0t
he taken &c, oppose the nefarious meth
DDS of the unprincipled Ahti-SalooI
resolved. That the liquor dealer
leveTcise every honorable influence with
me senator's and representatives in faFOl
OF reasonable ratio law "hIcl WI
the increase IN the nulibSl vi
licenses until the population reaches
800 or more TO one license:
:. Resolved. That in order 20 NEE
the demands OF the great majority oI
! the people, We urge upon the legislator!
TO enact such laws as VIII permit IN IN
| lawful sale Of liquor on SUNDAY, az sHrI
| hours as will conform TO the customs %
the people in their respective CON III
ties. go. .-.,,-.-f,
:. We hereby express our appTeela
| zion of public officials who have en-
| forced the law against the Illicit SAFE
q Resolved. THAT the stand takeI
! bZ- Governor Tener Of Pennsylvania II
] Closing clubs by demanding thdt thcj
ray- a license fee equivalent TO tndt pal'
! bv-the retail liquor dealers demonstrate
/ his willingness to protect the lnEes tInen
| Of the i0uor merchant and deserves IN
commentator of all fair-mlnded apto
| pie. ,-.s.,,.,
! trade in Pennsylvania should De hiShi.
J commended for proceeding against u
cense holders who have repeatedlE VIC
lated the law and conducted iHetT e
/ Establishments without regard u publ
decency In securing revocation
these Hcenses an invaluable service ma
been rendered for the upliit OF the trade
/ IL Resolved. That IN the granting
/ licenses the character OF the applican
Land not the fee should be the pTiucipa
tdetermfninz factor which would caus
/ persons who have been placed ~ bust
/ ness nv manufacturers or matt HqGoT
and brewers TO be reduced T. mini
| mum. and enable only responsible mel
|. to be engaged in the business