The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1914-04-10
WASHINGTON LETTER.

Secretary of the Navy Daniels has
signed an order which absolutely pro-
hibits the use or introduction of alcoholic
liquors on any vessel of the navy or with
in the confines of any navy yard or shore
station. This order viii be issued to the
service at once and will become effective
July I, 1874.
Besides abolishing what is known as
the officers wine mess on board ship and
the sale of liquor at the officers clubs on
share. Mr.. Daniels order is SO sweeping
as virtually to enforce total abstinence
upon naval officers for extended periods.
1t will henceforth become a violation of
this order for any officer or guest upon
any naval vessel to have in his possession
any alcoholic beverage.
Officers living on shore will be prohibit
ed from having any liquer in their private
homes If their duties require their resi-
dence on naval reservations. Wives of
officers SO situated will be prohibited from
serving punches or any other form of
liquor al their social functions.
Commanding officers by the terms of
the order are made personally responsible
for its enforcement and it is Secretary
Daniels determination that it shall be
rigidly observed.
This order, constituting one of the
mos. notable victories ever won by the
prohibition forces. was issued upon the
recommendation of Surgeon General
Btaisted 1t was brief and to the point:
The use or introduction for drinking
purposes of alcoholic liquors on board
any naval vessel or within any yard or
station is strictly prohibited and COM
handing officers will be held directly 70.
sponsible for the enforcement of this
order.''
The prOhibition issue has for months
been hanging threatening over congress,
and it is predicted now that Secretary
Daniels action will give it an impetus
which will lead to renewed demands for
national legislation.
Already plans are being made by pro-
hibition supportersto insist upon the ex.
tension of the principle SO as to bar all
alcoholic liquors from the clubs and
homes of army officers aud army reserva-
TONS.
.*#
With the scene of activity on the Issue
of Panama toll exemption repeal shifted
to the Senate after the triumph of the
administration ia the House last week
plans still remain In the Eormulative stage
for tAe fla Il struggle in the great contro-
vcrsy.
No one in close tohch with the situa-
ton would predict tonight how long the
controversy inthe Senate might continue,
but the most optimistic proponents Of
repeal do not look for a vote for three
weeks. The repeal bill aud attendant
measures win be in committee at least q
week and general debate cannot begin
until some sort of a report is made or q
motion is offered to discharge the COM
mittee from further consideration OF the
bill. Little general Legislation is expect
ed in the Senate until this all absorbing
issue is decided.
~.
The fat has come to light that an effort
will be made within few days to force
the Hobson constitutional amendment
prohibiting liquor in the United States
into the open Tor the purpose of making
Il leading issue in the coming Congress
sional campaign.
This is the shrewdest move the prohibi.
tionists have made since they adopted
their aggressive propaganda for nation
wide temperance. 1t was an easy matter
TO introduce bills and resolutions. Twas
equally easy to demand aud receive hear
ings. 1t has not been an easy matter,
however, to force either the House or
Senate to go on record for or against pro-
hibition.
The liquor issue is The most frighten.
ing question that national legislators have
to face. They will walk up with brave
show of'holduess and vote on canal tolls
or the tariff or currency. but they dread
to face the liquor issue. And they dread
it because they know that it has dug more
political graves within the last decade
than any other question in American
politics.
REPRESENTATIVE Hobson's resolution was
introduced months ago. 1t provides for
a constitutional amendment prohibiting
the manufacture or saleof liquor except
for specified purposes, within the United
States: l. is sweeping in lis provisions
ind was the result of the consultation
with the Representatives of ell the anti |
saloon leagues. all the Temperance socie
ties and sllshe other, anti.league oreau-