Evening journal., 1915-06-01
LIQUOR issue TO
FRONT IN CAMPAIGN
Anti-Saloon League InvadeS
Field of National
Politics
FIRST GUN FIRED AT
Observation-Disclosures

WASHINGTON, June 1.-If any
doubt has existed among politicians
generally that the prohibition forces
Of the country mean 10 have hand
in the affairs of the leading political
parties in the next campaign that
doubt can hardly remain after the an
nouncement of the opposition by the
temperance people TO the candidacy
Of Representative James r. Mann Of
Illinois.
The Anti-SalOon Leaguers declared
In positive terms that Mr.. Mann will
not do that his liquor record is pro-
nounced, that his hostility to prohibit
tion legislation is known throughout
the length and breadth of the land
and that the Republican party must
look elsewhere for standard bearer
If that organization does not wish
TO invite the opposition of all active
prohibitionists.
That Is. in effect, the ultimatum Of
the league TO the party which happens
at this time to hold the Illinoisan in
high favor. He is minoriy leader of
the House. He has been the thorn In
the side OF the Democratic organiza-
tion for four long years and his con-
duct of his party's affairs in Congress
has been conspicuOusly successful.
From a strictly Republican stand
point no fault can be found with
The public acts of Mr.. Mann.
New Factor In Situation.
II of course remains to be seen
whether or not the prohibitionists
can puncture the Mann boom before
Il has inflated itself TO national pro-
portions. The stand they have taken.
will, without doubt. cause many party
leaders 10 hesitate before they take
up the shout for the statesman from
Illinois. whatever may be their indi~
vidual inclinations.
The significant circumstance about
the present situation is. however. the
manifest determination of the prohibit
tionists to have voice in the nomi-
nation Of the next Republican candi-
date for the Presidency. And II Presi-
dent Wilson should not wish to sue
oeed himself, they will. OF course. in
terest themselves to the same extent
in the Democratic candidate.
Heretofore the anti-saloon followers
have not been permitted to figure in
national politics-that Is. in the af-
fairs OF the two leading national paA
ties. They have taken sides in indI
vidual States. allying themselves with
FIRST one party and then the other. ac-
cording to the pledges exaoted. But
they have been only mildly influential
In a national sense.
The demand for nationwide prohibit
tion. however. has given the liquor is
sue wider scope. Il has lifted thi
question out of-local politics and givei
II standing as an Issue with whicl
future national conventions. candi
dacies and platforms. will have !,
deal. Nobody who realizes the eX'
tent Of the anti-liquor sentiment
throughout the country now denies
his fact
Early In the Field.
A year ahead Of the convention sea,
son, therefore, the prohibitionists ar,
active. They are claiming the right tC
approve or veto candidates and are
serving notice upon party leaders thai
they must be reckoned with in IN,
night that is TO come. The Mann in
cident Is proof enough of this.
Manifestly, tho Republican field Il
more fertile for prohibition onterpris,
just now than is that of the admins
trdtion party II is granted of course
that President Wilson NAV have In,
Democratic nomination for the asking
He is infinitely stronger in his part,
than he was when he was nominatel
at Baltimore. He is believed by man,
to be stronger now than his part,
with the people as a whole. There cal
be no question as 10 his ability Il
secure the nomination next year.
whatever may be the attitude OF IN
anti-saloon interests.
The field is open in the Republican
party on the other hand A score O
leaders are being groomed for th
nomination. And one man seems a
this time 10 be about as good a be
as another With all odds even a
the outset. the prohibitionists believ
that they may be able 10 turn IN
tide when the time arrives. AT a
events. they expect to eliminate thos
aspirants who may be obiectionabl
to the liquor question even thoug
they may not be able or even incline
TO pick the party candidate.
Want Positive Pledges.
II is probably too early to say in,
what demands the prohibitionists wi
make on the score Of platforl
pledges. All that can safely be pr,
dicted is that they will not be satil
fed with negative promises. They wi
want something said that will b
pronounced and unequivocal. but VIII,
ther that declaration must provide fc