The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-26
DR.. JAMES CANNON ON
LEAGUE CONVENTION
The Convention.


Writing in the current issue Of the Christian
Advocate OF the recent convention of the Anti
Saloon League Of Virginia. Or. James Cannon. Jr.,
says:
No Wineries and Breweries.
The convention very emphatic iii its po-
stion that the wineries and breweries must not
he allowed to operate IN the state, as these
adjustments would he centers of hostile and
corrupting influences, which would exert them
selves TO weaken If not to nulify the prohibi-
ton law. A great effort is being rlade to save
the breweries and in every district the tenn
pcrance workers should insist that candidates
pledge themselves to enact general Statewide
prohibition law, which will have in it such
exem puons.
Eliminate Court Delays.
Another decided advantag e to be gained ~
the passage Of general Statewide law by the
General Assembly of 1916 will be the elimina-
ton OF any possible contests in the courts on
the part OF the liquor traffic
Before the great victory September ., it
was claimed by the enemies OF prohibition that
the enabling act unconstitutional on tho
ground that tho referendum not recognized
IN Virginia as method of making laws and
on the further ground that the blu did not
ceive constitutional vote in the Senate, These
claims never admitted to be well founded
by the Anti-Saloon League and there IL no fear
that the state courts would uphold them. But it
might be possible for tho liquor forces to per-
petuate tho traffic beyond November /, 1916 by
some form of injunction proceedings, restrain
ing the enforcement III the law, ponuiIE q near
ing upon its constitutonality. All possibility Of
such action would be removed by the enact
ment OF general Statewide law containing
both the prohib.tory ard the law enforcen ent
features.
best Law Possible
The convention heartily approved the plan
TO study the laws OF other States and to con-
suit with the best legal talent in order to frame
the best law possible TO carry into effect the
viii of the people Of Virginia In several states
notably in Alabama. West Virginia and North
Carolina. ;egisation has been enacted which is
In the courts and will be passed upon in the
next few months in time to be considered IN the
framing of our Virginia law. The most i'm
portant question to be determined IL the scope
OF the Webb Kenyon law. II is now expected
that the United States Supreme Court will pe
called upon TO pass UPON this law within the
next few weeks.
Liquor Advertising.
| The Virginia law should certainly restrict H.
quor advertising to the extent OF absolute pro-
hibition, II such legislation viii stand the test
of the courts. No justification can be offered
no reason given for allowing the advertisement
of that which Is neither beneficial nor neces-
sary. 1t is against sound public policy to
spread before children skfully written ad
vertising. praising the effects of beer, malt
whskey etc.
Really there should he q national law, passed
by Congress. forbidding to such advertising the
use Of the mails, just as the advertisement OF
lottery tickets has beer prohibited in all papers
using the United States mails.
Thanksgiving and Foresight.
The convention was characterized by THANKS
giving for the victory won and by a realization
OF the fact that there great work still
TO be done TO the desired results. Every
speaker was optimistic and yet insisted upon
increased activity
The Program.
The program was one OF the best pre-
scented to State convention, and II was car
ried through unusually we'll Al the speakers
advertised were present except Ex-Governor
Mann and ex-Speaker Byrd, who were detained
ny unexpected court engagements, and Congress
man Glass who detained by the death Of
his sister. Rev. f. !. Patterson. of Belfast, Ire
land made an address the, origin, methods
and growth Of the "Catch-My-pai'' movement
in the British Isles. which was entertaining in
structive, and appealing in a remarkable de-
gree. The evangelStic fervor of the speaker
thrilled the audience. He has been engaged by
citizens Of Norfolk to speak for ten days in the
State. and If any of readers near enough
To go to any OF the meetings, they will be amply
repaid.
The discussion on Wednesday morning Of