Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-04-15
COMMONS TO ACT
ON DRINK QUESTION
Matter Will Be Brought Up in
Form Of Private Bill and De-
cided as Nonparty Issue.
BRITISH CABINET DECISION
Self-Governing Colonies Will
Have Voice in Any Discussion
of Peace Terms.
BRITISH CABINET DECISION

Especial Gable to The Times Dispatch. 7
LONDON. April 1.-THE British
Cabinet will take no action To pro-
h'bit the sale of intoxicating liquors
but will throw the whole matter into
the House of Commons TO be decided az
Il nonparty issue. Canada and the
other self-governing colonies will have
voice In the discussion of peace terms
when tho time for that discussion ar
rivcs.
These were the two most important
developments OF the days session Of
the House Of Commons to-day.
The expected formal statement of the
government upon the drink question
was not made. but when a member
questioned the Prime Minister on the
result of the recent liquor discussions
the Premier replied that the ministry
had decided the Commons should de-
cidc matter OF much vital Importance
to the British people. 1t Is understood
that the Cabinet, rather than to make
prohibition party issue. will permit
the matter to be brought before the
Commons In the form Of private bill.
The members will then vote on this
bill as individuals, and not as parts
OF n political unit
BEER ONLY INTOXICANT
SOLD ny HOME CASTEENS
Harold j. Tenant. Parliamentary
Under Secretary for War. replying to
a question, said that beer was tho
only intoxicant now sold by the home
canteens. 1t was not the present in
tention of the government, he said to
prohibit this sale. This statement was
regarded as a clue to the wishes of the
government as to the final settlement
of the question.
The general impression In Parlia-
ment to-day was that outcome of the
debates will be either total prohibition
until the end Of the war or restrictive
measures permitting the sale of light
wines and beer only. In the latter
case it is understood tho restrictions
imposed will provide as follows:
!. Prohibition OF tho manufacture
and sale OF all spirituous liquors.
.. Reduction OF the alcoholic strength
Of beer.
3. Shorter hours for sale (probably
not to exceed five hours daily.
4. Closing OF public houses in the
immediate vicinity of mines and fac
tories engaged III the production of war
material
3. Compensation for interests ad.
versely affected.
Lewis Harcourt. Colonial Secretary.
replying TO question ms TO whether
ihe British colonies taking part in tho
war would have a voice in the settle
men, or peace terms, replied that the
government intended TO consult the
self-governinG colonies most fully
and personally" when the time arrives
Tor the discussion Of peace terms.
NEW RECRUITING CAMPAIGN
MAKING GOOD PROGRESS
The new recruiting campaign is
making progress satisfactory to the
parliamentary committee. All the re-
cru!ting stations in London are work.
Ing AT high pressure. Although details
as to the total numbers enrolled since
sunday are not available 1t is stated
that the results in some districts great
Is exceed anticipations.
An order in council published to-day
announces that the government will
requisition all available spaces in Brit
ish steamships trading with Aus
tralasia for the carriage OF refrigerated
products between Australasia and the
United Kingdom.