Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-04-08
MODIFIED PROHIBITION
PLAN NOW FAVORED BY
BRITISH GOVERNMENT
Cabinet Considers Meas
ures to Eliminate Sale of
Distilled Spirits, But AL
low Use of Beers Special
Military Restrictions.
LONDON. April s.

LONDON, April s.
Although all round prohibition was
ruled out as impracticable and uncalled
for az the beginning OF yesterdays scs-
sion of the British Cabinet. 1t is UNDER
stood the measures which found the most
favor are the following; Prohibition of
wines ard spirits, announcement OF
lighter beers by the compulsory reduction
of strength. and further restrictions on
the sale of intoxcants in the military
areas and in districts where munitions Of
war are being manufactured
''rhere will be no mandate issued put
ting ban on intoxlcants throughout
Great Britain and the colonies during the
duration of the war. Despite the fact
that the Government has the authority to
enact a law declaring for nationwide
prohibition, no such action will be taken
by the Cabinet. on the contrary, an APP
peal will be issued TO the people to alb
stain from using hard drinks while the
war Is in progress. This will put the
English people on its honor and will have
more effect than would an edict compel
ling the people to stop using intoNicants.'
This statement was made today by
high official in the British Government.
He predicted that the people would follow
the example of King George and other
Government leaders and bar the use of
intoxicants In their homes.
An appeal to the nation for abstinence
from alcohol during the war was issued
tonight, signed by the Archbishop of Can
terbury, the Archbishop of York, Cardinal
Bourne and Sir Joseph Compton Rickett
president of the Free Church Council.
The Cabinet seemed to be particularly
impressed by facts placed before them as
to havoc caused by. whisky.
The case of wine is in a different cate
CORY. It Is not wine that causes the lost
time and reduced output, but 1t Is felt
that IL the workmen is to be deprived of
his whisky he should not have the griev-
ance that the wealthy still have wine on
their tables.
AS TO beer, the encouragement of lighter
ale of the innocuous sort sold on the Con-
tnent has long been one OF Lloyd
Georges favorite schemes for dealing
with the drink problem.
The general feeling is that when Par
lament reconvenes next Wednesday the
liquor question will overshadow all other
matters. Nothing as yet indicates that
the Government will come forward at
once with any definite program, but there
is certain to be debate on the matter in
both houses.
Many persons in position to be well
Informed openly voice the belief that so
far the Kings example has had little
practical effect beyond the upper classes.
The response among the nobility and gem
try has been prompt and enthusiastic but
the working classes, among whom the
question is by far more acute have man
Tested little inclination to follow the path
laid out for them.
Among those prominent in England's af-
fairs who have sCnificd their intention of
following the Kings example and banish-
ing liquors from their households are DIR.
Robert Bridges. poet laureate; Sir A.
Conan DOYLE, John Galsworthy, Maurice
Hewlett Sir William Ramsey, Archbishop
OF York Archbishop OF Armagh, Arch
bishop of Birmingham, General Bramwell
Booth, SIR Herbert Tree and the Lord
Mayor of London