The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1915-06-04

In nation and in state and wherever
an issue has been r.aae they have
supported the local saloon element
with money and attn speakers.
The liquor question Is. therefore,
no longer an abstract question; in
taking position on any legislative
phase OF II one has 10 decide not
merely What course he would, II
able 10 direct legislation. regard as
most practicable but whether In
taking sides he sill become the po-
li,ical associate OF those who have
personal interest in the sale OF
liquor. or act with those who have
public interest in the welfare OF
the community.
For many years | have felt dis
posed 10 decide the question accord
ing 20 the circumstances OF each
particular case, but | found thar ev-
erywhere. and al all times. the
liquor interests not only preferred
the smallest legislative unit, but OBJ
structsd every eSor: made for the
protection OF the public
have. therefore. reached the con
clsion that complete prohibition Of
the manufacture and sale Of intox.
icatlng liqnor furnishes the best leg
islative solution OF the problem
IL We allow liquor 20 bs sold We
are kept busy trying 20 enforce re-
strfctions-it IL like inviting a bur
glar into the house and then staying
awake all night to watch him.
am not in a position 70 decide
when. as a matter OF policy, prohi-
bition ought to be made an Issue In
any particular state. but wherever IL
is made an issue by legitimate su-
thoriiy ny sympathies are wholly
against the liquor interests.
When the amendment was voted
upon in the house OF representatives
at the last session OF congress I ex-
pressed the opinion that the time
was not ripe for an attempt 20 Sc
cure nstionsl prohibition. but I an
nounced. az the same time. that /
would favor national prohibition II
a constitutional amendment was sub
mitted.
The resolution received a larger
vote than ! expected, having a clear
majority-a fact which, in Itself.
contains a terrific Indictment OF the
liquor trafe.
AT the rate az which the senti-
ment Is now growing IL will not be
many years before a national prohi-
billion amendment IL submitted. and
when the sentiment in favor OF pro
hibition is 30 strong that tvo-thirds
OF the members OF both houses favor
It's submission il viii probably be
ratified BY three.fourths OF the
states.
hope that national prohibition
will not be an issue IN the campaign
OF 1916. prefer to see that cam.
psign fought on, upon the economic
issues which divide the two leading
parties The democratic party has
made splendid record in matters
lof legislation and administration.
and i.s defeat might result in the
undoing Of some Of The things tha,
have been accomplished
believe that. for the present. a,
least until after 1916 IL is better 70
make the prohibition Aght In the
states that are ready Tor It rather
than In the nation.
But. wherever n IS an issue in
the states | hope 20 see The demo
cratic party take the prohibition
side. Il is not only the moral side
bur the economic tide AZ well. and
no party can hope TO gain any per
manent advantage by allylng itself
with the distillers. the brewers and
the salOonkeepers who. for pecuni
+ airy reasons. seek 20 perpetuate an
evil which surpasses any other evi
in our land