The copper era and Morenci leader., 1916-12-22
NATION WIDE PROHIBITION.

Nation wide prohibition would be good policy from a moral standpoint. The nation which adopts high standard of morals for its people and for its government has the best chance to survive for the longest per iod. The decline of nations in the past has always occurred after there was a decline in their moral standards.
 7 It would be good policy from the stand point of better health of it's citizens. Good morals and good health generally are found in each others company, under normal con- ditions, while lack of good morals and de- generacy walk hand in hand.
 It would be good policy from the stand point of business. The individual IS better prepared for efficiency in business when he has a perfectly clear mind, undisturbed by alcoholic stimulants, while the money ex- pended in intoxicating drinks, If applied i'll the purchase of something useful, something which will add to the happiness and comfort of the individual, will afford great stimulus to legitimate business of all kinds. This fea- ture has been unnistakably demonstrated by the communities and states which have adopt ed and enforced 1t.
 It would also be good policy from the standpoint of law observance and would tend to diminish crime. The greater percen- tage of crimes committed in the United States have been traceable to the use of intoxicating. liquor, either directly or indirectly
 That the citizens of the country are be- coming more and more convinced of the truth of these statements, Is evidenced by the rapid growth of the prohibition sentiment all over the country, in the yearly increase of the number of states which have adopted 1t.
 This being SO, there is only one con- clusion to be drawn from these truths, and that is that nation wide prohibition would be good policy at the present time from a political standpoint, and particularly from the democratic party.
 A good sign of the times is the fact that apparently those whose duties 1t IS to make the laws of the country are realizing this and joint resolution providing for an amendment to the constitution, prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of alcoholic liquor as beverage, is now under consideration by the judiciary committee of the Senate.
 Senator Ashurst, who Is a member of this committee writes very encouragingly of the prospect of passing the measure during the present session. He not only writes en- couragingly of this prospect, but adds that he IS heart and soul in favor of 1t and will work for it both in committee and on the floor of the senate It will be remembered that Senator Ashurst did all in his power to help carry the dry amendment during the last state election.
 If it's only benefit was to give one party an advantage over another 1t would be of doubtful policy, but in reality this would be the least of the benefits to be derived from it. It could be administered just as well by one party as another, but the time is now ripe for the democratic party which is in power, to utilize 1t to its advantage.
 If passed at the present session of con- gress ample time could be afforded to have it go into operation and out of the way as a political problem, prior to the next presider1- tial election
 Nation wide prohibition in 1920 will remain the slogan of the Gazette.-Arizona Gazette.