Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-22
Try Associated prcss.I

WASHINGTON. February 2I.-Abso-
lutte prohibition Legislation took its
longest forward stride in the nations
history to-day. when the House. after
two hours of uproarious debate. ap-
proved by four-to- majority a
Senate measure which would raise an
ironclad barrier against importation of
liquor into prohibition states. 1t is ex-
pected To receive the approval OF Pres
idcnt Wilson within week., adding
Immediately to the bone dry" territory
about onc-third OF continental United
States
The provision is regarded rs the
most far-reaching that could be en-
acted by the Federal government and
as sweeping would be possible
under any method short OF a ma
tional prohibition amendment. 1t would
cut OF entirely liquor importations.
amounting now to millions OF dollars
annually, into the large number OF
States which have forbidden manufac-
ture or sale. but have permitted i'm
portation for personal use.
Advocates of prohibition divided
themselves over the cxpcdiency Of the
step. some friends OF the cause declar-
ing SO drastic a law would have a re-
those who have opposed prohibition
were not unanimous in opposition
when the vote was taken. The roll
call brought cheers and cries of Bone
dry" from all parts of the House.
however, and the result was greeted
with noisy demonstration.
SO LARGE \ VOTE
SELDOM Is RECORDED
The vote as officially announced was
32l to -, but "A recount changed il to
80 TO -. Party lines were completely
broken down, and numerous Rcprescn-
latives from prohibition States were
recorded in the negative SO large
q vote seldom is recorded on any
measure.
y provision barring liquor advertise
mentS from the mails in States that
prohibit such advertising is included
in the measure. which came before the
House as Il rider to the annual post
office appropriation bill inserted by
the Senate last week on motion OF
Senator Reed by a vote. OF 80 to H.
Although the appropriation bill will go
10 conference because the House dis
agreed TO other Senate amendments,
there is little possibility that the pro-
hihition amendment. concurreu In with
out change. will be altered. Members
Of Congress are taking it for granted
that President Wilson will approve it,
Although some members have given
1t as their opinion that the leEisla-
tive features added to the postal bill
would not he effective until July l. the
effective date OF the appropriations IL
carries. Senators and Representatives
who arc considered authorities said to-
night that all tie Legislative riders,
ment. undoubtedly would become on
erativc AS soon as the President has
signed the measure.
DRY ADVOCATES
JUniLiNT OVER RESULT
Dry advocates were jubilant Tonight.
Representative Webb OF North Caro-
lima. father OF the resolution for n
national prohibition amendment, de-
clared the overwhelming affirmative
vote had killed the States rights argu.
mcnt. and that the national amend.
mcnt. already reported favorably. Ger.
tainly would pass the House at this
session. The national legislative COM
mittee OF the .Nnti-Saloon League is
sued statement saying to-day's action
haG cleared the decks" for the ma.
tiona' amendment.
Maiy Of the wet" advocates in Con.