The Washington herald., 1917-01-11
Interesting Chats
From Hotel Lobbies

TT seems to me that II the movement
for prohibition Ia ever going to be a
practical success II must have the power
and force of Federal enforcement" said
Giles Hatch. of Boothbsy Harbor, Ne.
yesterday. who is at the New Willard
for few days.
Local enforcement Of the excise laws
although Gov. Carl Milliken was elected
on a prohibition platform and, believe.
Is sincere in his efforts to make the State
absolutely dry
THE great difficulty in such rigid en-
forcement Is that It is unpopular In the
large cities. Portland, Bangor, Lewiston.
Bath, Augusta, and other cities ! might
mention all have had their open saloons
for some years. and the people seem TO
prefer such fragrant violations of the law
to encouraging bootlegEers, Illicit drug
stores. and kitchen barrooms where the
quality of the liquor sold is very poor.
'Of course, I think prohibition for the
District of Columbia will mean prohibi-
ton In the strictest sense. since IL Is
incredible to think that open violations
would be permitted under the very eyes
Of Congress.
Personally think the prohibitionists
seek too much at one time. A COM
promise on the question that would re-
strict and prohibit the manufacture OF
hard liquors but would permit the manu-
facture and sale of beer and light wines
would bring total prohibition much
nearer. My own opinion on the matter Is
that IL a prohibition law Ia written on
the books It ought to be risidly enforced.
I cannot reconcile winking the eye at
brazen violations. and that is why ] feel
that IL the country is to go dry. the most
effective way to accomplish IL 10 by a ma
tional statute"
That worthy projects incorporated into
the rivers and harbors bill should be so
generally labeled pork when In reality
they represent genuine improvements
that will not only benefit the communi-
ties which secure them, but the country
as well seems regrettsble." said Leon
Locke. secretary of the Intercostsl In
land Waterways League, who is stop
ping at the New Ebbitt.
TN the eventual development of the
inland waterways from the Mississippi
to the Rio Grande. all that portion Of the
South is bound to benefit In my own
parish, or county, last month We voted
05oooo bond issue, which will be turned
over to the government for the improve
ment Of a twenty-mile stretch of river.
This is in addition to much private de-
Selopment, so that II is readily apparent
work we are now pushing is the connect
ing Of Callcassieu and the Sabine rivers.
louisiana is enjoying great prosperity
just now. Wages are high and business
is good. The great sulphur industry Is
being broadened and developed and We
now produce more sulphur than any
other country in the world. The war
has opened a new market since the mu-
milton factories OF Europe are taking
great quantities from the Louisiana sui
phur mines. Certain other commercial
activities which use sulphur have been
suspended a result of the war, so that
the average business is normal. but It is
steadily growing.
The House has given US 800 900 in the
rivers and harbors bill now under co,
sideration- am exceedingly hopeful that
this amount will be added to materially
by the Senate"
Harmony may reign In the Republican
party at present and It may be entirely
rehabilitated before the next Congresson-
al elections, but the outlook for the G.
o. P. in Massachusetts is not what party
leaders could call rosy" said E J. Hart
lin, Of Boston at the Raleigh Hotel yes
terday.
Governor Mccall and Senator Weeks
are already preparing for a sharp and
determined fight for the Republican Sen
atorial nomination in 1919 Governor Nc
Call has not stihed his ambition to come
to the United States Senate because he
was defeated by Senator Weeks for the
Republican nomination in the last selec-
ton made by the Bay State legislature.
IF the Democrats are shrewd they will
take advantage Of this impending battle
and gain a seat IN the Senate. Both Nc
Call and Weeks will spend plenty of
money. Weeks is himself exceeding y
wealthy. while Governor Mccall is e J.
orally reported TO have the income "
Thomas w. Lawson to assist him, the
families being related through marriage.
With such fight It ought to be a simple
matter for q Democrat to slip in. Former
Mayor John F. Fitzgerald seems the
logical choice. but former Governor David
l. Walsh may have a word to say about
the Democratic nomination. l predict IL
will be one Of the greatest political bait