Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-20
warm DEBATE OVER
DISTRICT DRY BILL
Advocates of Referendum Get
the Last Word in Discussion
Before House Committee.
THREAT TO CLEAR ROOM

The final word on the Earkley-Shep-
pard dry District bill was spoken today
before the District committee Of the
House, the hearings closing automati-
cally just before noon The final ap-
peal was that of William Mex. Clayton.
who asked that the committee allow
the people of the District referendum
vote on the liquor question.
Previously the committee had a show
down." in which the vets outvoted the
drys. 7 10 s, on the question OF allow
ing the dry side to close the argument.
AS it turned out, the prohibition side
was not allowed to conclude. Tomor-
row the committee in executive session
will take up the bill for discussion.
Every step Of the way has been Bit
terly contested. What the tone of the
report to the House is to
be is at the present time a matter Of
pure speculation.
Opponents Fight for Time.
It became evident during the course
of the session today that those opposed
to the bill are fighting desperately for
time. and this fact is hailed by the pro-
ponents Of the measure as a sure sign
that they foresee the passage of the bill.
1t was openly rumored in the room
that If there seems to be any tendency
on the part of the COMMITTEES to smother
House will Immediately take the bill
away and see that it comes up for ac-
tion in the House before Congress ad-
journs. 1t was definitely stated that the
rules committee would favor such &C
tion, If it seemed necessary, by a vote
of to 4 or possibly to 8.
Scarcely had the session opened this
morning when the storm broke. Chair
man johnson of Kentucky announced
the purpose OF the committee to close
the hearings on the bill today, and
stated that after one brief address the
proponents OF the measure were to be
given the remaining time, according
to previous understanding. Instantly
several members were upon their feet
clamoring for more time.
Makes Plea for Liquor Interests.
Representative Cary Of Wisconsin IN
sisted that the liquor interests of the
country had not been heard. Sessions
Of the committee up to this time, he
stated, have been taken up with an ex-
preston Of the views Of those in favor
of the bill and those in favor OF ref
eftsnhdtnas -
''Lets be fair about this thing" he
said. but understand that II any one Is
going to start anything I am going to
be there"
C. ]. Columbus, secretary of the Ref
erendum Association of the District,
was backed by Representative Vincent
~ - to MI he dyya
residents of the District that they be
given the major part of the commit
tees attention on that subject.
Albert E. Shoemaker. attorney for
OF Columbia, insisted that the propo-
nents of the bill be granted the right
to close the hearings, and was sup
ported by several of the dry members
of the committee. ---...-
Referendum Advocates Win Point,
After considerable argument. during
which Chairman Johnson announced
that he was in favor of adjourning be-
cause the committee could apparently
get no action on matters submitted to
it, and later threatened to clear the
room Of visitors, the advocates of a
referendum vote on the subject of pro-
the introducing of witnesses. James
Maloney. representing the National
Glass Bottle Blowers Association,
urged that the question should be
submitted to the residents of the Dis
trict, and claimed that the passage of
such a law as is proposed. and others
which would follow, would constitute
picking at the foundation of the in
stitutions of the United States. and
will result in the whole business top
pling over
He demanded the rights of the in
even above the rights of prop
erty, and said that no proper considers
ton had been given to the matter of
the workingmen who
would be thrown out of employment
were the bill to pass.
Other Organizations Represented.
C. d. Garrett. chairman of the law
and legislation committee of the Fedora
ton Of Citizens Associations of Wash
ington and representing that organiza-
ton, stated that the federation is .un-
dry" but that they are equal
ly in favor of a referendum on this and
other subjects. and strongly desirous of
in Congress.
Joseph Proebstle. international secre-
tary of the United Brewery Workers.
gave the committee figures to prove his
contention there is more whisky drink
where else He was especially hard on
Colorado and Georgia. presumably dry