Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-29
VETERAN PIONEER OF
PROHIBITION REMEMBERED
Henry w. Blair of N. n. Lives to
See His Often Urged Amend
ment Adopted.
To the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor of The Star:
Reports inform us that during the
recent debate upon the constitutional
amendment in the House applause and
ovations were given to certain notable
citizens as they appeared upon the floor.
And, so far as reported these notables
are comparatively recent converts to
the policy of prohibition by the nation.
1t may not be generally known that
this issue has been before Congress for
nearly half century; that it was
formally presented in the House forty
one years ago. Some members who
lately voted for and against in the
House and Senate were not born when
this issue. as a proposed amendment
to the Constitution, first appeared. It
was introduced by brave and brainy
son of New England: and he made an
able speech upon his proposition; and
his logic and argument then is the
logic and argument now adduced to
support appeal. for federal control of
the traffic.
That was a bold, brave step to take
forty years ago. and this pioneer, who
lives yet. now an honored citizen of
Washington, could find at that time
among his colleagues not single
member who would openly stand with
in the House and twelve in the senate)
Henry w. Blair of New Hampshire in
troduced that measure in every Con-
gress, 1875 to 1891. He also secured
like courage and foresight pleaded with
unheeding members of Congress for
action.
This honored citizen deserves recog-
milton at this time by those who natur-
ally feel jubilant upon progress made,
until the beginning Of the end seems
now an accomplished fact.
Two-thirds Of both houses stand to-
DAY where Mr.; Blair stood alone forty
must contemplate his vindication! THAT
is one OF the issues he stood for he
wished to live to see successful
And 1t is instructive to note that Mr.
Blair was not selected by some lobby
began. He had been prosecuting attor-
rey in his state before his neighbors
vent him to Congress.
HIS duty was to prosecute for vio-
ton failed in his state. and in Maine,
so far as it did fail, mainly because
Boston liquor dealers could employ in
terstate commerce to violate the law
with practical impunity.
The logic of that condition convinced
Mr.. Blair, as it has convinced millions
since. that prohibition was not simply
local or state issue. but a national
problem. That If the policy was sound.
as courts had not then decided finally,
ME nation should adopt it.
He did not. however. confer with any
one. and his introduction of the pro-
posed amendment in 1875 was regard
ed by the majority as the harmless
dream of new member, Yankee no.
ton. soon to be forgotten by practical
people But by introducing the meas
ure at that time and keeping it before
Congress and the country he aided great
ly in compelling consideration and con-
tinued discussion. which has consum-
mated in passing the amendment sub
stantialIy as he first presented It.
The country is Mr.. BIair's debtor, and
the fair pages of history will record
in due time what the busy world today
does not pause to estimate. You are
one of that company of whom the poet
Lowell sang:
Then 10 side with Truth is noble.
When We share wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit
And tits prosperous TO be just.
JAMES HUGH KELLEY.