The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-12-18
Question Now Goes to the
Several States Of Union
for Ratification
MAY TAKE ACTION IN
NEXT SEVEN YEARS
Vote Was 282 to 1913, Eight More Than
the Necessary Two-thirds Majority
Senator Sheppard Predicts Law in
Force in Three Years.

WASHINGTON, Dee. lS.-Nation-
wide prohibition won in the house yes
terday, and only the adjustment Of a
slight difference in resolutions between
the house and senate now stands in
the way Of submitting TO state legis-
latures an amendment to the federal
constitution forbidding the manufae-
ture, sale or importation Of intoxieat-
ing liquor for beverage purposes in the
United States or its territories.
The vote in the house, taken after
a dav of debate before crowded gal
leries, was ESQ to 12s, with the PAR
ties dividing almost evenly. The mar
gin of prohibition was just eight votes
more than the necessary two-thirds of
the membership Of the house required
for adoption, and % moro than two
thirds of those voting.
Both vets and drvs had been pre-
dieting victory all day, and it was not
until the last few names had been
called that the anti-prohihition forces
conceded their defeat. When Speaker
Clark announced the result the victors
were joined by the galleries III such a
demonstration as is rarely permitted
in the house. Former Secretary Bryan
an interested spectator nearly all DAY
appeared on the floor and joined in re
cciving congratulations with Repre-
sentative Webb OF North Carolina, V &c
had led the fight.
The resolution adopted by the house
Is identical with that passed by I'll,
senate last August. except that 1t give
the states seven years instead of six IL
| which 10 ratify the amendment. Sena
tor Sheppard, author of the resolution
predicted that the senate would accep
the amendment today. lie said he ha'
assurances that the seven-year perio,
would be approved, and that he did no
4 behete n rollcali necessary.
The President 5 approval is not re
CURED and the state legislatures ma
act rs soon as they please after tn
! signatures of the vice president an
Speaker Clark have been attached {
the resolution.
1T will be submitted as Chris
mas present TO the American people,
aid Senator Sheppard. 'and believ
il will be ratified within three years.
Every attempt to put on amendment
to except light wines and beer WI
, beaten, and al Democrats stoo
aligned with 49, Republicans and foI
independents to win the final victor
for the prohibtionist forces.
Following is the resolution adopted
Resolved, by the senate and hout
Of representatives, that the followir
amendment 10 the constitution be, al
1 hereby is, proposed to the states to
| como valid as a part of the constit
ton when ratified by the legislator
Of the several states as provided
the constitution:
| Article: Section l.--After one ye
from the ratification of this articl
the manufacture, sale or transportati,
| Of Intoxicating liquors within, the il
| portation thereof into, or the export
ton thereof from the United Stat
| and all territory subject to the jur
diction thereof for beverage purpos
| is hereby prohibited.
Section Congress and the Sc
eral states shall have concurrent DO
or to enforce this article by approp
: ate legislation.
Section 3.-Ihis article shall be
operatives unless it shall have be
ratified as an amendment to the ct
stitution by the legislatures of the S,
eral states, as provided in the cons
tuition, with seven years from the d.
lg Of the submission hereof to the sta
by the congress. -
While the house was debating,
- resolution by Senator Brandegee
Connecticut, providing n general a
new plan for submission Of consti
r tional amendments. was favorablv
ported by the senate Judiciary comm
- tee. 1t provides that all amend.ne
thall be acted upon within eight We
after submission and, instead Of act
II rs at present by state legislatures, Il
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