Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-07-07
Senate REJECTS
PROHIBITION OF
LIGHTER LIQUOR
CumminS' Amendment Against
Whisky Accepted, But Myers
Beer and Wine Clause Is
Turned Down.

Washington, July o.-ln what was
regarded as the first real test OF
strength between senate vets and
drys, the senate late today rejected,
81 to "a, a food bill amendment by
Senator Myers to prohibit manufac-
ture of beer and vinous beverages
along with distilled liquors.
Upon reconsideration the senate
voted, 45 to 40, to retain the pro-
visions of the Cummins amendment
prohibiting imports of distilled bev-
erages and also prohibiting with
>drawal of distilled spirits in bond for
beverage use.
The senate recessed tonight with
out disposing of the prohibition pro-
vision of the food bill.
Adoption of the Cummins amend
ment somewhat complicated the situa-
ton. The leaders said that should
the senate adopt the Robinson substi-
tute, the Cummins amendment would
not be effective unless again adopted.
Senator Stone gave notice that he
would move to reconsider the Cum
Minis amendment and the vice presi-
dent ruled that such motion would
be in order at any time before the bill
was finally voted on in committee OF
the whole.
Myers Offers Amendment.
Senator Myers then offered an
amendment to the Robinson substi-
tute so as to cover beer and wine as
we'll as distilled liquors. That brought
TO head the controversy over Presi-
dent Wilson's suggestion that beer
and wine be excepted so as to expe.
dite passage of the bill.
Senator Pittman declared certain
senator's we're voting for prohibition
as an excuse to filibuster and kill the
bill and he said he would vote against
the prohibition proposals in order to
get cloture rule to force the bill
through In reply, Senator Norris
asserted that no filibuster is contem-
plated.
Their Masters Voice.
Referring to the senate agricultural
committees reversal of action upon
beer and wines after the president
had acted, he said:
The committee heard the presi-
dents speech and at least some Of
the senators recognized their mas
ter's voice"
Senator Sherman announced that
he favored the bone dry" proposal
of Senator Myers. He provoked
laughter by presenting kilograms
from Chicago constituents with for
eign names asking that no action be
taken upon beer.
Senator Chamberlain, in charge of
the bill, said he would vote against
the Myers amendment because there
were enough delicate questions al
ready in the bill without interjecting
bone dry prohibition.
Senator Jones of Washington reit-
Grated that the prohibition interests
are not opposing the bill, declaring
the records will show where "the re-
bellion" against the measure comes
from.
Phelan Opposes Proposals.
Opposing the bone dry proposal,
Senator Phelan declared it would de-
stroy large revenues and interfere
with the fixed habits of the people.
The president is of the opinion"
he said, that the masses of the peo-
pie without spokesmen here are
against invasion of their daily habit
and what they regard as their right
to drink a little beer with their din
ners or lunch"
Senator Sheppard, a leading prohi-
tion advocate, announced he would
"suppord the hands of the president"
and yield to the request for deferring
action upon beer and wines.
~ will not support prohibition or
anything else," said the Texas sena-
tor, (which interferes with the presi-
dents plan in the conduct of the war"