New-York tribune., 1918-04-22

wanted to drink. I think an extreme
pronloltlon law IS mlstake-a bad
! thing"
Still Another View
The intensity with which the pro-
hlbition struggle has been waged is
reflected in the fact that many who
see validity in the arguments on both
sides, feel little hope for any COM
promise solution. John De Witt War
ner states that he is not in favor of
absolute prohibition as an ideal solu-
tion, but that the problem is being
stated in this form, and in this form
it must be faced
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: % In my judgment absolute
suppression of the use of all fermented ID
liquors would increase the general
health and happiness Of the nation.
(2) While many find solace in tenn
perate use of beer and wine, I believe
this is too rarely indispensable to be
seriously considered, except in rare
cases-as matter of medical treatment:
which, believe, should not be affected
by any prohibitory law.
CD While | believe much crime, in
sanity and feebieness result from the
use of alcohol, | am clear that the
amount Of such result is greatly ex-
tlon and probably in public opinion.
lD In MY judgment the principal
evil that would follow complete sup
preston would be the contempt for
law and the lining up against law of
we'll meaning citizens, who would (in
my view properly resent interference
to such extent with their personal
freedom.
(5J If, as believe should be done,
cluded with the United Kingdom. Ger
many, the United States and Russia
as heavy consumers of alcoholic bever-
ages, the main deduction l should
make from that fact is that, as one
goes north, one finds increase of ten
dency to use, greater temporary pleas
ure from use and more serious results
from misuse OF alcoholic beverages.
Makes for Efficiency
60 While am not in favor Of abso-
Lutte prohibition, l make no question
but that the people Of the United
bodily and mental vigor therefrom
could it be given full effect--just as
they would gain from sundry other
sanitary Or moral requirements that
should equally deprecate attempting by
law for all, though glad by use and
example to favor them.
In conclusion: AS matters now stand
I favor prohibition-not as an ideal
solution Of the liquor question; but
handled, and our experience seems to
indicate that prohibition is the prac-
tical form in which the general issue
must now be met or lodged Sincere
ly, JOHN DE WITT WARNER.
Many persons confess themselves
annoyed by the assertions of the pro-
hibitionists, which they claim are
grossly exaggerated. Among these is
Paul A. Vacarelli,- vice-president Of
the International Longshoremen's
Association, a man of prominence in
the labor movement. He reiterates
the familiar claim that alcohol is a
social, if not an individual, necessity,
and the fear that under prohibition
recourse would be had to drugs.
Paul "Kelly's" Answer
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Ny answer to your first ques-
ton must be a decided no. How any
thing that will abruptly change the
habits of lifetime can !ncreaseAeither
health or happiness is beyond my
conception. il should be remembered
that tens OF thousands Of people have
been users of ferrented liquors since
them the habit of using beer or
wine with meals or as q refreshment
is inherited from long lines of ances
tors. The wine or beer is as much
part Of their daily life as the sunlight.
and as necessary.
These people, to answer your sec
ond question. do find comfort and
solace in their tempera use of such
drinks. OF that no man who has any
first-hand knowledge Of conditions in
this and other great cities and is will
ing to face the question with an open
mind can honestly hold to the con-
TO answer the third question,
have NO reason for thinking the state
ments ascribing insanity. crime. and
feebIeness to the use Of alcohol are
even approximately correct. On the
contrary, to my mind. the case Of those
who would force prohibition upon US
is weakened by the intemperance OF
their claims and the wild exaggera-
tion Of thcir figures. There is such, a
thing as proving too much. This the
bone dry folks do
Answering question No. 4, am, for
ono thing, afraid of further spread
Of the drug evil, to mention one
Of tho things prohibition will force