The Washington times., 1918-06-17
KAHN SAYSDRY
LAW WOULD COST
MANY MILLIONS
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Mr.. Kahn whether. It would be satis-
factory to the wine interests IL Con-
gress should apply the proposed leg
islation to beer instead of wine.
"Of course, that would be satisfac-
tory to the wine interests" replied
Mr.. Kahn.
SpurnE Grape Juice Plan.
Mr.. Kahn told the committee the
percentage of alcohol could not be
reduced in wine with satisfactory re-
suits. He also said that the growers
Of grapes could not dispose of the
fruit satisfactorily by turning it into
grape Juice.
Mr.. Kahn took issue with those
who contended there was any loss OF
foodstuffs as the result Of wire max
ing. He said the bulk OF the grapes
used had no food value. Pointing out
that the wine growers lad invested
100000 in anticipation OF this
years crop, Mr.. Kahn SAID the Jones
amendment would not only completely
destroy this Investment, but would
make the whole grape crop worthless.
ms peaking of the efforts Of the
wine growers OF California to Hqui-
date, Mr.. Kahn said:
Wine Men Want TIme.
The wine growers Of California are
liquidating their business. They are
getting ready to go out Of business,
because they realize that it is prob
able the Sheppard amendment will be
ratified by thirty-six States. But they
want sufficient time to liquidate.
They are disposing Of their stocks as
rapidly as they can. They will liqui-
date in two or three years"
Mr.. Kahn took UP the subject Of
wine drinking and denied that It had
evil effects. He mentioned the act
that the French and Italian armies
had a daily wine ration, and the Brit
ishing army a rum ration and added
that they were giving a good account
Of themselves as fighters.
The question Of the constitutional
ity of the Jones amendment was
briefly discussed before the commit
tee by the Rev. Dinwiddie, as legisla-
tive representative OF the Anti-Saloon
League. Mr.. Dinwiddie insisted IL was
constitutional. Senator Norris OF Ne
braska, although he is a strong pro-
expressed doubts OF its
validity.
Doubt COnStitutIOnhIlty.
It became known today that sew
eraI Of the dry members OF the COM
mittee are dubious OF the constitu-
tionality OF the Jones amendment.
For this reason there is a strong ais
position to limit the proposed amend
ment so that It will apply to beer
alone.
The reason for this is. that It is felt
that Congress can prevent the use of
foodstuffs for making alcoholic bev-
erages. Inasmuch as the grapes
which enter into wine are probably
not entitled to be considered food
stuffs, the proposed legislation, II
based strictly on food conservation,
would allow the wine industry to es-
cape.
John ]. Kearney. OF Boston, made
a plea to the committee in behalf Of
union hotel employees and bartenders.
He said thousands Of workers would
be thrown out OF employment by war
time prohibition such as the Jones
provided for. The food
idea Of the prohibition
lists was not their real purpose, Mr..
Kearney declared.
That is camoufiage," he SAID.
He declared that the real purpose
Of the drys was to force prohibition
on the country, and that the eject
on large numbers Of union workers
in hotels and saloons would Be
serious.