The Washington herald., 1918-08-30
Wartime Prohibition Fake"

Wartime. bone-dry prohibition, to begin July
1919, and continue until the termination of the
demobilization OF the troops, was voted by the
Senate last night without roll call. This will
doubt result in prohibition after the demobiIiza-
ton of our army. but it does not necessarily fol-
low that there will be less drinking.
The vote was not exhibition of high courage
on the part of the Senate but it was the easiest
way of getting rid of a troublous and insistent
problem which at times sacrificed even patriotism
to attain its object, and the majority of Sena-
tors evidently glad enuogh to have it out of
the way without vote of record Sort of a
spineless attitude has Characterised their entire
consideration of the measure
1t is clear that the prohibition amendment,
tackled to the food stimulation bill at this time,
and not to take effect for eleven months is not
4 wartime prohibition measure as it has been
paraded to be.
Several Senators. and among them ardent pro-
hibitionists. pointed out during debate that the
amendment was a "fake" Senator Wadsworth, of
New York, branded it such, and Senator Thomas,
Of Colorado, supporter of nationwide prohibi-
ton, and Senator Borah of Idaho also a prohibi-
ZIONIST, declared that they agreed with the view
that the amendment had another purpose than war
time prohibition presented to the Senate.
The real purpose of the prohibi6onists, backed
by the Anti-SalOon League, in forcing the issue
at this time is to get a nationwide, bone-dry law
the statute books at any hazard (and the
hazard is great) for the moral effect and in the
hope that once enacted some way will be found to
prevent its repeal before it can be nulli6ed by a
proclamation of the President
This calculation Of the prohibtionists will be
strengthened by factor-investm When
will the rehabilitation OF our troops have been
completed? 1t will certainly not be in less a
time than two years, perhaps three, four or FIVE
l. 81 - -,
interests will seek other investments. Liquor men
will establish other businesses from which they are
not likely to change after the rehabilitation of
troops because of the uncertainty of the liquor
status. So the traffic in drink will die because of
the lack of capital manufacture and sell it.
Manufacture of distilled spirits has already been
stopped, and the prohibition of the making of
wine, it has been repeatedly shown, cannot be
classed as food conservation measure. The drive
OF the amendment is particularly directed, there
fore, at the manufacture and sale of beer.
The effect that this legislation will have the
industrial yorld remains to be seen. The Senate
has enacted it in spite of the fact that President
Wilson has declared himself in favor OF beer and
light wines and such far-sighted Schwab
and Hurley who have their hands on the industrial
pulse, have declared that beer and light wine is
essential maintain the morale of shpbuilders
and our war-industry workers. 1t certainly is not
hurtfu as manufactured today.
The measure will now go to the House. where
its adoption is assured and will then go to the
President who may approve it the best COM
promise that can be arranged at this time although
his well-known attitude toward the consumption
OF beer and light wine by industrial workers may
make itself felt before he finally passes the
legislation.
And so finis will be written squabble which
has repeatedly tied up vital legislation, has
shown up yellow streaks in the Senate and which
has frequently developed the element OF treachery
which underlies the amendment.
The Washington Herald is opposed to the
manufacture of whisky and the trail of crime, dis
ease and death which it has left, but we cannot
approve of any interference with the rights of
those who are building our ships. making guns,
ammunition and other war material; work which
calls for Drawn; fatguing work. which in most in
stances finds relaxation in the drinking Of beer
and light wines-harmess beverages.
The American people at large will perhaps bet
ter be able to understand the almost understandable
action Of the Senate yesterday by this little incident
in connection with debate:
Senator Penrose OF Pennsylvania, asked Sena-
tor Sheppard of Texas, who fathered the amend
u1ent whether under the amendment it would be
possible to obtain bottle of wine with physi-
clans prescription
81 think it would be possible" answered Senator
Sheppard.
"Then I see ray of hope" said Senator Pen
rose. "I know couple of physicians who are
pretty good sports"
Indeed ray of hope.