New-York tribune., 1918-05-15
.o.c. Thornton Declares Only
Victims or Dealers Object
to Dry Nation
i Iroes Entertainments
To Replace Saloons
suggests That Several Years
Be Allowed for Elimina-
ton of Beer


rr;bune's forum of prohibition, there
ar;ses one who analyzes the "wct"
,orres. He is 0. c. Thornton, who
;ns;sts that few, except those who
ore engaged in the liquor business
and those who are victims of drink
ore conscientious objectors to "a
4dry" nation. He writes:
r. the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: In the discussion of the prohi-
,;,;on question it is both interesting
srd Significant to note that even some
~ the most learned and eminent of the
ssntis- confine their arguments to only
rertain phase of the question, and
"a find that their line of reasoning
r;li no. always bear close analysis, nor
ssn Il be followed to its logical con-
nr Henry Smith Williams. in your
.,r,,m of May /, states that his princi-
nsl objection to prohibition is the in
friurement of personal liberty. viii
,bs doctor tell us why this same princi-
ME does not apply to the prohibition of
he use and sale of drugs? He cer-
tainly does not advocate that all re-
s:rjctions should be removed from the
salc of opium, cocaine, heroin, etc, be-
cause the liberty of the individual is
curtailed thereby. and that temper
suces in the use of these drugs might
be promoted by restoring them to legal
traffic! Surely, anything that impairs
our strength and efficiency as nation
is 4 fit subject for restriction by the
Law Of the land
~. Lo% VIA eIor,1I o+ hx, ~, 10
ton try to determine what a man shall
or shall not eat or drink is evading the
question by stating it in a most un-
favorable way, calculated to stir up
prejudice against prohibition rather
than careful consideration, for the
"wets" and "drys" alike know that the
main issue is to stop the sale of alco-
hol, and no one will contend that he
has the right to sell to his neighbor
any poison or anything that will work
him an injury. Many now have that
privilege, but 1t is privilege that So
eiety may take away at it's option as
soon as the majority have decided that
it is an evil thing. 1t therefore seems
10 me that the argument of personal
liberty" is about the poorest that the
wavering ranks of Old John Barleycorn
can advance. The only question that
remains is whether alcohol adds to our
health and happiness or adds to the
wealth or necessities Of the average
family.
The scientists. psychologists and
theorists may be found on both sides
8fevs'y question. Fortunately, we need
only to go to the statistics to find the
vast amounts of both capital and labor
wasted in the manufacture and con-
sumption of alcoholic beverages. We
can 80 to the records of the insurance
companies to determine whether the
temperate or Incorporate use of alco-
hole beverages tends to prolong life
hy promoting health and efficiency. The
i1e insurance companies are not in
auenced by sentiment or theory, so
here we may expect to find a record of
lacts which none may dispute.
In all lines of work where clear
asad and steady hand are required the
use OF liquor is prohibited. The en-
ployers OF men who hold responsible
positions where life and property may
g endangered by carelessness or in
efficiency have already given their
answer.
Prohibition
For Posterity
The great stronghold of the vets
Is in the vast amount of money in
vested N the liquor business and the
great profits made in the traffic. 1t is
because of this that many of our
trends the ants are so 7solicitou.
oi our personal liberties" and the
s.lui effects of prohibition. The "con-
sslentious cbiectors" to this gresk step
onward, while honest in their NEWS,
.aa among them many eminent and
sse men, are comparatively few in
sna aamDer II we eliminate from these all
..uc sno are financially interested in the
.tauc Its'uc and those who are addicted to
.ae use CT alcohol by force of habit,
!. tI''hes temperately or intemperately.
-. nts evident that the latter class could
nss oe expected to express an entirely
s.a!p Saa!ppfeludlcial view as to the good or
,.m ,.sasts sHects of prohibition from a social
w;ss s;assnopolnt. Many even of these are
IVY. WIN us. for they desire different and
Eyer environment for their children.
,.s.h: "isen the proper environment and
,,s;ssnlng IN this matter for a genera
hon and the demon rum" will have
% ,ss. his grip. There is probably not
:. Mu.n 81 to be hoped for in the reform
Ss u snose who have already acquired the
snnking LINKING habit. They would no doubt
ss;a'. .ss;asIy their desire in some way. To
ssinMIIate the sale Of the stuff and close
we places that lure and encourage our
svahg people to the use of drink is
sur purpose.
sa Ley US have organized effort every
.na:. sas.e to provide places and oppor-
,saatles .sa for wholesome entertainment
~ ssa !, social diversion to take the place
s.,. sne saloon. If this is done the
ss.oon m. and dive will not be missed and
.ssuy Of its victims will speed it's
,sm1ng. ,smg 1t is always the centre and
insn:y'ns 4 ground for the forces Of evil
/. source of great economic loss
.r;, society in addition to its greater
s.ns, It's only profit is to those en-
shs'., shnssa IN its manufacture and sale. 1t
s.yaio s..:io nave no place in a world more
!, Gently organized after the war. and
nv rhouio go now as war measure.
~ ne question as to whether the sale
M. Oeer should be permitted for time
"a 10 one of policy, and has much
49, ~ said In its favor. So many are
49, to its use without apparent
nnn;.,. % 70 themselves or to the CON-
n;.a n;;Ia.sy that at least a number of years
jtsns be allowed for its elimination.
s. seopIe were not accustomed to it 1
s:.,, !. ysars ct association and habit they |
~s'u ass not desire it. Greater economy
N.Y. oss ocstcr health would result. The
81 VI wines and alcoholic beverages
a. than beer Is mere camoufage |
yii..s demon itself, for some Of the !
in ~ eoncoctions known are concealed |
ss@e OF the cheaper wines.
o. c. THORNTON.
8 laboring Man