Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-01-05
Rrow,catjnp the Legislature

WITH it's usual assumption OF all tho
w pricstly virtues. whilo refusing to see
aught but evil in the minds OF those with
whom it does not agree, the Anti-Saloon
League of Virginia has addressed itself ITO
the friends of prohibition in Virginia"
step in its campaign to force early ratitica-
tion of the nationwide prohibition amend
ment upon the General Assembly. The custo-
mary political methods again adopted.
and the club is strongly in evidence. In
circular letter the league asks that pressure
be brought to bear upon the members Of the
Assembly through deluge of letters; that
as many friends OF the league as possible be
present on the first two days of the session.
and that those who cannot be in Richmond
send kilograms special delivery letters;
and. not least important. report upon their
activities and the attitude of their reprcsen-
tatives to league headquarters.
Evidently there is to be dispassionate
argument or clear forceful thinking when
this vital question of ratifying an amendment
to the Constitution comes up. There is to be
no calm consideration OF what it means for
Virginia deliberately to vote to impress upon
its sister States its own ideas in sumptuary
legislation. The only object. apparently, is
to force ratification through. and do it quickly.
OstenSibly, haste is deman ded that Virginia
may set an example to other States While
II is not so set forth in the bill, haste is
desirable lest revulsion of feeling come
and III the cool light Of reason the Assembly
OF Virginia refuse to take this step, which
would mark its final departure from adher-
ence to the principles of self-gorernment.
All arguments pleas for time to con-
sider-al opposition from whatever source
on the solid ground that it is a violation of
States right To govern itself in such mat
tiers. is cried down by tho political phrase
oloSlSt OF the league simply trick OF
the liquor traffic and it's friends" Every
member OF the Assembly, every citizen how
ever upright and honorable who honestly
opposes this ill-considercd action that is pro-
posed. is merely using the favorite methods
OF the friends Of the liquor traffic which are
lodging and delay"
rms attitude is resented by thousands of
ciiizcns of Virginia, many OF whom voted
Tor Statewide prohibition. No question of
me iiquor traffic. so far Virginia is con-
cerned' is involved now. That has been
settled by the mandate Of the people at the
polls. The only question is: Shall Virginia
, try to force upon other States its own solu-
, ton OF a problem which they should be left
! undisturbed to solve for themselves The
proposed Federal amendment is moot uues-
ZION, ana many friends OF prohibition as we'll
us friends OF the liquor traffic" are con-
ScienllouSly opposed to its ratification. One
cannot believe that the Honorable General
Assembly of Virginia will permit itself to be
biudgeoned into hasty action on so important
matter where the mind of the State is
divided as to its righteousness Neither can
i, BIO believed that. after due consideration of
the principle involved, it will vote TO make
Virginia the leader among those States which
have abandoned this basic principle OF true
democracy.