The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-10-01
STEEL STRIKE PUTS
RIYET In DRY LID
VOlstead Gives New Blow to
Hopes of Ending War Time
Prohibition.
ALL UP TO THE PRESIDENT
Palmer Holds Peace Proclama-
ton Must Come First-Army
Plans Speedy Cut.
Special DESPATCH 20 rnr sus.

WASHINGTON, Sept So.-Both Attor-
ney-General Palmer and Representative
Volstead (Minn.). chairman Of the
House judiciary Committee, which Is
in charge Of prohibition legislation, de-
clared to-day that although the War
Department in a statement proclaimed
the rehabilitation of the army at an
end the war time prohibition act could
not be declared imperative by the Presi-
dent until the peace treaty had been
ratified and signed. Mr.. Palmer has
held that the war will not have been
terminated until the treaty Is signed,
| and this position also was taken by the
President earlier in the year when ne
asked Congress 10 repeal the war time
act in 50 far as IL related to light wines
and beer.
Mr.. Volstead also said he was of the
| opinion that even in the event OF the
early ratification of the treaty and the
! consequent ending OF the war, the lifting
OF the wartime prohibition would depend
| largely upon the length of the steel
strike. He believes that no matter what
happens to the treaty, the President Will
use his power to keep prohibition In
! force until the steel strike is settled
saloons were reopened in the affected
| districts.
1.-THE President" said Mr.. Volstead
sis no doubt paying strict attention to
two things-the ratification of the
| treaty and the steel and other strikes
| throughout the country. What do you
suppose would have happened In the
big steel districts had liquor been openly
sold during the time hundreds of thou
sands of men are idle? The President
I am sure. has taken that into considera
ton before committing himself to any
movement looking toward making th'
act imperative"
Mr.. Volstead agrees with Attorney
General Palmer that although the Army
[ is demobilized the President cannot re
sclnd the war time act until he pro
claims peace. which certainly canno
come until the Senate acts on the treaty
! Whether reservations. which II is practi
cally certain the Senate will add to the
treaty. will delay the beginning of tbs
wet period is a question for the Presi
dent alone to decide, Mr.. Volstead be
lieves Should he proclaim peace befor'
the reservations are accepted by tn,
other Powers the war time act woulC
speedily be made imperative. but other
wise hopes for a few wet weeks befor,
the great drought begins next Januar!
are in vain. The President. however
can use his own discretion, Mr.. Volsteat
believes.
In its statement to-day the War De
partment announced that 10000 emer
gency officers must be dischars ed in tn
next five weeks in order that the com
missioned strength of the army may b
brought down to $4,000. The officer
TO be retained for &he regular establish
ment will be selected from among appli
cants for permanent appointment ]
also is pointed out that this will mean
great saving in War Department ex
penditures. In the grade of Colons
alone, for instance, there will be save
$4,000 a week. as on November / Their
will be only 693 officers of that rank, a
against 100 now The strength Of tn
army September 23 showed 33.065 OF
ficers and men in Europe. s.40o in 81
IBERIA, 1900 at sea en- route home ant
304.O in the United States. From no,
on an average strength of 252.250 wi
be maintained.