The Washington herald., 1919-03-25
DRY MEASURES
JAR BUSINESS
Effect Upon Labor Market
Cannot Be Overlooked,
Says Holland.

EIihu Root would not have been
tempted as he was a few days ago TO
undertake the preparation of a legal
sopinion unless he were personally pro
foundly interested In and concerned
about the issue. 1t is also douotfui
whether William d. Guthrie woulo
= have accepted retainer had ne not
been concerned as an American eiti-
Zen about the recent adoption OF the
constitutional amendment which for
bids the manufacture and sale OF IN
toxicating liquors
Both Mr.. Root and Mr.. Guthrie have
been enjoying a well-earned rest from
a life OF intense professional activities
and In the case Of Mr.. Root. OF polit-
cal service as Secretary Of State and
United States Senator. They respond
I'D. however, to the appeal OF those
sSSho are persuaded that there Is some
thing defective. something amiss. in
The recent legislation whereby this
constitutional amendment was adopt
ed by Congress.
II their opinion Is supported by the
courts. then il may be that an agita-
-tion must again be begun II the coun-
try Is to be placed upon an absolute
prohibition basis. The emergency is
great, as there appears to be little
time in which to obtain judicial opin-
ion from the highest court upon this
issue However. intimation has come
from Washington since it was known
that Mr.. Root and Mr.. Guthrie are
convinced that a good case can be
made out for presentation to the court,
that President Wilson Is persuaded
that il will be expedient and In fact
necessary to defer enforcement Of the
sO-Called "bone-1ry law which would
but for his action begin on July I.
This report seems to be something
more than mere Tumor. For II Is for
titled by the statement that the Presi-
dent realizes that II the bone-dry law
goes into effect July /. serious COM
mercial disturbances are certain to oc-
cur. and IN addition to that. many
thousands who are now employed in
the plants where Intoxicating liquors
including beer. are manufactured. will
be thrown out OF employment on the
first OF July.
This might seriously compliCate the
labor employment question. although
opinions do not entirely agree respect
ing the danger OF prolonged idleness
on the part OF many who would be
glad to secure employment
There Is perhaps no better judge OF
labor conditions. at least in one Of the
greatest of our Industries. than Wal
ter Clark Teagle. who is president OF
the Standard Oil Company OF New
Jersey. He Is one of those who be-
lieve that there should be a new and
improved relation between those who
employ labor and those who sell their
services to employers.
Mr.. Teagie stated a few days ago
that he is persuaded that readjust-
ment conditions will have been so
well established within a few months
as to provide labor for all who are
seeking It. That is also the opinion OF
Secretary Redfieid of the Department
Of Commerce at Washington
Nevertheless, President Wilson ap-
pears TO have been informed that if
the bone-dry law. which was enacted
as a war measure. should go into ef-
feet on the first Of July many thou
sand workmen will be out OF employ
ment.
The Bone Dry Law.
But the bone-dry law. which was
enacted as a war measure, is apart
from the amendment to the Federal
Constitution which will soon establish
absolute prohibition throughout the
United States unless the Supreme
Court should decide that there is a
vital defect in the legislation
Mr.. Root and Mr.. Guthrie. as well as
their clients. are persuaded that such
defect does exist, and that it is some
thing which the highest court can
take heed of. II President Wilson
does not by executive order extend
the time for the date of the enforce
TBent of the bone-dTy law. then there
remains only about three months in