The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1919-10-29
Veto Was Surprise.

Nobody had really professed to
know that the president would veto
the bill. Republicans and democrats
alike-and the countless multitude
that had sorrowfully watched the
passing Of the bars-thought it
would become law without his
signature.
Attorney General Palmer, it was
said, had declared it constitutional.
But the president, propped up in
bed, dictated and signed veto
message and sent it along to con-
gress, without worrying apparently
about what congress might do.
Without repassing of the law by
the house, and the prospect of the
same thing happening in the senate,
hope of the "wet spelT' that would
run over the Christmas season van
ished into thin air.
Prohibition leaders predicted to-
night that the refusal of the house
to accept the presidents veto meant
that the sale of liquor would not be
permitted again in the life OF this
many other generations.
The reasons for vetoing the act
were set forth by the president in the
following messages to congress-:
had declared it constitutional
The presidents veto message fol-
lows:
"TO the House OF Representatives !:
II am returning without my sigma
ture p. X. 681O, an act to prohibit in
t0xtcating beverages and to regulate
the manufacture. production, use and
sale OF high-proof spirits for other
than beverage purposes, and to in
sure an ample supply of alcohol and
promote its use in scientific research
and in the development Of fuel, dye
and other lawful industries.
1.-THE subject-matter treated in
this measure deals with two distinct
phases of the prohibition legislation.
One part of the act under considera-
tion seeks to enforce wartime pro-
hibition. The other provides for the
by the adoption Of the constitutional
amendment. l object to and cannot
approve that part OF this legislation
with reference to wartime prohibi-
ton.
1T has to do with the enforce
ment OF an act when was passed by
reason of the emergencies Of the war
and whose objects have been satisfied
in the rehabilitation Of the army
and navy and whose repeal have al
ready sought at the hands of con-
gress. Where the purpose of parti-
cular legislation arising out Of war
emergency have been satisfied, sound
public policy makes clear the reason
and necessity for repeal.
ut will not be difficult for con-
gress in considering this important
matter to separate these two ques-
tiOns and effectively to legislate re-
garding them, making the proper dis
tinction between temporary causes
which arose out of wartime emer-
gencies and those like the constitu-
tional amendment of prohibition
which is now part Of the fundamen-
tai law of the country.
I'm all matters having to do with
the personal habits and customs of
large numbers Of our epople, we must
be certain that the established pro-
cesses of legal change are followed.
In no other way can the salutary OBJ
ject sought to be accomplished by
great reforms Of this character be
made satisfactory and permanent.
"tSigned): Woodrow Wilson, the
White House, October. 27, 1919"
Veto Flashed Out.
Word that the enforcement act had
failed to meet presidential approval
was flashed from the White House q
few minutes before o'clock, an
hour or more before 1t was officially
laid before the house. Instantly wet
and dry forces were summoning their
respective cohorts, preparing for any
breaks. But there was no thought in
the minds Of the leaders that immed.
late action was contemplated