The Columbus dispatch. (Columbus, Miss.) 19??-1922, 1919-11-05
Congress Sidesteps
Prohibition Issue

WASHINGTON, Oct. Sl,-Mem-
bers of congress are exceedinly SEN
sitive on the subject of prohibition.
This fact was illustrated when con-
gress this week passed prohibition en-
forcement legislation over the veto of
the president.
On the subject, the house cast 2Sl
votes, 176 in favor of enaetimg the leg
islation despite the presidents veto,
and So to sustain the presidents veto.
A total Of 200 refused-by lodging or
absenting themselves for various rea-
sons-to register their approval or
disapprovai Three of the number an
swering present
The senate's real attitude was dis
played when it voted to supplant the
treaty and consider prohibition out OF
turn. That vote was close, 43 to SO.
To postpone the irritating subject, TO
relegate it to it's proper place ON the
/ calendar-which would have po@tpon
/ ed action until after the railroad leg
islation was completed and by that
time constitutional prohibition, on
January l6, would have been etfectiv'
the following Southern Senator's vot-
ed: Ashurst and Smith Of Arizona,
Bankhead and Underwood OF Alaba-
ma, Fletcher of Florida, Gay and
Ransdell, of Louisiana, Harris and
Smith of Georgia, Harrison and VII
liams of Mississippi, Overman and
Simmons of North Carolina, Owen of
Oklahoma, Robinson of Arkansas,
Shields of Tennessee and Swanson OF
Virginia.
Deserted Administration.
But when the senate, by narrow
margin, refused to postpone actlon'
southerners scattered like the leaves
of Vallombrosa. Whereas had they
stood as they had previously stood IN
defense of the president, a two-thlrds
majority would have been Impossible
they made it possible for the presl-
dent to sustain defeat, CD to ~. Inc
only southerners who toed the scratch
m the final issue were Underwood OF
Alabama, Shields of Tennessee and
Cav and Ransdell of Louisiana.
While the president in vetolng pro-
hibition Legislation was actulted by
motives which he considered proper,
his action was good politics, in the |
opinion of democratic and republican
leaders.
While the democrats know that the |
president did not make his move fol |
any Unworthy purpose, the republi
cans affirm that his only purpose was
unworthy. Senator Penrose, the bic |
boss of the republican party, is es-
pecially vindictive.
Out Of it all comes the fact that it |
is regarded as good politics to take
slap at prohibition. On calling the
congress into extra session, the presi-
dent urged the abolition of wartime
prohibition. Congress refused to act.
Five months after, he vetoes prohi. /
tition bill because it provided for the /
enforcement of wartime prohibition
Congress over turned the veto.
Explanation of Veto.
When asked why the presidents &C
ton was good politics, astute leaders /
answer:
"The south favors prohibition. But
in national politics, the south is to be
ignored. 1t will vote the democratic |
ticket irrespective of what the party |
Stands for. 1t is different in other |,
sections, especially in the populous
east.
ain New York, New Jersey, Illinois
Indiana and Pennsylvania, the demo-
cratic party is liberal and as such, is
opposed to prohibition. The presi-
dent by his action has let is be
known that he has done what he could
against wartime prohibition-and
that for the continuation of the state
of affairs, congress, with republican
majorities, is responsible"
at was a rotton trick" said Pen