New-York tribune., 1919-03-17
Rockefeller, Jr.,
Denies Greed
In "Dry" Gifts
Asserts Contributions to
Anti-Saloon League Not
Aimed to Exploit Labor
He Calls Charges Absurd
Policy of Temperance Is
Inherited, He Declares;
Sees Benefit to Nation

John D. Rockefeller, jr., whose sup
port of the Anti-Saloon League and
temperance measures aroused criticism
III Albany and Washington by men who
charged that the motive back of it was
the unwarranted exploitation of labor.
says he has personally supported the
cause of temperance as master of
principle all Of his life.
With entire frankness he demolished
various rumors that his financial sup
port ran into the millions by stating to
a Tribune reporter that in the last
twenty years the total contributions
from his father and himself aggregate
$500, ,323.67. This includes special con-
tributions made in 1918 to the ma
tional league and to the New York
State league in connection with the
campaign for the adoption of the con-
stitutional amendment.
"Ordinarily l should not feel like
commenting on rumors connecting my
father and myself with contributions to
the cause of temperance" said Mr..
Rockefeller, "but in view of the fact
that forty-fve states have ratified pro-
hibition, and that misinformed persons
opposed to prohibition ere here and
there imputing an absurd motive to the
support OF the cause OF temperance l
have cheerfully given, now that The
Tribune has called my attention to the
misrepresentation | am glad to state
the facts
$4,000 Given Last Year
THE contributions of my father and
myself during the last twenty wears.
from 1900 to 1919 inclusive. to all
branches of the Anti-Saloon League.
national and state, aggregate $780,
323.67. This includes our special con-
tributions in 1918 to the national
league and to the New York State
league in connection with the consti-
tutional amendment. In that wear our
contributions, both regular and special,
amounted to perhaps $4,000.
My support of the temperance cause
is due to an Inherited habit and to
fundamental principle based on the
conviction that such support is right
and proper. Neither my grandfather
nor my father ever tasted alcoholic
beverages, andNI can say the same
thing for myself. On my mothers
side of the family temperance pro-
clivities were equally strong. AS
child | was a member of tenn
perance society called the Loyal
Legion and attended meetings in pri-
vate houses. That is why 1 call my
habit an inherited one.
"But as matter of principle l am
glad to lend hand to bring about the
abolition of the curse of intemperance
in this country.
"My conviction concerning the rum
evil was confirmed a few years ago
when | was foreman Of the grand jury
that investigated the white slave in.
fanny. / discovered then that the sale
and use Of alcoholic beverages had
very vital and intimate relation to the
white slave traffic. In fact, doubt if
it would have fourished without con-
nection with strong drink.
Studied Colorado Situation
II was permitted to have a near-at-
hand observation of the practical oper-
alton of prohibition in Colorado in
connection with the Colorado Fuel
and Iron Company. in which I am
financially interested. When we first
took hold of the property the COM
pany actually operated saloon, the
employees, many of whom we're foreign
born, insisting that alcoholic bever-
ages were essential to their comfort.
Hoaal Il G..