The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-07-01

Palmer announced tonight
Washington June 30.-Contending
that no court may say, as matter OF
law, what percentage Of alcohol makes
it intoxicating, the judiciary committee
=. a report today to the house on pro-
hibition enforcement legislation, de-
clared this was a question of fact and
not of law, and as such was clearly
within the province of congress.
Wartime prohibition, effective at
midnight, will be strictly enforced by
the department of justice insofar as ex-
listing machinery can function to that
end.
1t was said at the department today
that open violation of the law, threat
ened in New York and other cities,
would be promptly dealt with by fed
eral agents. Whether the depart
ment's present force will be able to
break up secret traffic remains to be
seen, but in this connection officials
pointed out that the increased appro-
priation asked of congress for. general
law enforcement would permit OF a
considerable enlargement of the de-
partment's force.
New Orleans. June 30.-Police esti-
mates today were that 80 per cent of
the $50 saloons operating in New Or
leans would be closed tomorrow and
that the other 10 per cent would con-
tinue doing business but would sell
only low percentage beer.
All of the most widely known sa-
looms of New Orleans, where special
recipes for concoction OF mixed drinks
famous for years were closed. some as
early as o'clock this evening. One
of the larger hotels. announced that
their bar would be closed at 3 o'clock
this afternoon ana at 3:05 only Ice
cream and soft drinks would be sold.
Early this morning a crowd. of sew
eral hundred persons had congregated
at the federal building where the last
auction sale of seized liquor was to be
held.
Those expecting bargains today were
disappointed as prices were materially
advanced at most places where whole
salers were disposing of stocks.
Chief OF Police Mooney announced
he would have special details OF police
on duty tonight to prevent possible
Saloon keepers were
warned to close their places immedi-
ately and demonstrations were started.
Special details OF federal Dfficers
were or duty at the railroade stations
to arrest those attempting to take sup
plies of liquor to dry territory.
New York, June 30.-Six thousand
saloon keepers, members of the United
Liquor Dealers association. Will meet
here this afternoon to determine their
final course in meeting wartime pro-
Meanwhile they plan TO take
a chance" and keep open after mid
night tonight for the sale of all kinds
of drinks, including whiskey.
Efforts will be made, ii is said, to
induce the attorney general of New
York to proceed with an injunction re-
straiing the federal government from
enforcing the law. Hotels and restau-
rants with few exceptions. are pre-
pared for a big wet celebration to-
night but many OF them will lini..
their sales to beer and light wines after
II o'clock. the hour which nominally is
to make a Sahara of the United States
Wilmington, De-, June 30-The eve
of war prohibition witnessed a condi-
tion Of uncertainty in this city, the
only place in Delaware state where
liquor is sold under license The Liquor
Dealers association has voted to closa
all places, keeping the stocks intact to
await the possible Iifttrg Of the ban.
Philadelphia, June 30.|ndications
tooav were Philadelphia would go dry
at midnight, If the advice of leaders
Of the Liquor Deale.s association IS
needed. saloon keepers y'H not attempt
20 sell even 2.75 per cent beer. the be-
lief being IL saloons remain closed for
a period the result win he good propa-
ganda for the wet cause.
Chicago. June 30.-Many saloon
keepers and proprietors of restaurants
where liquor is sold. planned to keep
their places open tonight long after
midnight when wartime prohibition
Continued on Page Two)