New-York tribune., 1919-08-14
F e deral Officials
Plead Lack of Men
To Enforce Dry Law
Acting District Attorney
Says 100 Cases of Alleged
Sales of Hard Liquor Are
Pending; Need Evidence

OF the numerous saloon, restau-
rant and liquor men in New York
City who have continued to sell liquor
and alcoholic beverages since the ad-
vent of war-tin. ohibition just three
have been convicted.
In answer to inquiries at the Oh
flee of the United State Attor-
ney here yesterday numerous reasons
were advanced Why violators Of the
prohibition measure found it possible
t do so. The chief reason named was
lac of men to make Investigations and
collect evidence.
Ben A. Matthews, who is act
ing as Federal Attorney in the ab-
sence of Francis G.. Caffey, said his
office was rea'y to prosecute every
offender against whom evidence could
be found. More than 100 cases now
are pending, he said.
"What about big places that openly
sell liquor to anybody who orders it ?"
he was asked
Owners Seem Immune
we are going after the bartenders,
but 1T is next TO impossible to reach
the owners and managers because they
always give the excuse that they have
told their bartenders not to serve
whskey or alcoholic drinks" was the
reply.
eve have just handful of investi-
gators and just now they are busy
getting evidence against food profit
eers," said Mr.. Matthews. "The police
are cooperating with us and have in
vestigated every complaint brought
to us"
HAS the Police Department been
called upon for any specific aid where
this department has failed for lack
of men?" was asked.
"Only when we have complaints to
turn over to the police" said the
prosecutor.
Distillers Taking Orders
1t became evident during the dav
that the big distileries expect to reap
a harvest during Il c time between the
conclusion of wartime prohibition and
the coming of nation;.. prohibition
Statesmen were securing the city for
orders for whiskey, gin and alcoholic
beverages of all brands for future de-
livery.
One saloonkeeper said that the sa~
Icons that remain open expect to make
their profits largely from the sale of
bottled goods rather than over the bar.
1.-TWO months wouldn't permit any
body to make much money out of the
liquor that is sole for immediate con
sumption at bar" said he. "But it
must be remembered that many of the
llquor stores have closed their doors
and that the average drinker has come
to realization that prohibition is
here, and that he must have his own
stock or go dry The saloonkeeper
will be able to supply that trade and
probably at a good profit
affecting prohibition enforcement was
raised uring the day in suit
brought in the Supreme Court by
Howard Major, a stockholder in the
American Mailing Company. Mr..
Major asked Justice Cropsey to appoint
receiver for the mailing concern and
prevent further work on its plan for
dissolution.
Sees Hope for Brewery
In Mr. Majors rnplaint he asserts
that only the saloon will be DESTROYED
by prohibition, since "for beverage
purposes" knocks out only the drink
consumed between meals and for tin
pling purposes. Drinks consumed at
mealtme and with food. he said, might
continue to be served with impunity.
SALOONS are being turned into
iunchrooms and bakeries and soon will
be selling large quantities of liquor"
he said.
Mr.. Major, who owns 100 shares of
stock in the ating concern. wants
dissolution stopped in order that it
may profit by this "legal, husincss.