The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-10-11
Government Planning Arrests
of Dry Law ViOIatOrs.
Prohibition Enforcement a Law
Within Ten Days.
NO HOPE FOR THE THIRSTY?
Outlook for Lifting Wartime
Ban Appears Dim.
Not Considered Likely Wilson
VIII Veto Bill.

Washington, Oct. II. Wholesale
raids upon liquor dealers were being
planned by the government today.
Within ten days the prohibition en-
forcement legislation probably will be
law. 1t makes illegal the sale of liquor
containing more than one-half of one
per cent alcohol. This puts into the
hands of Attorney General Palmer the
power for which he has been waiting.
before prosecuting the Illicit Honor
dealers.
Reports on liquor sales are being
made by government agents now. it
was learned. When President Wilson
signs the bill, the raids are expected edo to
start: If the president does not sign
within ten days. the measure auto
matically becomes a law.
II Is known here that in many cities
all varieties of liquor have been sold,
despite the war time prohibition ban.
simply because existing law was in
adequate. Beer of the 2.75 per cent
variety has been openly dispensed and,
according to reports gathered by gov
eminent operatives, whisky, gin and
1ancy drinks containing these ingredi-
ents are now being passed over the
bars of saloons in numerous cities.
sold in cabarets and in family LIQUOR
stores. Enforcement of the new pro-
hibttory law will make this punishab BILE
by $4,000 fine and two years i'm
prisonment.
There is a possibility that the presi-
dent will veto the bill on the ground
that 1t is too drastic, but this is not
considered likely. If he should do so,
the prohibitionists in congress appear
to have sufficient strength to pass it
over his veto.
Palmer to Prepare Opinion.
1t was learned at the White House
today that Wilson's first action with
regard to the measure will be to send
it to the attorney generals office for
an opinion as to its constitutionality
and desira bility. He will not sign it
Secretary Tumulty said he did not
know what attitude the president
would take toward the bill.
Anticipating attacks on the consti-
nationality of the wartime and consti-
tutional prohibition amendment en-
Palmer will prepare an opinion which
will be transmitted to the White
House.
Won't Lift Present Ban?
The outlook for lifting the wartime
prohibition ban before constitutional
prohibition goes into effect in January
appeared dim today.
AS a warning to those who are han
ding liquor, the internal revenue bu-
reau. 1t was learned, will issue a state
ment of policy as soon as the new law
becomes effective.
Washington, Oct. 1.-THE struggle
Of two and three quarter beer tc
maintain a legal status will come to ar
end when the prohibition enforcement nj
bill, enactment of which was complet-
ed yesterday by congress when the
house adopted the conference report
is made law either by the presidents
signature or automatically, should his
illness prevent him from signing il
within ten days.
The manufacture or sale of any bev.
erage containing more than one-ha11
of one per cent of alcohol is prohibited
under both the wartime and constitu
tionaI enforcement sections of the
measure. All provisions of the war
time section become effective as sooI
as the measure becomes law.
The conference report was approved
by a vote of 321 to TO-