The Washington times., 1919-03-25
HAIR TONIC
LAST RESORT
Of THIRSTY
Big Demand for Perfumes Re-
ported by Druggists Since
John BarIeycorn Died Here.
BY BILL PRICE.

Internal pertaining Of stomachs
with bay rum, cologne waters and
hair tonics is a new fashion just
starting in Washington, the possible
duration Of which is being closely
watched by druggists and police.
Reputable druggists of this ci:..
who have no desire to uphold even in
direct violation OF 'bone-dry" prohi-
bition laws, admit that they have re-
Gently had big runs on bay rum ard
certain hair tonics that are largely
made up OF alcohol Without re-
strictive laws to guide them the drug
gists arc adopting subterfuges Of
their own to thwart the demands Of
foolish men and women for these dan
gerous substitutes for whiskey.
Where transient customers call too
often for bay rum and hair tonics the
clerks are instructed to say that these
commodities have been sold out or
make other excuses. Nearly every
druggist has already had the expert
ence of the same men calling several
times in a day for bay rum, an IN
known proceeding until prohibition
became effective.
To divert suspicion these customers
viii buy other perfumed preparations
with a large alcoholic content. One
favOrite with them is eau de quinine,
hair tonic sold all over the world
Under a French name. II contains
nearly 80 per cent of alcohol some
ouinine and other decbctions calcu-
lated TO make hair grow or remain
respondent. Its effects on the in
terror of the stomach in promoting
the growth of whiskers have not
been described to the druggists by
the ''rummies" willing to take the
chance. Anyhow they are buying it
despite the fact that razors for shaw
ing the interior domains are un-
known.
Druggists Puzzled.
Druggist are puzzled over just what
70 do. and each man is adopting his
own methods Of keeping the new
styles of booze away from purchasers.
The District Commissioners and the
Police Department will make investi-
cation of the extent Of bay rum and
hair tonic sales, but Major Pullman,
Superintendent Of Police. was today
inclined to believe that this style Of
debauchery will not become perma-
1ent
"One bay rum drink is about
enough for even the toughest chap,
I am informed" said Major Pullman.
Some Of them may try il the second
time and then quit, if my information
"a correct. Policemen who have
come across a few bay rum DRINKS
gay that the consumers become aw-
FULLY sick and swear they will never
t-y il again. ] have not yet had re-
ports on hair tonic DRINKS. and / do
not know what the effect of these
would be. I hardly think, though.
~ 70 IL
these sort of liquids many times. or
course, there are plenty Of fellows
who will try anything once, but the
craving for strong drink is not suffi-
cent to induce some Of them to tackle !
bay rum often"
Law Silent on Tonnes.
Major Pullman said that il the I
new practices threaten 10 become ex- /
fensive, the legal authorities of the |
District and Federal Governments I
would be consulted as 10 what steps /
should be taken. Neither the Shep- /
pard nor Reed laws take any cog /
nizsnce Of bay rum. hair tonics, and |
Tserfumed waters in Their composition, |
although il might be easy to have |
these construed as intoxicating |
liquors.
The Reed Law prohibits purchase !
md bringing into dry territory Of !
intoxicating liquors" for beverage /
purposes" il does not define an in /
Ioxicating liquor but presumably re- |
fers TO the old style stun. perfumed |
only by the mellowness OF years in |
wood
Major Pullman continues confident |
that he will be able TO speedily break
az the bringing OF whiskey into the
district. Reports reach the police
daily that many citizens OF standing
are still quietly slipping WHISTLES
.cross the Maryland line. The effect
II these reports will be, ii was said
-oday, to cause Tightening Of instruc-
ions to the police and consequent
search Of many automobiles and vehi-
,Ies that have heretofore escaped