The sun., 1919-07-10
SEEK RELIEF FROM
DRASTIC DRY PLANS
House Members Try to Find
Escape From Provisions
of VOlstead Bill.
DEMOCRATS PLAN COUP
Will Offer Amendments to
Stir Opposition-Senators
Consider Issue.
speeia, DespafeA 10 Trs sun.

spcCtd! DeSputCh 10 lHB sun.
WARRINGTON. July s.-virtually all
members Of the House except the few
conscientious directors to alcoholic
beverages in any form. are now milling
around like so many men in a cage built
by themselves seeking an escape from
the drastic provisions OF the Volstead
bill.
The breathing spell furnished by cal
endar Wednesday made that day even
more sacred than ever and a motion by
Representative Dyer (Mo.). wet
leader, to set aside holy Wednesday to
continue consideration OF the Volstead
prohibition bill was overwhelmed by q
vote OF 2ss to s.
Both politically and economically the
Republicans are finding prohibition as
the bitterest medicine they have. been
called on to swallow. II there is any
grain Of comfort in the House member
ship It goes to the Democratic members
from the arid South, who see in the
drastic provisions of the measure an OPP
portunity to stage a political raid which
Will not scorch them politically but will
leave their Republican brethren hot and
uncomfortable.
This raid will take the form Of a
seemingly determined attempt led by
former Majority Leader Kitchin and
others to mitigate the effects of the Vol
stead measure by amendments offered
from the floor during the consideration
of the bill In the committee of the whole,
where no record vote can be taken.
Figures on Reaction.
n possible Mr.. Kitchin also will seek
20 keep his followers behind him for
record votes on several amendments
when the bill comes from the committee
of the whole and before the House for
final passage. This move will be made
IN confident anticipation of united OPP
position from the Republicans.
Republicans leaders, in anticipation OF
this raid, were busy to-day seeking an
"out." They realized that to support
Democratic amendments would be to
some extent playing into the hands Of
their political enemies, and, which Is an
even more cogent objection. they are by
no means sure they could muster enough
Republican votes to rob the move Of Its
Democratic flavor. There Is a possibility
that a successful attempt will be made
20 bring about the separation OF the war
time prohibition from the constitutional
prohibition titles of the bill. but the ne
cessity of opposing the conscientious
drys' in their own party gives them
pause when considering this proposition.
Indications Of the strength OF Demo-
cratic efforts to bring about ameliorating
amendments Is seen in the statement Of
Representative Kitchin to a colleague to-
day, that he did not believe a final vote
would be reached on the measure before
Wednesday or Thursday Of next week.
Many Amendments Coming.
This Is entirely at variance with the
hopes Of Chairman Volstead OF the Jul
dietary Committee. in charge OF the BILL
who hoped to obtain final action this
week. 1t indicates not only that the OPP
ponents contemplate Offering large
number of amendments. but that they
also expect TO be heard at length on their
amendments even under the n'e minute
rule. In spite OF gag tactics they can ac-
complish this II enough amendments are
available and offered.
Democratic amendments will take form
along two general lines-for the repeal
or separation OF war time prohibition
from constitutional prohibition. and. sec
ond. in favor OF eliminating or liberaiiz-
ing altogether the Volstead definition or
intoxicating liquor under constitutional
prohibition.
Mr.. K!tchin was understood 10 be
studying precedents to guide him In
moving for a repeal Of the war time
prohibition measure prior to the decla-
ration BY the President that demobniza-
tton has been completed. Such a move
would be In line with the Presidents
syggestion in his opening message to
Congress
Arguments against inclusion of the
Volstead definition OF Intoxicating liquors
will be modelled largely. 1t is believed
along the lines OF the constitutional OBJ
lection frequently raised that the Vol
stead provision infringes upon preroga-
tive OF the judiciary to interpret the
Constitution. The point will be made
that II this objection Is valid 1t VIII De
so held by the courts regardless OF action
BY Congress, and that by such decisions
scattered through the Federal courts in
the various States, the prohibition act
and invalid In another. bringing about
an unfair and uneven measure of en-
forcement.
Senate Committee at Work.
Furthermore in view OF the fact that
the several States under the constitu-
t!onal amendment have concurrent
jurisdiction IN enforcing its provisions
1t will be argued that for Congress to
impose its definition OF intoxicating
liquor would be In violation of the terms
Of the amendment itself and therefore
would defeat the purpose Of the legis-
lation.
The judiciary subcommittee OF the
Senate resumed its consideration OF the
framework OF the law to enforce pro-
hibitiOn to-day, and although the mem
bers discussed many phases OF the pro-
posed enactment they came to a definite
conclusion on no major feature of the bill
The committee, however, will sit con-
tinuously now from day to day and by
tho middle OF next week the measure
can be offered In the Senate without
doubt.
Committee opinion lie divided as 10
the proper repository OF the executive
direction of enforcement. Also It has
not crystallized yet on the rate per cent
OF alcoholic content which shall consti-
futo Intoxicating liquors" Alcoholic
content seemingly to-day Is the last ditch
for the vets in the struggle TO avoid
complete elimination of alcohol from the
American dietary and from possible ac-
question by the thirsty. The chances
are that the Senate. regardless OF what
the committee may recommend, will IA
vor fixing the limit of alcoholic content
ut y OF l per cent.
Previous test votes In the Senate have
disclosed when other dry laws were In
consideration that the Senate is against
erages. The low content establishes be-
A..