New-York tribune., 1919-07-01
They Demand That Nation
BE Continued OH Anti
Alcohol Basis Just as if
Amendment Were in Effect
Declare There's No Peace
And Won't Be, They Say, Tn.
til Treaties Are Ratified
and Army Demobilizcd
NeM York Tribune
Wash hington Bureau

WASHINGTON. June go Notice
OF wartime prohibition restrictions,
which go into effect tonight, before
the ratification of the treaties of peace
with both Germany and Austria, is
given in the majority report in the
prohibition enforcement pill submitted
in the House to-day by Chairman Vol
stead of the Judiciary Committee.
at would seem that there is fair
chance war prohibition may last until
constitutional prohibition takes effect
in January of next year. which is only
little more than six months off," the
report said. From the standpoint of
those who believe in prohibition this is
desirable and will, no doubt, meet the
wishes of a vast majority Of our peo-
pie
The "dry" majority of the Judiciary
Committee bases its conclusion on
these Statements:
that it shall continue in effect during
1.-The present war" and during de-
mobilization.
,. "That war exists both with Ger
many and Austria Hungary needs no
argument. Until treaties of peace
have been ratified there is no peace"
3. Our peace army as fixed by law
IL
will not be possible to demobilize the
army so as to reduce it within the
next few months to peace figures.
Especially is that true if the treaty
contains stipulations that require of
US force to maintain peace abroad"
What Wilson Said
In his cablegram to Secretary Tum-
ulty Saturday night. stating he was
without power to remove war prohibi-
ton restrictions at this time, President
Wilson sald
"When demobolzation is terminated,
my power to act without Congressional
action will be exercised"
he "wets' contended to-day that it
was clear the President regarded the
present war" referred to in the war
prohibition act as the war with Ger
many, and that he considered the war
terminated under the meaning of the
act with the signing of the peace
treaty. The present contention of the
"drys," they said. promises sharp
clash between them and the Pres ident,
when he acts.
After consultation with Senator
Morris Sheppard, OF Texas. and with
officials of the Anti Saloon League,
Representative Randall. of California,
prohibitionlst, to-day introduced his
bin to "bridge the gap" between war
time and constitutional prohibition, if
such a gap appears.
His bill. which he viii seek to have
made an amendment to the enforce
ment legislation. provides that no dis
titled spirits shall be withdrawn from
bond for beverage purposes. That no
Intoxicating liquors shall be imported
or exported or transported in inter
state commerce. Nolators OF the act
would be punished by a fine not cx-
ceeding $1,000 OF by Imprisonment for
not more than two years, or both.
Report Will be Delayed
The minority report on the enforce
ment bill will be delayed until the
anti-prohibitions members of the
judiciary Committee have examined the
majority report. Since the bill is not
to be taken up this week, this report
probably will be held up for several
days.
Representative Randall, explaining
the purposes of his bill. said it was
intendeei % prevent the country from
going on & whiskey basis" if war pro
hibition should be cancelled by the
President. He asserted the President
could not lift the ban ON wine and beer
without also removing restrictions on
distilled spirits. The resul. would be
that the 100 900 600 gallons of whiskey
now in bond would Immediately be sold.
The breweries, he said, would not re-
sumo the manufacture of beer The
period in which it could be sold would