New-York tribune., 1919-10-28

pie at the time that when the treaty
with Germany was ratified there would
follow Immediately the lifting Of war
time prohibition. Tho "drys' insist,
however, and it is conceded their con-
tention has some legal merit, that one
half state of war will exist until the
Austrian treaty has been ratified
Ratification Faces Long Delay
This treaty has not even been sub
mitted to the Senate by the President
so far, so, as he is frankly in favor OF
/ lifting wartime prohibition, as indl-
Gated not only by his veto message
to-day but by his appeal some time ago
to Congress to repeal the wartime
prohibition act, it is believed by those
who have been watching the situation
that when the present treaty is rati
fed the President will permit "wet
spell until January l6, when the con-
stitutional amendment goes into effect
Even when this idea is accepted,
however, it does not occasion much
I glee among the "wets," because while
Senator Lodge seems confident the
treaty will be ratified before December
I 1, when the regular session Of Congress
/ begins, his optimism is not by any
means shared by everyone. The de-
bate still in sight seems to many Sen
ators quite capable of lasting until
January 16, especially if the desire of
the Democrats to await the recovery
of the President before deciding
finally on reservations should be car
ried out
Decentralization Declared Completed
There was much interest in his
statement that the objects of the bill
already had been Satisfied in the de-
mobilization of the army and navy"
This is the first time, Senators pointed
out, that any authoritative statement
has been made that demobilization has
been completed.
Republican Senators were very BIT
believed to be the politics OF the veto.
Secretary Tumulty, they charge, is re-
sponsiblo for the veto, with an eye to
the approaching elections in New Jer-
sey and Massachusetts, both of which
are "wet" states. This feeling was
accentuated by report that Attorney
General Palmer had not recommended
the veto.
But the language of the veto
message, and the reasons given for the
veto excited some of the members of
the Presidents own party.
"The President is telling the bad
boys up here" said one "wet" Demo
cratic Senator, chat we are very i'm
pertinent in passing a bill to enforce
law of which the President does not
approve and which he has asked US
to repeal. He hasn't the courage to
lift the wartime prohibition ban him
self, but is doing something that
shows apparent sympathy with the
VETS while virtually it will do them
very little good"
Cheap Politics." Says Penrose
Il find myself able to support the
President once more commented Sen
ator Walsh of Massachusetts, who
early in the day had voted against the
. President on the johnson amendment.
"lt seems to be the oY0 story of play
ing cheap politics." said Senator Pen
rose. "No regard seems to have been
given to some S400, 100000 taxes which
might have been secured and which is
sorely needed. and entire indifferen ce
is exhibitd for unfortunate people who
have paid taxes upon beverages which
they are unable to dispose Of.
"The absence Of any serious or con-
slstent purpose in the method of treat.
ing important questions involved has
caused me very largely to give up any
further consideration of the situation
ANY blame, criticism or praise that is
to be attached to the outcome viii have
to be borne by the Democratic Admin.
istration, which has invariably juggel
the issue"
The House passed the bill to-nigh
after a fight by the "wets" to proven
the fiXlng OF a date for a vote hat
shown the "drys" they had sufiicien
votes to-day TO take charge of th'
situation.
House Rejects Postponement
After the veto message had been rea,
in the House, Representative Volstead
Of Minnesota, chairman of the Judi
ciary Committee, and author of the bill
moved tha. consideration Of the veto b
postponed until Thursday.
Nh Volstead explained that since to
day was calendar Monday and the full
membership of the House was not pres
ent,thc vote should be deferred in orde
to give every member an opportunity I
record his vote
Representative Walsh, of Massa
chusetts, one OF the anti-prohil tito
leaders in the House, then moved tba
the Nolstead motion be tabled
On roll call on the Walsh motto
the vets were beaten, 17G to 80. Tn
result of the vote demonstrated to Tn
"drys" that they controlled the stua
ton, and the leaders Of tho dry" force
went to MIR. Nolstead and urged him t
withdraw his motion for a vote o
Thursday.
Mr.. Volstead then asked TO witt
draw his motion, but Speaker Gillct
in the chair ruled that he could Nc
withdraw it. Mr.. Nolstead appealc