The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-08-12
No. l Continued From
Page /

American in these days OF world-w
affairs is the man who recognizes the
duty and obligation of America to all
the nations of the earth.
1T is very apparent that league, to
be useful and efficient in preventing
the recurrence of other world wars,
must possess some power and that
each separate nation must be willing
to make some concession. Civil liberty,
moreover, is built upon the surrender
of so-called personal liberty in order
to advance the freedom of the indi-
vidual in the form Of civil liberty. So
we believe, in the long run, whatever
concessions may be granted by Ameri-
ca to the League of Nations will be
more than repaid by the prestige and
power that will accrue to our nation
from those concerned in world wide
affairs.
ITO US, the supreme question of the
year is not equal suffrage, the League
of Nations. labor, Mexico or Armenia,
nor any of the minor questions upon
which all agree. The great issue is that
of the entire extinction of the liquor
traffic. This may occasion start of
surprise to some of our friends who
believe that question is practically
settled We take the position that the
mere declaration of law never settled
any question. In other words, law with
out enforcement is not law, but mere
theory, desire or sentiment. We do not
for a moment declare that there has
been no enforcement of law, nor that
conditions have not improved in a
marked degree, but we do declare that
in many cities and even in the quiet
est country districts there is much
of law violation. We believe. further.
that the administration has not thus
far put forth the effort nor expended
the amount Of money necessary to
bring the offenders to justice.
Both candidates have made a for
NAL declaration in favor of law en-
forcement. but these declarations must
be read in the light of the past records
of these candidates. 1t means nothing
for a candidate say that he, IL elected,
will enforce the law. for all candidates,
If successful. must make this declara-
ton not merely on the political plat
form but by the most solemn oath
when invested with the duties of the
office. A promise on any political doc
ument is no stronger than an oath on
the assumption of the office.
sCox is admittedly wet in sentiment
Hence no time need be wasted in
aAalyzing his position. If Congress
should pass a law of more liberal in
depreciation of the 18th amendment
than the Volstead act. the wet forces
OF the country could depend upon
Cox, from all we know about him, to
give his seal of approval thereto.
Harding, on the other hand, has
said nothing to indicate that he would
veto such a measure If passed by Con-
gress. He has only agreed to enforce
the law as it now stands, and he stated
in his speech of acceptance that 1t is
the right of a free people to make
notifications. We cannot tell from his
record what he would do. In Congress
he has voted wet and he has voted
dry. lie voted against the dry Dis
trict of Columbia bill and voted for the
Volstead law. He voted for the sub
mission of the 18th amendment, but
was the champion OF the six-year
clause which had been concocted in
caucus of the wet forces at the New
Willard hotel at the instigation of
brewers and distillers Tt was the be-
lief OF the vets that ratification would
be impossible within the six-year
limit. In his speech championing the
six-year clause, he said: 81 am not
prohibitionist, Mr.. President, and new
er pretend to be. I do not think a pro-
hibition amendment will be effective"
He also favored the compensation OF
liquor dealers for any loss that might
accrue TO their business as a result