Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-12-13
MONDAY. DECEMBER II. 1920,
Burlcsquing Prohibition

nj olilNI cOulu ne more absurd lLan the
y Anti-Saloon League bill which that
body persuaded Representative Upshaw. OF
Georgia, to introduce in the House virtually
prohibiting American diplomatic and con-
sular officers, stationed in foreign countries
from attending any functions or giving rec
ogntion to any club or association that
serves liquor for beverage purposes.
IL carried into effect drafted, this
measure would bar Ambassador John W.
Davis from attending a banquet to which
he might be invited at buckingham Palace
Liquors are served at such times and at
every public or official dinner in Great Brit
ain. 1t would bar the American consul
general al Paris from accepting an invita-
ton TO dine with the French Foreign Min
lister. 1t would bar any diplomatic officer
or consular agent from becoming a member
Of any club in Europe or Latin-Anerica or
in pan or China.
II is uncomfortable, first, that the Anti
Saloon League should proceed 10 so rd!cul-
Gus length in It's effort 10 make America
dry and inconce!vable next, that any intel
Eseni member o. Congress would stand
sponsor for bill OF that nature Incident
slly. il IS recorded b. capital CORES pom
dents that the league "pu, one over" on
the unsusPecting upshaw. He has long
been the 'ooetie2t servant" OF the dry
forces, Of course. AID 4; has been his habit
10 Introduce any and every bill which the
dry organization laid beio.e him
Il was 70 b assumed, however that MIR
1psneT took the trouble a. least TO read
the measures which Others drafted for him
and Of which he ia,.ls apIaa. in the record
as the author. IN ..tis Instance. however
he omitted To acquain1 himself with ,bs.
burden ot the bin. When his attention was
called 10 the iudic!ousiy drastic provisions
of the measure, lie gems TO have been
amazed But. recovering himself, he O.
claimed
We'll, why not? suppose tina, inter-
probation is right But wouldn't j, b. q
fine thing good tonic, ii our representa-
tiyes abroad stand by the Nostcad act ana
refuse 10 80 where liquor is served ?"
IL the Georgia Congressman is correctly
quoted, he would not merely compel am
passadors ana ministers and consuls and
olher diplomatic officers to absent them
selves from Official affairs where wines are
served, but he would 80 the Anti-saIoon
League one better lie would compel them
10 remain away from hotels and rcsiau
rants ana private houses where n glass NJ
vine might be purchased or offered the
guest.
such proposals as this. Of course col
lapse 0! their own weight, The common
sense or The American people and the
american Congress revolts against ms enr,
OF thing, and cause as riphtoo,t. !, 49,,
millions of American people bclioy. ,,,nbi.
bition to be, suffers from the Stiffness q,
zealots who make II and themselves laugh.
able.
Congress in all probability viii she,ye ~,
Opshaw bill 1t Will 30 the way Thousand.
OF other ridiculous measures have pnro !,
cannot be taken seriously By any man who's.
MIND Is not hopeicssiy twisted. Mavbe
AFTER all. this Is merely practical Joke
g ~hich the Hhu-Saloon League is trying tc
play upon the country and We are taking il
7; oyerseriousiy.