New-York tribune., 1920-01-17
Prohibition

cSVluaIy L, 1oOO, WHcH lTecuO1tl 1OI
the slaves was proclaimed.
Closeness to the event obscures
clearness of outline; but, make no
mistake, the reactions flowing from
the new condition are likely to touch
every feature of American life-to
make not only for new economy
but new psychology.
For the first time in history a
great people, acting through repre-
sentatives of their choosing, have de-
liberately determined to suppress the
Oldest of human vices, though to do
so it is necessary to root out weak
nesses so deeply imbedded as to be
long rated an integral part of
human nature.
Believe not those who say this
was done without the peoples con-
sent. Our government is the
worlds most complicated one. 1t
lodges more veto power with minor
tiles than any other. Yet, with all
the impediments to change, two
thirds Of both houses of Congress
voted for the constitutional amend
ment, and then three-fourths of the
legislatures of the states ratified the
action. Maybe not three-fourths of
the people wished the change, but
surely large majority asked it.
The new rule is an experiment.
No one now can say what will be it's
results. There is little former ex-
perience to support faith or to JUS
tify foreboding. The record made
by the "dry" states is Of small value,
because, by processes akin to osmosis,
alcohol leaked in. The vodka de-
cree of the Gear did not apply to
many intoxicants. Whether now
there is to be prohibition that will
prohibit remains to be demonstrated.
Home manufacture, which the law is
unable to reach, may nullify the law
effectively. No one surely knows.
If alcohol is not obtainable will
there be resort to habit-forming
drugs that are more pernicious?
Again no one knows The belief is
entertained by some that the alcohol
habit, to which the vigorous races
have been addicted, meets the de-
mands of over-active nerves for
sedative. AS to this science is con-
Trajectory. No one is warranted in
being dogmatic and in asserting
whether physiological improvement
or deterioration is to come.
But turning from these doubtful
matters to the motives Of those who
have ordered the great innovation
there are reasons for profound salts
faction. "Put yourself in order ac-
cording to my command" says benev-
olent despotism. II will put myself
in ORDER" responds democracy.
Surely here is momentous express
sion of social self-restraint, demon
stration of self-mastery beyond par
allel. At the signal of lone police
man long lines of traffic stop or
move. The herald blows a "Be it
enacted!" on his trumpet and there
is quiet obedience. Let it not be said
that only force rules the world.
The prohibition element has been
scarcely wise in it's recent policies.
1t has failed to see that the existence
in the country of store of intoxi-
cants in the hands Of dealers means
that the "bootlegger" will be active
and that otherwise the difficulties Of
enforcement will be increased. It
would have been wiser to have per-
mitted dissipation and consump-
ton that is deferred rather than
prevented. Moreover, there is the
immortality of an attempted confisca-
ton, and memory of this will, of
course, do no good.
Early non-success will greatly
prejudice the experiment. With the
bulwark of the Constitution to ex-
clude him, it may be said John Bar
leycorn cannot come back. But Una
Jorlties have way of getting their
will done somehow. The Fourteenth
and Fifteenth amendments stand as
. melancholy monuments that the Con.
stltution is not always respected
=. The prudent prohibitionist will dc
= what he can to make enforcement as
= easy as possible, and will not be dis
posed to insist on action that will
result in keeping within our gates :
:. large garrison of the enemy.
The Composer of "Robm Hood