New-York tribune., 1920-05-09
Butler Opposes
Saloons Return
I'm His, Platform
Urges Liberal Enforcement
of Volstead Law, Holding
That to Forbid Domestic
Use of Beers Is Unfair
Rigid Economy Asked
Would Return Unnecessary
Government Employees
tOIndusfriesT That Produce

Nicholas Murray Butler, president Of
Columbia University, an aspirant for
the Republican nomination for Presi-
dent, made statement yesterday for
general publication with reference to
his ideas on a national Republican plat
form, in which ne opposes the return Of
the saloon, but urges a liberal enforce
ment of the Volstead law, holding that
to prohibit the domestic use Of beers
and light wines is unreasonable.
The leading features of his platform
follow:
Restore to the people their American
form of government. Bring executive
sutocracy to an end. Substitute CO.
operation with the Congress for dicta-
tion to the Congress.
Attack the high cost of living at its
main source, which is the high cost of
government. Instead of planning new
taxes, effect rigid economy that will make
present excessive taxes unnecessary Bring
back the American notion that govern
ment is something to live under and not
something to live on. Return to pro-
ductive industry the tens of thousands
OF unnecessary government employees,
who, at Washington and throughout the
country, are carrying on huge bureau
cratic system and spying upon the life
and occupations Of law abiding citizens
in a fashion that would do credit to the
secret police under the Russian Cars.
Favors Executive Budget
forcement the proposal for an exccu-
tive budget.
Reduce, as speedily as can safely be
done, the unduly expanded volume of
the end that monopoly, unfair practices
and profteering may be stopped.
Resist all attempts to plunge the peo-
pie into the mad folly of government
ownership and operation of railways.
Aid in all possible ways the move
ment toward what is vaguely described
as industrial democracy. It's essentials IS
are participation by the hand worker
in the settlement of the terms and con-
ditions upon which their cooperation
in productlce industry will be cheer
fully given.
Make it plain that public interest is
supreme and that, while no man can
be compelled to work against his will,
no group or section Of the community,
whether having capital. skill or man
uai labor to contribute to its service,
or to paralyze it while an industrial
controversy is awaiting settlement.
Protect Natural Resources
Give constant and increasing protec-
tion to the natural resources OF the ma
credit, with the inflated currency and
high prices built upon it. Begin the
payment OF the war debt.
Promote measures to establish eff
fectitve supervision of "big business" tc
ton, to the end that these may not be
westefully dissipated.
Promote by precept and by example
every movement to improve the health
the housing and the education of the
people, without yielding to the tempta
ton to build up a bureaucracy at
Washington.
Provide the nation with a merchant
marine, flying the American flag and
operated by American seamen, by en-
couraging private initiative in ship
building and ship operation
Resist every attempt to bring back
the saloon, whose abolition as a public
nuisance and source of immortality has
given profound public satisfaction. Dis
place the Volstead act by measure
written without fanaticism for the en-.
forcement of the Eighteenth Amend
ment on the basis of fact, common sense
justice and regard for established prin