The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1920-06-25
WET PLANK TO BE MAIN
SHOW is OPINION
Burleson Demands Repeal Of "Dras.
tic and Absurd" Provisions of
Volstead Act.

oUEle8On DeN16uoS NcPSA1 Oh ASoo-
tic and Absurd Provisions Of
Volstead Act.
San Francisco, June 22.-Postmas-
ter General Burleson's statement to-
day at San Antonio regarding DEM
ocratic platform issues drew partlcu-
lar attention among party leaders
here for the national convention next
week, because of it's frank declara-
tion for modification of the Volstead
prohibition enforcement act.
Mr.. Burleson's demand for repeal
of drastic and absurd" provisions OF
the act, expressed in more direct
fashion views which some of the
party leaders now here previously
had voiced privately. Coming from
member of President Wilson's cab
met, the statement was regarded as
a possible intimation Of the admins
tration's attitude on the prohibition
issue before the convention.
Senator Glass of Virginia, who IS
due here tomorrow, is understood TO
have been entrusted with a formal
expression of President Wilson's
views as to the platform. On otner
occasions, however, the postmaster
general has been the direct spokes.
m man of the president on important
issues and Democrats here were IN
clined to take his expression as to the
prohibition plank as more than
Statement of his own views.
M.y Outriyal League.
The preliminary convention DIS
cussion in progress here, WINE
wholly informal in character, mas
shown a striking unanimlty OF opln.
ion on two points thus far: The hrst
of these is that the platform strug-
ole will be the real fight of the con-
yention: the second, that the prohlol-
tion blank will be the chief issue IN
tbat fieht. outrivaling the league OF
nations declaration in interest aiiioi'e
the delegates. u p.,,on
o1readv is standing directly opposed
- ~ President Wilson's views as to the
nartv m attitude. That dates back 70
no M jackson Day dinner when Mr.
Wilson xn; urged that the Democrats
enter the campaign on the issue o.
rst;f;cation of the league covenant
without. material reservations. ;,s+ imt
former secretary of state stooa juss
40 strongly for acceptance OF 1ne
Pennhlican reservations as a basis OF
rs+;fcation and in order to keep the
1eanne covenant out of the cam
paign. o4or,on+ is to
he accepted as representing 1 sne
nresident's views on prohlbltlon' deit
coates said, it now was evident tnat
Ryvan and the administration forces
were TO clash over that plank in the
narty platform, Mr.. Bryan's views
bave been know to be rigidly against
anv weakening of the prohibition
laws There is also, it was said, a
tb;rd noint on which the president
and his former secretary mlgnt lock
horns at the convention. 1t was re-
called that when the president ask
ed congress for authority to accept a
mandate over Armenia under the
league of nations, Mr.. Bryan prompt
" issued statement in fiat opposl-
ton to such program; II mas Deeh
regarded as possible that the presl-
dent might seek to have the conven-
tion endorse his course as to Armenia
and If so. it was said, the Nebraska
leader could be expected to exert MS
influence against such action.
No Conferences Yet.
Pending arrival of Senator Glass,
Mr. BurIeson and Mr.. Bryan, all OF
whom will reach the convention, CITY
during the week, the few party ieao-
ers and delegates already on the
Ground have been exchanging only
eossipy comment and expressions OF
personal opinion on issues to come
m There have been no conferences
az vet. and there is still little actlyi-
tv among workers for various candl-
dates for the presidential NOMINATION
to distract attention from the plat
form outlook. n
Headquarters for John W. Davis
of West Virginia were opened To-Day
and the first literature in behalf OF
the claims of candidates was put OUT
hv his supporters. Some poster work
for Governor Edwards of New Jersey
also was done, supplementing that
for Attorney General Palmer, but
presidential row has not as yet be, .3,
come even a shadow of what it Will
he or what it was during the Repub-
lican convention at Chicago.
In any event there is little posi-
bility that candidates headquarters al xhs
will take as prominent part in the
San Francisco convention as was tne
case in Chicago. The Chicago con-
yention was unique in that respect
with Senator Johnson, Gen; WOOD
Gov. Lowden and others OF the actlVe
contenders for the nomination IN per
sonal charge of their camps, Mnne ae
Senator Harding, the party nominee
also was on the scene and shared IN
conferences which led to his selec-