The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1920-06-23
lBURLESON'S DECLA-
RATION AGAINST THE
LAW INTERPRETED
Some Consider That Burle-
son Represented Presi-
dent Wilson's Views -
Both Forces Are Endeav-
oring to S tren 6 t h e n
Themselves for the Con-
flict That Seems Iney-
liable.

San Francisco. June %. Rumblings
OF Democratic discord over the prohi-
bHion issue became hourly more omi-
nous to day as delegates and party
chiefs arrived in increasing numbers
for the national convention. Hope that
the gathering storm might spend it,
self behind the closed doors of the plat
form committee virtually was aban-
doned by the leaders and they pre-
pared to face an outbreak of tempes
tuous debate on the floor of the con-
yention itself.
Such development it was agreed
everywhere would hold many dramatic
possibilities, including a further COM
plication of the uncertain outlook as
to the presidential nomination.
Already the overshadowing issue in
pre- convention conferences, the ques
tion of platform declaration against
the present bone dry" law, almost
took the whole stage for itself to-day
as the gathering delegates heard of
Postmaster General Burleson's an
nouncement for modification of the
Volstead act. By many accustomed
TO regard the postmaster general as a
political spokesman for the White
House. the development was accepted
as warning of which way the wind
IS aIyx nfatr ,a,, A,t1 x.,at,lI Eln.t~
Others among the party leaders re-
fused to take that view, but no one
here assumed to know with certainty
how the sentiments of President Will
son might be in accord with those of
Mr.. Burleson.
What everyone here does know. how
ever, is that both sides of the con
troversy are eementing their lines and
bringing their heaviest artillery for
finish fight After many conferences
in an effort TO lay a basis for har-
mony. Homer S. Cummings, the ma
tional chairman, said o-dsy it seemed
10 be "fair bet" that the question
would be taken to the convention floor
for settlement regardless of what
decision was made in the platform COM
mittee.
Closely intertwined with the prohi-
hilton question is the problem Of Sc
lecting nominee in accord with the
platform as finally agreed on, and
among many of the practical politi
cians there is feeling that the two
decisions must be settled virtually az
one stroke. So the pleas of candi-
dates managers are failing on deaf
ears for the present, while leaders get
their bearings on the more immediate
question Of bone dry or a beer plat
form.
The league OF nations disagreement,
along with several other disputed plat
form issues. has followed the question
Of candidates into temporary eclipse.
Among most of the leaders Il is agreed
that whatever trouble develops over
the treaty will be only a drop in the
bucket compared TO the prohibition
fight
"Bone Dry" Claim Majority.
Leaders Of the bone dry forces were
confident to-day that they would com
mand a good majority in the platform
committee where each state has only
one member and could keep out Of the
committee report any declaration for
change in the present law. With this
view most Of the campaign managers
privately agreed, but they declared
that when an appeal was taken 10 the
convention itself the vote would tell
o much different story. The large
states. il was pointed out. while hav
ing only one vote apiece in the com
mittee. vii have q much greater voice
IN the whole body Of delegates who
make up the final court of appeals And
most Of the largest delegations are
counted on for support by the sdvo-
Gates Of q beer plank.
A ooHplicsting feature Of q conveu-
ton hoor fight would be the unit rule. /
under which many state delegations /
are instructed 70 vote as q BODY. u /
vss suggested today. however. that /
there might be = general agreement 20 I
ist each delegate - counted according I
- hrs ouu convictions when the pro
hihition issue came 90 its FINAL show
down. On that hasi. both sides we're /
predicting victory and msnv of those
in q position 20 know werr declaring /
ths outcome w0uld bs rlose
Surre 81 the oldest headers declared. 4
g fs1 shat the division MIGHT O.
rl-ss euouEh e. make argumeaf snd 4
rratcrv o. ths oouesuiion aoor the Do
si6iHx fsrfur IN suy case. such an