The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-01-16
LOSES HIS THRONE
King Booze Dep0rted From Z,
S. at Midnight.
Not Enough Liquor for Would
Be Celebrators.

Washington, Jan. 16.-Constitution-
al prol1ibition-the dream of reform
ers for more than century-becomes
a reality at minute after midnight
tonight in every nook and corner of
the United States and its possessions.
From fhe land on which he was
once so popular. John Barleycorn is
today being formally deported by the
constitution. Virtually the only cele-
brations to commemorate the sailing
of the Barleycorn lark" are jubila-
tions of prohibitionists in various
cities, who confidently predict he viii
never return. His friends are still
pinning their faith on one hope-that
the supreme court somehow will find
constitutional prohibition invalid.
A force of 1,40O special prohibition
agents. backed by other government
officials, will start tonight to enforce
Wartime prohibition had many leaks
but the nation will be bone-dry under
the amendment, Daniel Roper, COM
missioner of internal revenue, pre-
dicted today, the VOlstead law as ap-
piled to constitutional prohibition Civ
ing the government much Sreater
powers.
Inventory All Stocks.
The first work of enforcing the
amendment will be to take a complete
inventory of all liquor stocks in the
country. All holders OF nquor except
that in private homes for personal
use. must report it Immediately to the
bureau of internal revenue There are
heavy penalties for failure to do SO.
Preliminary reports to the bureau
indicate that huge stocks are still in
the country, the owners having failed
to export any large quantity.
The bureau today estimated the
rf fsl- OF ciyfV million ga l.
Ions, or only a few million less than
at the time the supreme court dis
PEELED hopes for its sale in this coun-
try by upholding prohibition on De-
cember Is.
Kentucky having more liquor in
bond than any other state, exported
only 100000 gallons during Decem-
ber.
What will become of this liquor is
up to congress. it was stated at the
bureau today and the general opinion
at the capitol is that it's destruction
will be ordered. s
New York, Jan. 16.-The bibulous
fraternity in New York having stayed
up all night at the wake of John Bar
leycorn in the cafes and hotels along
the White way, put on its deepest
mourning today in preparation for the
final obseQuies at midnight.
The revelry in the fashionable ho-
tells and restaurants last night was de-
clared to have put a shame on all pre-
vious celebrations of a similar nature
in New York. But the mourners de-
ciared that last nights affair was only
tuning up process for the last
farewell tonight. Liquor brought al
most unbelievably high prices but that
/ apparently was the least of the wor-
ries of the thirsty.
While the swan song for demon rum
is being chanted tonight there will be
celebrations of different character
in many churches Special services
will be held and chimes at midnight
will ring out the old and ring in the
new"
Chicago Is Dry
Chicago. Jan. 16.-Tonight will
the end of the world for old man A
! Cohol as far as Chicago is concerned
No great celebrations by the drys d
! mourning parties by the vets were II
prospect. Hotel and cafe manager.
stated there might be a few public
mourners. but the funeral for the mos
part would be private.