The American issue. [volume] (Westerville, Ohio) 1912-19??, 1920-09-24
PROHIBITION A GREAT
MORAL ISSUE SAYS
MAJ. GEN. 0'RYAN
Points to Undoubted Benefits OF
the Dry Order as Enforced in
Late Army Camps
ISSUE CAN'T BE "DUcKEDp
Predicts Liquors Gradual Elimi-
nation as a Beverage Resulting
in Happier and Better People


in Happier and Better People
Most OF us were brought up under
the old order of things, and it is
natural that VIC should dislike inter
ference with our established customs
and habits. To most Of us the amount
of liquor VIC were accustomed to take
was harmless. Nevertheless, it is true
that for generations a great percent
age OF crime, poverty disease, and
unhappiness among our people was
traceablc to the use OF alcohol. None
but the blind and those whose self
interest obscures their judgment can
deny the record in relation to liquor.
Every former soldier here knows at
least in general way of the un-
paralleled benefit which accrued to
our army as the result OF the Prohibi
ton OF liquor at the camps, and yet
this Prohibition was declared and ell
forced not only over the protests of
those whose interests were adversely
affected, but also OF some who pro-
ic5sed to believe that a man could
not be good soldier ii liquor was
denied him.
Attempt to Bceloud Issue
Ono officer is reported TO have
stated, that j such Prohibition were
made td. eFly to his regiment there
would be mutiny | mention these
Instances in tic light OF the subsc-
quent benefits derived By the army
.from Prohibitions to indicate that
every great moral issue which comes
before the public is at times beclouded
by the influence and activities OF
takers and fools.
Most certainly, Prohibition goes to
the very soul OF our national life, and
is a moral issue. 1t is furthermore
an issue which in conscience and out
OF regard for the morals, health and
happiness OF the coming generations,
You cannot ignore. Don't duck it. Get
right on it, for as an issue it will
crop out from time to time, 50 long
as the forces OF he'll can organize
support among the weak, the selfish
and the morally blind. ! think these
sentiments reflect the conscience OF
the veterans, although they may
startlc those who arc relying upon
rum-loving army Of veterans to over
turn the law Among all the utilities
Of alcohol interests, this reliance is
the silliest OF all.
at seems to me that there are two
considerations which should prompt
every good citizen to support and up
hold Prohibition The first iss that
willie the law may be an interference,
and an unnecessary one, with our
rights. SO lar as the mass OF Us are
concerned we should nevertheless
acclaim its provisions because OF their
beneficial effect upon the great and
Substantial minority, who, without lis
Hcstraiut. might become the victims OF
alcoholic excess. In other words, in
view Of the dreadful consequences
which the record shows from the
national use OF liquor, the majority
should forgo this form OF relaxation
for the benefit OF the mass
Benefit to Postcrity
"Thc second consideration is that
the hardship, ii any hardship there
be, in the application Of this law is
/. borne wholly by those accustomed to
using liquor. Those who know moth
ing Of the use OF liquor do not suffer
annoyance by its deprivation. There
fore we should reflect that If the law