Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1920-01-07
Statement From the Advisory
Committee.

Statement From the Advisory
Committee.
During the war it was thought de-
sirable to prohibit the sale of liquors
TO men in the Army and Navy in or
der that their minds might be clear
and their stamina unimpaired. There
is no question as to the wisdom of
that. Competent authorities state
that the Prohibition promoted steadi-
ness in the service The same prohi-
bition applied to civilians at home be-
cause of the necessity to conserve
foodstuffs and fuel. It was thought,
further, that under Prohibition there
would be the maximum of industrial
production. There is general agree
ment as to the good effects of Pro-
hibition in all lines of business.
The Anti-Saloon League champion
ed all the measures of Prohibition
before the people, the legislatures
and Congress. The, request from
President Wilson to Bishop Cannon,
that the Anti-Saloon League not in
sist upon certain legislation on one
occasion, proves the leadership of
that organization. 1t will be recalled
that the Anti-Saloon League imme-
,diately acceded to the Presidents
wishes. War Prohibition and Prohibi-
tion by Constitutional Amendment
are largely the result of the constant
seffors of the Anti-Saloon League
through its efforts to arouse and sus-
tain a wholesome and militant senti-
.ment for Prohibition the Anti-Saloon
League has maintained staff of leg
islative experts in Washington. 1t
has been guided by sense of obliga-
tion to build securely and permanent
ly and has not been spectacular for
the sake of applause.
Now that the War is over some of
our people are inclined to think that
the work of the, Anti-Saloon League
has been accomplished and that it
would disband. We do not think so.
This is serious time in our national
life. Upheavals of many kinds, sug-
gest to US the need for calm, sober
judgement in every walk of life. It
is desirable, we think, that no effort
be spared that may win over to an
attitude of sympathetic understand
ing and cooperation, many thous-
sand of citizens who feel that they
have been denied fundamental
right of citizenship. Those who vio-
late the law should be brought to
Justice. The campaign will build up
anew and sustain sentiment for the
law and sense of obligation to sup
port the officers in the discharge of
their duties.
The Anti-Saloon League plans to
publish in twenty-five languages the
tdcCS ABOUT lIOlllplIIoii, eAiS -AA>-'S
of alcohol on the human body and
. mind and it's demoralizing effect in
industry. The men of foreign speech
who live here have been victims of
the liquor interests which have mis-
led them. The ignorance of our Ian
guage, our laws, and our traditions
makes it necessary that they be given
the truth so that they may judge in
telligently.
Such programs are expensive.
Sympathy is desirable, but there is
need for substantial support. We are
ourselves contributing to this cam
paign, being prompted to do SO by
motives of good citizenship. We COM
mend it to you. No great cause -four
ishes spontaneously. There must be
organization and leadership. The Ii
.ouor interests are still alert and ag-
.gressive. Shall we withdraw and give
them the field?