New-York tribune., 1921-12-27
Catholic Editor
Resents Attack
On Altar Wine
Church. Never Will Admit
Whimsies of Prohibition
Officer Superior 10 Chris
tian Conscience, He Says
League Will Act To-day
Anderson Also Launches APP
peal for Local Legisla.
ton to Aid Enforcement

William II. Anderson. State Super
intendent Of the Anti-Saloon League,
announced yesterday that the league
would make its formal decision to-day
regarding the question of the use of
sacramental wine IN churches. The
csgue also, he said, might have 20
make an issue Of its legislative pro
gram 10 authorize individual COM
munities to pass ordinances for the
enforcement OF Tho prohibition amend
Ment.
The report that Ralph A. Day, State
Prohibition Enforcement Director, in
tended to spply the prohibition amend
mcnt to churches and prevent the use
Of fermented grape juice in their
ceremonies brought spirited reply
from John b. Kennedy, editor of Co
lumbia' the organ of the Knights of
Columbus, who said editorially that
Catholics never would acknowledge
that a prohibition officers whimseys
are superior to the Christian con-
science"
Director Day repeated his cxplana-
TO submit to q board composed of
clergymcn ali applications for the
withdrawal of wine for sacrsmental
purposes. In his opinion. he said,
some such check on the withdrawal of
liquor for such purposes was neces~
sary, as permits had been issued to
congregations which were unrecogniZed
by any church and apparently had
been organized solely for the purpose
Of getting liquor.
Catholic Attitude Stated
r he editorial written by Mr.. Ken
nedy left no doubt that the Catholic
Church, at least would fight any at
tempt that might be made to abolish
the use of wine in the church. The
editorial follows:
THE proposed plan to abolish sacra-
mental wine is tentamount to decla-
ration that the Constitution Of the
United States will be suspended, while
the prohibition forces, possibly be-
cause they are unable to check real
attractions of the law, will conduct a
merry religious warfare. They will
align the prejudices of professors of
faiths who do not employ sacramental
wine in their rites or observances
against the faithful who do.
"Of course every Knight OF Colum-
bus and every sane citizen will oppose
this foolish attempt to invade the
most sacred beliefs OF Catholics and
other citizens. The Catholic Church,
through centuries, long before Mr.. Vol
steads genial countenance appeared
in troubled world to make il tenn
peratcly or intemperately dry, decreed
that fermented wine be part Of the
species used in the sacrifice of the
mass. Catholics Will never acknowledge
that u prohibition officers whimses are
superior to the Christian conscience.' y
Denies Religious Prejudice
Mr.. Day, in explaining his views on
the question of the use OF fermented
vines by churches. would have it
known that he has no religious preju-
dices. In the administration of his
Office as prohibition enforcement direc-
tor he desires only to satisfy all citi-
zens as far possible, he says, and
this he asserts in his reason for ask
ing for the cooperation OF church
heads in the matter of properly re-
leasing wines needed for sacramental
or rabbinicai purposes. within the best
light of the leaders Of the church, or
CARNATIONS themselves.
Mr.. Anderson said the Anti-Saloon
League would go on record to-day at
It's regular meeting as to It's stand re-
garding the sacramental wine question
He complimented Director Day as an
able and upright official. "I consider
him an honest man of good intentions. .
said Anderson.
Mr. Yellowley,' he continued, "did