Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-06-21
Alacrity of Both Branches in Introducing Anti
Measures to Head Off Regulations in Keep
ing with Palmer Ruling = Volstead Anti
Beer and Tightening Up Bill in House
Special Measure Covering Same Subject by
Willis in Senate

Washington, June 20-The Senate
started a race with the House today
to outlaw medical beer. Just after
the House rules committee had con-
/ cluded long hearing on a proposal
to give the Volstead anti-beer and
general prohibition Tightening up
measure right Of way, Senator Will
lis. Republican, Ohio, introduced a
special bill containing the beer and
other uncontroverted sections of the
; Volstead bill. with the hope of hav-
;; ing it passed before the prohibition
commissioner promulgates medical
beer regulations under the opinion
handed down by former Attorney
General Palmer.
In view Of the statements by
prohibition leaders before the House
committee that they were unwilling
to re-draft the Volstead supplement
tai bill and their request that it be
expedited as emergency legislation,
there was much speculation as to
whether the Volstead or Willis meas
ure could be put through first.
No friends have appeared on the
House side in behalf Of beer as a
medicine and Chairman Campbell of
the rules committee expressed what
was regarded as the general view on
that question by declaring a bill to
prevent it's sale on a doctors pre-
scription probably would be passed
unanimously. The committee will
decide later in the week whether the
Volstead bill or any part of it shall
be given top place on the House cal
endar.
In introducing his bill, Senator
Willis said he was actuated by the
discussion and delay concerning the
bill pending in the House" In addi-
ton to prohibiting the prescription
of beer as medicine, the measure
would provide that not more than
the same amount of alcohol in wine
may be prescribed within ten days
than is now authorized for spirituous
liquors which is one-half pint.
Other provisions of the bill would
!. prohibit the issuance of more than
100 prescriptions within 80 days to
any physician for the use of spiristu-
Gus or vinous liquors as medicine
unless an emergency exists; would
prevent the further manufacture and
importation of whiskey or spirituous
80 oil
present supply is reduced to point
where it would meet the needs for
non beverage purposes and would
give the courts in Hawaii and the
Virgin Islands jurisdiction to en-
force the prohibition act.
Senator Willis said his bill en-
bodied uncontroverted issues in the
Volstead supplemental prohibition
bill now pending in the House.
Informed of the introduction OF
the Willis bill, Mr.. Volstead said:
IF it Is passed in the Senate 1
shall be glad to do anything l can
to secure it's prompt passage in the
House. That does not mean. now
ever. that I intend to abandon the
other provisions of the House bilFas
I consider them of vital importance
and necessary under the circum =
stances"
II there should be a serious delaS
In Congress on the question, it was
indicated at the treasury Depart
ment today that early consideration
would be given to the issuance OF
regulations providing for the use OF
beer for medicinal purposes.
The regulations are ready, it was
said, and could be issued quickly
unon decision to promulgate them.