Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-04-18
MAY HAVE BEER AND
WINE AS MEDICINE.
SAYS MR.. VOLSTEAD
But Care viii be Taken to See
That Prescriptions Are Not
Too Liberal.
PRIVILEGE TO BE GUARDED
Special Dispatch From Every Evenings
Washington Correspondent.


Special Dispatch From Every Evenings
Washington Correspondent
Washington, Aprn Is.~preacribing
Of beer and wine as medicine will not
be made unlawful by Congress unless
tho use of those lntoxicantH becomes
general and leads to an absolute break
Ing down Of national prohibition. This
is the prediction made by Repreaenta-
tive a. J. Volatoad Of Minnesota. chair
man of the house judiciary committee
and author Of the prohibition enforce
ment act
In discussing the recent ruling of
the Department 81 Justice that wines
and beers as well az whisky. may be
prescribed by physicians as medicine,
and the recent trend Of prohibition en-
forcement. Mr. Volstend said the coun-
try is gradually coming TO the point
whore Il demanded "A proper enforce
meut Of the law. But this sentiment.
he said. would not .toierates petty in
vaelons Of tho rights of Individuals
The dry forces are stronger 81 Con-
gress today than whom tho amendment
was originally passed. said Mr. Vol.
stead. but tho opinion prevails that this
strength viii not be used 10 HtrenRthen
the law I'm particulars recommended By
tho ardent dryB. what the sane pro-
hlbItion leaders want IL ia allow tho
enforcement act 70 remain an II ia and
they VIII insist only upon the enforce
mcnt of It's very plain provisions and
not attempt - invade the zo-caIlod
personal rights n Tho individuals
While some ~ the dry forces are in
aiating that legislation - enacted i'm
mediately. prohibiting physicians from
prearribing beer md wine there 8
dispoaition among the leaders re7ponsi-
bio for existing prohibition Legislation
r. give Tho uew ruling = trfal n aeo
hnsv t. works ont before attempting -
tighten ~ tho iaw nv specifically pro
viding that those intomcanta SHAH not
be prescribed
This does NOT mean so Mr. Voietead
polntrd out. that those rho fought fnr
and obtained the nreRnrf prohibition
iaw think haf beer nr Rinc il necos-
s4ry medicine Many of them be-
lieve that tho giving ~ pre- ripfior7s
fer beet and wine ALI prove 4 bnnme
rang n a short 'ns. and that the people
generally Wii demnnd that those in
taxioanta ho eliminated from the list of
medicines b. legislative enactment
Tho Vnistcad act. said ita author.
never contemplated the prcze.rftng ~
beer or wine ~ medicine They ara not
needed Mat iH sometimes preacribei
n tonic but there is aR much matt
u nepr hoer a. there II in real heer
Is matter ~ sfact real bocr # made
first ard the alcohol taken out either
hy vacuum or evaporation process 20
that tn near beer there are al he IN
gradients ~ real beer except The
alcohol
Mr. Noisteaf said the sentiment n
the country viii loudly demand a revo-
cation of tho regulation II doctors are
allowed f. prescribe beer or vine II
unlimited quantities When told that
the regulations drafted BY the Treasury
Department. but not yet approved.
would permit prescriptions of four and
seven-tenths gallons a month. hc de-
elared that was entirely TOO nlch.
That a only two bottles a day. he
was reminded
Well that Is more than any one
needs Mr. Volstead asserted. The
day or the open saloon il America Is
gone forever. The vets realize that
Just row they are making a drive for
beer ard VINE. realizing that they can
rot possibly get more than that and
that under the guIse OF medicine
Mr. Noistead said ne is opposed 70
transferring the prohibition enforce
ncut officers and stan from the Internal
Revenue Bureau 10 the Department Of
Justice. He contends that he Depart
uent Of Justice IS not equipped 70
handle anything of this character. that
lis function IS to enforce laws. and that
Il cannot handle the issuance Of liquor
permits and the issuance Of regulations,
such as must be issued from time 10
time. The Prohibition forces viii resist
the proposed change.