The Donaldsonville chief., 1921-07-02
BRoUssARD's MAIDEN SPEECH.
Louisiana Senator Urges Referendum
Vote on Beer and Wine.

Vote on Beer and Wine.
United States Senator Edwin S.
Breussard proposed an amendment to
the prohibition act which would legal
ize light wine and beer in states
where the people by referendum
should approve their manufacture
and sale. In support of his amend
ment be delivered a stirring address
his first in the senate-and receiv-
ed hearty congratulations from sena-
tors, among whom were ardent pro-
Ihibitionists. Mr.. Broussard said in
part: :.
~'I am fully acquainted with the
narrowness of the rabid prohibition
| ist. I know in order to have
his way every principle of our con-
stitution was violated. know that
1.-THE bill Of rights and all amendments
to the constitution and absolute guar
antee Of the rights and liberties OF
| our people.
IT know this amendment was graft
| ed into our constitution by the minor
ity without giving the people an op-
| portunity to be heard. I know that
prohibition is a matter of police regu-
lation and has no place in the funda-
mental law. know that the inser-
tion of the eighteenth amendment, a
mere legislative measure, into our
constitution has destroyed the demo-
cratic rule of the majority and makes
| it possible for thirteen of the small
est states of this union, with a popu-
lation Of less than 100000 Of peo-
pie, to rule the other 100, 100000 of
our people on this matter.
"Many sincere prohibitionists have
changed thier minds about this mat
ter. have in mind one of the lead
| ing prohibitionists in my own state.
shall use his case as an illustration.
/ He was sincere prohibitionist and
idealist. AS an economic PROPOSE
tion he thought he would. get more
out of labor if he took drink away.
/ He was happy when the eighteenth
amendment was finally adopted.
| After this short period, since it's adop-
tion, this man has changed his mind.
"Just before | left home last jan
uary this man came to my office and
laid before me program for its re-
peal which he pleaded with me to pre-
sent to congress and the finance COM
mittee.
Congress might just as well look
upon the question in a practical way
Had it done so originally, | am sure
the enactment would have had the
support Of many good citizens in its
enforcement who now have perfect
contempt for the present law on the
subject and less respect for the gov
i ernment.
> "The congress enacted the white
/, slave law. This law denounced tha
which also is denounced by the mora
, law. Have the large organization
back Of the white slave movemen
ever asked for special bureau witt
4 thousands of employees and million
d Of dollars to enforce the law
]. think not.
: rape, murder, arson, and other de
E eitestable crimes which are crimes pc
n Sc. Have these great moralists an
g uplifters ever asked for millions t
r enforce these laws? I think not.
= Therefore, if it requires large
special force to enforce the nationa
prohibition act, it is because it's term
!. are too drastic. Let us hberalize tn
= law and there will be no more trouble
y Let us return to the good Democarti
;. principal of local self--governmen1
e It is the anchor Of our security an
1 hope for future welfare and great
!. ness.