The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-05-08
ROGERS WOULD OPEN PROHIBITION FIGHT AT EXTRA SESSION
Asks Governor Kilby to Care fully Consider the Question to Make Law Conform to
 VoIStead Act

Florence, May 7--(Specfal.) } )---State Senator B. A. Rogers of Florence has addressed the following conmunica- asking that if special session of the legislature be called. that he urge that the state prohibition laws be made to conform to the Volstead act;
 Dear Governor--Representi as do the people of the First senatorial district of Alabama, I take this op- portunity to make request in their behalf, which, in my opinion, if com piled with, will lead to greater re- spect for the state laws and their bet ter enforcement.
 .The apparent conflict between the state prohibition acts, known as the Weakley bills and the federal act, called the volstead law, has led to endless confusion In this state. and in many Instances an unfortunate dis regard for both of these prohibitory measures.
 'In view of the widespread demand for an extraordinary session. of the legislature, to resubmit the good roads bond issue amendment nullified by the decision of the supreme court, and evident appreciation of the importance of some such action on your part, it is assumed that there will be another session of the legislature during the present year.
 "The purpose of this communica- ton Is to request that you recommend in your message calling the legislature the passage of an act making the state prohibition laws conform to the Vol stead act.
 You will recall that the states old bucket shop" law was amended in this manner, so that the state law might conform to the marketing pro- visitors of the Smith-Lever act, regu- latingA the sale of cotton futures. Sure ly. anything that legally may be done in the interest of trade might also be done in the interest of morals and justice
 "Or if in your opinion, this measure might jeopardize the passage of the highway amendment bill, may I not urge in behalf of the people whom Lave been elected to represent, that you, who are at the head of the law enforcement power of the state, de- mand that the state law be so con strued as to conform with the pro- visions of the Volstead act. whenever this may be done without violation of both the letter and spirit of the state laws?
 Finally. permit me to suggest that you give this entire subject most care ful study and investigation, in order that your message to the next suc- ceeding legislature may enbody such recommendations as will correct the evils growing out of conflicting and divided authority in prohibition en- forcement which too often results in disregard for such laws. as well as an injustice to many of UT citizens.
 Your excellenoy needs not to be reminded that the people of the First senatorial district are among the fore most of the state in patriotism and in their love for Ala bama and it's in- stitutions. among the most sacred of which they hold liberty and justice. In the desire for better law enforcement they are not behind the citizens of any other section of this state. For these reasons. governor feel that I speak for the great majority of my fellow citizens in this district when making the request and suggestions contained Tn this letter"