The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1922-06-15
BY A O. HAYWARD

WASHINGTON. June Is. - Presi
dent Hardings long cherished plan
for the dev slopment Of the Ameri-
can merchant marine today was
threatened with defeat unless the
government takes irnn nediate steps
to stop the sale OF intoxicating
liquor on United States shipping
board vessels.
Members OF the House who are
opposed to the Harding -Lasker ship
subsidy bill on general principles
prepared to form J. coalition with
the ardent prohibitionists to put
through an amendment barring
ships which carry liquor from the
benefits of the subsidy legislation.
Republican leaders plan to block
this move by establishing a form of
cloture in tho House to prevent
such an amendment from being con-
sidereds but 1t was evident today
that Chairman Laskers policy of
selling liquor on government ships
is to be attacked SO vigorously in
both branches of congress that the
administration may be forced to
alter this policy or TO establish
definitely its legality through a
new ruling by the Department of
Justice. pending a decision by the
United States Supreme court
II the Democrats in tie House find
it impossible to attach the prohibit
tion rider to the ship subsidy bill
they hope to stage fight on that
issue which will prevent enactment
OF the shipping legislation during
the present session OF congress.
House leaders admit that the ex-
ceedingly precarious situation IN
which the administrators ship sob
sidy bill has rested for severai
weeks is even more complicated to-
day because OF tho charges CT
Adolphus Busch that the United
States IS the biggest bootlegger in
the world. Even II the admins
tration should bow to the will OF
the "drys" and agree to stop selling
liquor on government vessels. ship
ping authorities declare the devei-
opment OF the merchant marine
would be placed IN jeopardy because
American ships could not compete
with British vessels which are per-
mitted to diepense liquor.
The Anti Saloon League declares
this problem could be solved by pro-
hitting all ships-Anerican or for
eign from carrying intoxicants
within the three mile limit Wayne
3. Wheeler. general counsel for the
league, says such prohibition is pro-
vided through recent decisions of
the Supreme court In interpreting
the volstead act.
The enforcement Of the law as
recently upheld by the Supreme
court will destroy most OF the dis
elimination complained OF between
foreign vessels which could carry
liquor and American vessels which
could not" Wheeler said today.
When foreign ship cannot come
within our borders with any bev-
erage liquo- on board. American
shipping will have a better chance .
Despite all the agitation that has
been aroused as the result of the
controversy betwee Adolphus
Busch and the government over the
sale of liquor. Republican Leader
Mondell and other administration
leaders were driving ahead with
their plans to get the ship subsidy
bill through the House as early as
possible. They have under consid-
GRAFTON plan to call a Republican
caucus to get uniflcation of action
on the shipping lesisla ton.
Senator Willis. Republican OF
Ohio. and other dry" leaders today
reiterated their dsa.a aads fer a
change in the governments liquor
selling policy and were expected ta
carry Their fsht direct to the White
House.