The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-09-25
GOVERNMENT
TO CONSIDER
RUM RUNNING
Harding and Cabinet to take
Tangled Question Which
Threatens to Become Issue
With England.
MAY ASK new LAWS
BY L. c. MARTIN
Omitted Press staff Corresponcent)

UNITED Press staff CorresponGent)
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25-Presi-
dent Harding and his cabinet late this
week will consider the tangled ques-
tion of international rum running
which threatens to become an issue
between the United States and Great
Britain.
In addition to diplomatic negotia-
tions with the British government in
an effort to bring about an Under
standing concerning the governments
right TO board rum carrying ships fly
ing the British flag, the cabinet may
decide to ask congress for legislation
al the special session in November
more clearly defining the powers of
: the various departments with regard
to Illegal liquor shipments.
Clash of Authority
Not only is there a difference. be-
tween this government and the Brit
ish. but within this government itself
serious clashing of authority exists,
apparently, which officials admit is
hampering the war on liquor SNUG
Cling via Atlantic ports and the Can
adian border
Further, the sale of liquor on ship
ping board vessels, under the approval
of Chairman Lasker, of the shipping
board, has complicated the situation
This government, some cabinet mem
bers feel, is in no position to urge
upon Great Britain the prevention of
rum smuggling in British ships so long
as a clear violation of the prohibition
laws aboard the government-owned
ships is approved by an officer of the
United States government.
To Discuss Plan.
At tomorrow's cabinet meeting
plan of cooperation among govern
ment departments to stop liquor SNUG
Cling will be discussed. This plan was
worked out by committee represent
ing the departments of justice. labor
and commerce and the treasury, all
of which have something to do with
the prevention of smuggling.
immigration Commissioner Hus-
band headed the committee. In his
report Husband pointed out that the
Canadian and Mexican borders over
which much smuggling comes, are pa
trolled by six different government
agencies, namely the United States
the prohibition enforcement, the i'm
migration, the coast guard and the
federal horticultural service.
Urges Coordination.
Husband, pointing out that they all
worked Independently, urged the neces-
sity of coordination of their person
mel and functions so that an effective
patrol against smuggling both of
aliens and liquor can be maintained.
He suggested the various patrolling
divisions be given international pow
ers so that any of them may be used
against bootleggers.
The investigation by the department
committee showed, Husband said, that
bootlegging along the Canadian and
Mexican borders, "rivalled the days
when piracy was in full swing.
While the need for cooperation to
stop the border traffic is thus being
emphasized. the international part or
the problem, as represented in the
negotiations with Great Britain, Of
fered an even knottier problem.
Reply Expected
4 reply from Great Britain TO the re-
cent American note suggesting a mu-
tual agreement for the search of sus-
pected vessels beyond the three mile
limit was momentarily expected. In
official circles it was feared that the
Britain note would not be entirely sat
isfaetory The British are understood
to feel aggrieved over the case of the
steamer Onward, which the Rum Ma
w tried to board last week beyond
the emile limit, off New York.
The British captain, turning his
searchlight on the British flag dared
the officers to come on. They retired
II was later explained by prohibition
enforcement agents that they did not
attempt themselves TO board the On
ward. bnt sent customs office author
itv to board vessels beyond the three
mile limit. In some government quar-
ters. the question was being asked to
day why this customs officer, if he had
authority 10 board the Onward. retreat
ed in the face of the British captains
attitude.
May Bar Liquor
One result of the present situation
il was broadly intimated in official
circles. may be the barring of all liquor
from shipping board vessels, so that
the government may not be opeS tC
the imputation of winking at viola
ton of its own officers, while insist
ing that other governments must hell
in the enforcement of that law.
When congress takes up the prohi
bition enforcement question again
prohibition commissioner Haynes viii
ask for SO, 125 90 for enforcement work
This is about the same as was appro
priated for the current fiscal year
While more could be used Hayne:
said. the sum to be asked will permi
carrying on the work at its presen
rate. This will include maintenance
nf the "r1m navy"