Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1922-03-14
Rum Dead Issue.
Jeferis' Reply
toQuery Letter
Many More Pressing Matters
Facing Nation, Congress.
man Says in Answer 10
Friend Lawyer. I
BY z. c. SNYDER


! Washington Correspondent Of The BeeD
Washington, Marc; i5.-(SpecialD
Replying to a letter from X. Nj.
| Proudit. attorney OF Friend, Neb.,
as TO his views on the 18th amend
men;, the Nolstead law, the enforce
mcnt thereof. and the power OF con-
gross 10 legislate on tho dry" qucs-
tion. Congressman A. w. Jefferis. as
candidate for United States senator
on the republican ticket. expresses
opposition to any effort TO make this
issue dominant ono in the coming
campaign and points out the many
more pressing matters facing the
farmer and business man of the
state.
Congressman Iefferis outlines
fully his reasons for voting against
the Nolstead law when it was be-
fore congress and takes the position
that his future votes on this question
viii depend entirely upon how the
law works out asserting that his
high. regard for the Office OF United
States senator and self respect, pre-
vent his pledging himself TO either
vets or drys in an effort TO gain
votes or play upon the passions and
appetites of the people.
The letter follows:
Untimely and Unfortunate.
i have your favor OF february ~
and III reply permit me to .ay that
shall deprecate any attempted mice
ton of the liquor question into the
coming republican primary.
1T would, in my opinion, be most
untimely and unfortunate to aggra-
vatc or make such issue dominant
when there are so many more press
ing matters affecting the welfare OF
the nation, and the middle west in
particular, which cry for solution
through action of the republican
party to adjust the perplexing condi-
tions following the war.
Among these are cheaper and
adequate transportation by rail and
water, especially the Great Lakes
St. Lawrence project, without which
the middle west cannot hope for per-
mancnt prosperity; betterment of
agricultural conditions, securing, il
possible. more stable and compensa-
tory prices for livestock, grain and
other products OF the soil; revival OF
industry and employment OF men
and betterment of the domestic mar
kct; need for millions of houses to
provide shelter for the people OF the
nation, and their immediate con-
struction is of great moment; cstab-
lishmcnt of merchant marine for
the extension of our foreign trade,
providings markets for surplus prod
ucts of farm and factory; irrigation
of millions OF acres in Nebraska and
other western states should be foS-
tered: lessening of bureaus aud COM.
missions, and an economical admin
istration OF the affairs OF govern
ment.
"These are but few OF the many
vital problems which in my opinion
are more urgent than the liquor
problem.
your first three questions ask my
attitude toward the 18th amendment,
the NoIstead law, and the enforce
ment thereof. | shall consider and
state them together
after the legislatures OF the sew
cral states had ratified the 18th
amendment it became part OF the |
constitution and as such must be re-
spected and given effect the same as
other provisions OF that instrument. !
1t is binding upon all legislative bod
les, courts, public officers and indi- |
viduals.
"The Nolstead law is the legisla-
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