The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-11-20
Modification of the VOIstead Act
VIII Be Sought.
National Association Is in Ses-
sion at st. Louis. (
ORGANIZE IN EVERY STATE
Claim Recent Election a Victory
for Wine and Beer.
Not a Third Party, But "Wet"
PIanks Is Chief Object.
tBy The Associated Press

ST. Louis, Nov. 2o.-Plans for a
campaign, the ultimate object of
which would be repeal of the pro-
hibition amendment. were discussed
here today at the first meeting of
secretaries of the various state
branches of the association opposed
to the prohibition amendment. The
first step, it was explained, will be to
have the law amended so that it will
be more acceptable to the 'wets'' and
at the same time conform to the
eighteenth amendment, prohibiting
the manufacture or sale Of intoxicat-
ing liquors.
W. H. Stayton, of Baltimore, gen.
eral director of the association, ex-
pressed the personal opinion the first
procedure should be to amend the
law so juries would have the power
to determine what is and what is not
an Intoxicating beverage. Mr.. Stayton,
a former naval officer, is head of a
steamship line.
Repeal Law Ultimately.
Ultimately, of course, we seek the
repeal of the eighteenth amendment" "
Mr. Stayton emphasized. Mr.. Stayton
explained that active campaigns would
be conducted to have the state and
national conventions of the Demo-
cratic and Republican parties insert
wet planks in their platforms. Par
ticulap efforts will be made to elect
Jersey, New York, Maryland and Min
nesota, Mr.. Stayton said adding that
these were considered pivotal states
I'VE will endeavor to convince the
leaders of the two principal parties
that thier chances of success depend
upon the inclusion of wet planks in
their platforms Mr.. Stayton added.
1t is probable, Stayton amplified,
that a part of the associations pro-
gram will be to have some member
nf IL r,s.k-
gress represent the associations in
terest in that body.
An Issue in 1924.
Predictions were made by delegates
that the liquor question probab
would be the principal issue of the
1924 presidential election as a result
of claims being made that the 'iwets''
won a sweeping victory in the recent
general election.
Denial that a third major political
party favoring amendment of the Vol
stead act was planned, was made by
delegates who said that wet candidates
of either the Republican or Demo-
cratic parties would be supported and
that where candidates of both major
parties were found not suitable, an in
dependent nominee would be sup
ported by. the association
''Wet'' PIanks Chief Aim
George S. Vest. secretary of the Mis-
souri, branch of the organization. as
serted that the chief aim of the asso-
citation was to bring about the inser-
ton of wet" planks, in the platforms
of beth Democratic and Republican
parties.
William L. Fish, who assisted in the
election of Governor Edwards of New
Jersey to the United States senate on
a Eight wines and beer Platform. en-
phasized that the prohibition question
would be the principal issue in the
next general election
People all over the country are
clamoring for a chance to- express
themselves on the prohibition ques-
ton" he said. when the national
platforms are constructed this Ques-
ton will come up and neglect of IL
Will be construed as an indication that
the offending party is dry
Majority Wants Modification.
''The November elections proved the
large law abiding majority of our pop
u-ation wants modification of the
Volstead act. which will permit bev-
erages of light alcoholic content
I'VE have no desire to get into any
thing like a third party movement but
believe that the two great parties will
see their way clear to settle the wet
and dry question"