The Washington times., 1923-10-15
OFFENDERS
ARE AIDED,
He SAYS
Churchman at Citizenship
Conference Urges Appoint
ment of Commission.

~ SSttutuSSbSsS
Just when a local enforce
ment squad becomes effective,
somebody in Washington decides
there is a need of change in per-
sonnet for the good of the serv-
ive.' Just when a strong case
has been worked up against pow
erful offenders; mysterious influ-
ences begin to work from Wash
Ington and the case withers
away"
Urges Investigation.
1ntimating -thatt the Federal
authorities in the National Capital
work hand in hand with certain
influences" the Rev. DIR. Charles
II. Zahniser, executive secretary of
the Pittsburgh Council of Churches,
urged that a fact-finding committee
Be appointed to put the spotlight
on such influences" at the open
ing session Of the citizenship con-
ference today.
Just when some official is
shown up in our local communities
suits, the case goes to Washington
and is conveniently lost in endless
red tape" charged Rev. Zahniser.
I'VE get all sorts OF explanations,
assurances, cross references and
aIiols ad nauseam, but we don't get
results. And we don't know for
certain what the facts are"
Churches are firing.
Oh I,
ing Of smoke screen, camouflage
and alibi," it has been receiving
In the past three years.
Adroit political propaganda has
been used effectively in the
churches and has sent them bark
ing up the wrong tree" declared the
speaker. Only constant publicity
can change this condition, he as
serted.
The Rev Clarence A. Barbour
D. D., president of the Rochester
Theological Seminary, told of the
contempt in which college students
held the liquor laws. Reports from
the committees on educational pol
ICY. and recommendations and fu-
eure policy. were heard.
Would Teach Temperance.
In the report Of the committee
on temperance education, it was
pointed out that the cause of
prohibition may receive a serious
setback" If the danger of indul-
gence in Intoxicating beverages is
not expounded for at least ten
years. The International Sunday
school lesson committee, of the
church temperance agencies. was
called upon to carry on such a
program for the next decade.
ut is vitality important that
there be a comprehensive and per-
sistent campaign to change the
IDEAS and customs of society with
reference to the use of alcoholic
liquors" according to the report.
"Just now there is a disposition
on the part of some people to dis
regard the prohibition and even
show contempt for the law.
In some groups it is regarded
as good form ana or even as half
heroic to circumvent the law and
10 use alcoholic liquors: and this
even among those who pride them.
selves on their culture and social
standing. There must be a change
here II prohibition Is to be per-
manent and effective"
The delegates will vote on the
report today.
BOrah to Speak.
William z. Borah will speak this
afternoon on the possibility Of multi
fication of the American Constitu.
ton. His subject IS Shall the Con-
stitution of the United States BE
Nullified?"
Crooked politics is the prime
cause of the fragrant violations Of
the Eighteenth Amendment in this
country. Gov. Clifford Pinchor, Of
Pennsylvania, speaking at the CON
ference yesterday, charged Presi-
dent Coolidge was urged to take
over the reigns OF prohibition en-
forceHent for more efficient en-
forceme1t.
fragrant DisObedience Cited.
There is another reason whv the
President should take personal
charge" declared Governor Pfncbot
mot only has the political ham.
string of the Federal enforcement
service had It's seat in Washington
but it is notorious that disobedi.
ence to the Eighteenth Amendment
has been fragrant in the CapitaI
City.
STORIES are innumerable Of the
active practice and encoura cement
of law breaking by officials high in
the Government OF the United
States. We cannot expect other
communities to respect and obey
the law IL the Capital of the Nation