Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-06-16
A COMPLEX PROBLEM

The confusion arising in connec-
ton with the ruling that foreign ships
visiting our ports may not make their
dietary arrangements in accord with
the laws Of their respective countries
is naturally embarrassing, not only to
those who have the administering Of
the laws but to American people gen.
orally. AS people we are not so
unreasonable in our intentions. But
II the conclusion of those who declare
the decision of the court is based on
the amendment to the Constitution
itself rather than upon the Volstead
law be correct no immediate relief is
in sight. If, on the other hand, it is
possible to relieve the situation by
congressional legislation this would
seem the logical thing to do. The
nonchalence manifested by foreign
governments respecting the insolent
attitude Of ships flying their flags on
the three-mile limit has been provok-
ing. Notwithstanding this, it hardly
seems inspiring Of respect abroad to
bargain over making a correction,
though the occasion might we'll serve
to remind the foreigner Of certain OBJ
legations he also is under with respect
to courtesy to a country that is try
ing to enforce it's laws.
A noticeable feature Of such indig-
nation as Is heard in this country
with regard to the dry ship ruling is
that it chiefly arises in quarters
whence none came on account of for
eign aid to. liquor smugglers. And
the foreign governments, now annoy
ed by the dry ship ruling, have all
along protested that they could not do
anything to prevent this encourage
ment of smuggling. The suggestion
OF twelve-mile limit may not be
feasible. 1t might, as contended, re-
suit in making certain international
waters territorial, though it would
seem that by treaty this might be
made to apply to special conditions
without establishing embarrassing
precedents, assuming, Of course, there
was a mutual purpose to be fair.
Many seemingly insoluble problems
have been and may be solved If ap-
preached in tho right spirit. In this
matter Of liquor regulation in this
country the foreigner has not evinc-
ed sympathy and indirectly has made
a profit from the illegal liquor trade.
In those countries the power Of the
liquor interests is entrenched and
exercises an influence inimical to pro-
hibition in this country.
But the liquor influence is not the
only one operating In England,
France and Italy. Not only may there
be found people in those countries in
sympathy with efforts to alleviate
the curse of alcohol but also, and
doubtless in greater number. those
who would not interfere with the
laws Of another country. who realize
what an unneighborly and mischiev-
Gus influence that must be. So it is
extremely desirable that these people
be informed as to the exact situation
in this country; be assured that it
was not the intent of our people to
interfere with their laws aboard ship;
that the question was raised and TAX
en- to the court by one Of the great
brewing concerns in this country, or
its representative, and not by radical
"drys". They should understand the
limitations under which our authori-
ties are compelled to act, the Difficult
ties we have to encounter.
No effort should be spared to make
the situation clear to the people of the
countries affected. It is gratifying,
especially in this connection, to learn
that a temperance organization in
Holland has sent representatives to
this country and Canada for the pur-
pose Of investigating on the ground
the effect Of our laws; that at the end
of two months tour they report that
prohibition in America is a marked
success, Notwithstanding compare.
lively small amounts are expended
for prohibition education and enforce
ment.