New Britain herald., 1923-06-25

need to be suggested. Yet it is some thing that we must recognize as among the menaces in this situation For State Enforcement
 The federal government ought to perform, in connection with the en- forcemept of this policy. those func- tions which are obviously within its proper province. These are comph- ance in all its aspects as it relates to international commerce, the inporta- ton and exportation of liquors. the collection of federal revenue, the pre- vention of smuggling, and in general the enforcement of the law within the proper realm of federal authority.
 But the business of local enforcement
 by states and cities, ought to be in
 the hands of the state and local au- thorities. and 1t should be executed in all sincerity and good faith, as other
 laws are presumed to be executed.
 Will Not Relax
 What I am saying must not be construed as indicating any relaxation of the national governments purpose to do its full duty in this matter have no doubt that if the burden is cast, in undue proportion upon the national authority the federal govern ment will, not only under this admin istration but under whatever others
 may come in the future, assume and discharge the full obligation. But I am pointing out that this ought not to be made necessary The national policy ought to be supported by the public opinion and the administrative machinery of the whole country. For myself, I am confident that we are passing now through the most diff cult stage of this matter. and that as time passes there will be a more will ing acceptance by authorities every where of the unalterable obligations of law enforcement, The country and the nation will not permit the law of the land to be made a byword.
 Calls It Loose Thinking
 Tt is a curious illustration of loose thinking, that some people have pro- posed, as a means to protecting the fullest rights of the states, that the states should abandon their part in enforcing the prohibitary policy That means simply an invitation to the federal governm ent to exercise powers which should be exercised by the states Instead of being an assertion of state rights, it Is an abandonment of them; 1t Is an abdication; 1t mounts to a confession by the state that it doesn't choose to govern itself but re- fers to turn the task. or consider able part of 1t, over to the federal |
 i. complete negation of state rights
 T am making my appeal in this matter to the broadest and best senti- ments of law-abiding Americans everywhere. We must recognize that there are some people on both sides of this question in whose minds it is absolutely paramount. Some would be willing to sacrifice every other con- sideration of policy in order to have their own way as to this one. This constitutes one of the most demoraliz- ne factors in the situation.
 Still Question of Politics
 II was very generally believed that he adoption of the constitutional amendment would take the question ut of our politics Thus far it has lot done so. though l venture to pre- lict that neither of the great parties will see the time, within the lives of my who are now voting citizens rhen 1t will declare openly for the epeal of the eighteenth amendment. sut despite all that, the question is .ept in politics because of the almost anatical urgency of the minority xtremists on both sides Unless trough the recognition and accep- ance of the situation in it's true light, trough effective enforcement of law " all the constituted authorities. and rith the acquiescence of the clearly oninant public opinion of the ountry, the question is definitely re- moved from the domain of palitical ction, it will continue demoraliz-l ng element in our whole public life. [ will be permanent bar to the wise of many issues utterly unrelated 10 the liquor question, IL vill be the means or encouraging dis expect for many laws II will bring isrepute upon our community. and