Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-10-15
DRY HEAD POINTS
Continued from Page One)

of the most difficult centers. with
drawals OF specially denatured alco-
mol have been cut one -third in the
last six months. Much of that di-
verified has been seized and DESTROYED.
The practice in some sections at first
prevalent, of making illicit liquor in
the home, has been practically els
continued. The results We're not
worth the trouble. 'Moonshning' as
an illicit trade was struck some harsh
blows during the last year.
In the 1923 fiscal year 1912 stills
and parts Of stills and 14,346,G49 gall
Ions OF distilled spirits. malt liquors,
VINE, cider. etc, were seized. In 1924
over 5000 automobiles and more than
230 boats illegally Transporting liquor
We're seized. In 1928, 1917 automo-
piles and 1874 boats We're seized.
THE above figures do not. of
course. include seizures by state and
other local officials. Where the states
nave strong prohibition laws, our
problem is fairly easy. States like
New York. Maryland and Massa chu-
sets. winch have no state code,
practically invite the liquor crimi-
nails. The federal force was never in
tended to police the United States.
Where given cooperation by local
CInclalS and supported. by state laws,
we nave every reason to be proud of
the record made in such short time.
ONO Is one of these states. Reports
snow that Ohio is right in the front
ranks with reference to enforcement.
rms is due to the splendid support
which Director Russell receives from
the local officials. In Dayton espec-
tally, Director Russell tells me. is this
true. The vice squad and the police
department are always at the service
OF the federal department. Since Mr.
russell has been director, over three
years, about 125 persons from Day
ton and Montgomery counties have
peen prosecuted in the federal court
at Dayton and sentenced to the fed
erai penltentiary. Jail and workhouse,
ana to pay fines totalling about S25,-
900. Included in these cases was the
Szakal and RENDER whiskey RINGS,
prosecuted for conspiracy. In the
state courts, with the assistance of
local authorities, 20 persons were
prosecuted during the same period
resulting in fines of over $4,000.
prohibition has not been a drain
on the public purse. The appropria-
ton tor enforcement of the prohibit
ton law last fiscal year was $780,
800. Fines imposed on convicted vio-
Htors were over $4,000 more than
$o,00O00O of which has already been
collected and turned into the United
states treasury. Brewers paid into
the treasury nearly S1,000,00O last
year In compromise of civil liabilities
against them. To this should be adj
ded the amount of tax penalties i'm
posed on violators. exact figures for
which are not vet available. The
bootlegger is paying his own fare to
prison. Prohibition is not intended to
produce revenue from fines. 1t is.
however, paying its way in this re-
spect.
prohibition has not only repaid
the cost of it's enforcement. II has
more than replaced the lost revenue
from liquor licenses by stimulating
legitimate business. Just as a work
man can produce more and save more
when he stops drinking. so can a MAJ
ton. The taxes paid from the in
creased productivity. of industry re-
sulting from the dry law far exceed
any possible revenue from liquor Ii
cense.
There is infinitely less drinking
now than before prohibition. Certain
groups may be drinking more, but
Sney are small in comparative num-
oers. AS general national PROPOSE
ton. the claim Is absurd. The good
order obtaining at all large gather
ings during the last year is proof Of
the decreased use of beverage LIQUOR.
our streets are practically free from
DRINKS. Any one can see that. Pro-
hlbition has shown itself as a means
or pronounced public betterment and
uhquestloned economic value to the
Hatlon. In the place of the saloon
nave arisen legitimate business
houses. Crime has decreased. The.
census bureau reports that there are
iewer paupers in the almshouses to-
day than in 20 years. Money former
" spent for drink is now put in the
savings bank. Alcoholic insanity, is
az low ebb. In many states IN
eorlate hospitals have been closed
Tor lack of inmates. When liquor
was Plentiful. crime. poverty and in
SANITY menaced the nation. All of
kDese nave gone out to a marked de-
gree with the tide of booze.
TO the average thoughtful person
argument Is not necessary to prove
mat enforcement Of the prohibition
law Is effective. Anyone, anywhere
can see this for himself. But there
- so much loose talking and loose
writing about this subject that I'M
informed and unthinking people i'm
mediateiy conclude that~prohibition
y responsible for all the ills Of the
nation.
There is practically no open and
apoFe-b board drinking anywhere, and
what drinking is done is so guarded
ana done so surreptitiously that un-
der-cover or disguised agents are re-