New Britain herald., 1926-09-27
MILLS KEYNOTE IS
 ON PARTY HARMONY
Tells New York Republicans Split Would Aid Democrats
REFERS TO DRY FACTION

tcrmlne Will Of MaJOr1ty-Op-
 posed to Govt. Operating Water
 Power Rights.
 New York. Sept 27 Pl-Lack of harmony within the New York state republican ranks over the prohlbl- tion question will seriously endanger chances Of the party's success at the polls this fall, Representative Ogden L. Mills frankly warned delegates to the republican state convention in his keynote speech today.
 Plea To Republicans.
 Let those sincere republicans who are thinking Of bolting the par ty out Of pique on single issue," he cautioned, consider as patriotic citi- zens whether they have a right to contribute to Tammany success this year. Perhaps no greater opportun- ity will ever come to them or deal deadly blow to republiCanism in this state. Let them search their hearts and their ConsCiences before they strike"
 Hits At Dry Factions.
 Although no names were mention ed, the warning was regarded as be- ing aimed at the republican dry fac tions which have nmed independent candidates for at least two offices, in answer to what they consider the wet views of United States Senator James W. WadsWorth, acknowledged leader Of the republican party in the state.
 Deals With Wet Issue.
 Himself regarded as a moderate wet, Congressman Mills dealt at length with the prohibition situa- tion-in New York state and in the nation at large. The question:" he declared, lis a social and economic one, but it can be decided dispas- sionateily in the light of reason, knowledge and experience, rather than bia the emotional route.
 Says Violation Is Rampant.
 Certain facts can be accepted at the outset,' he continued. "Prohibi- ton of alcoholic beverages is part of the constitution of the United States. Tho law intended to enforce the constitutional provision was written by it's most jealous support CTS. After six years of trial, the con- stitution and law are violated on an unprecedented scale, with numerous, consequent and attendant evils. Pub lie opinion is divided, propagandists are tuuously active and politicians seek to capitalize the issue for per- Sonal ends. The controversy grows bittercr day by day. We are in q state of confusion in which it is hard to see the light.
 Believes In Referendum.
 Under such conditions" asserted Mr. Mills, The republican legisla turc at its last session was right in adopting the wet and dry referen- dunn proposal. It was the only sound course to pursue" He believed, Ito go back to the original source of all authority and consult the people themselves
 Interpretation of the popular vote on the referendum will raise no ser ious question, the keynote speaker added.
 Majority Will Wanted.
 If the proposal is beaten at the polls," he said, the majority will bo,a janlor ral tl,a1pca1,1s tn ba cot isfed with the eihteenth amend mcnt as interpreted and enforced by the Nolstead act. This would be a clear mandate to the party in pow CT to enact a state enforcement act along the lines of the federal statute. We should pledge ourselves to obey that mandate.
 If, on the other hand, the pro- posal carries, the people of this state will have uttered a definite protest against existing conditions; they will have advised the nation that in their judgment the discretion and author ity contemplated by the amendment itself should be granted to the states,
  between the federal and state gov ernments in harmony with the scheme of our whole governmental structure.
 They will have decided that un- der existing conditions they do not desire to duplicate the efforts of the federal government as long as the latter insists upon retaining eXclu- sive legislative Jurisdiction and con- trol. In this event, it will be the duty of our elected officials to obey the mandate of our people to the nation and to the national government, and, if possible, to persuade them to ac- cept our solution. Let there be no misgivings as to the effectiveness of this procedure. The voice of ten mil lion people will be heard and listen- ed to with respectful attention.'
 Other State Issues.
 Of the remaining state issues, Mir, Mills deemed government operation of public utilities-particula state of water power-the most important. The republican party, he declared, is unalterably op- posed to having the government enter the business field and operate vast business enterprises, as against continuing "to place our reliance upon private initiative, enterprise and opportunity regulated by law"
 We are opposed to government operation" he declared, because it means inefficiency waste, extrava- gance, favoritism and the end of progress. We are opposed to it be- cause, while our business men may know little of politics, it is certain our politicians know nothing about business. We are opposed to it because it creates either glori- fled spells system or a lstless bu- reaucracy."
 We are opposed to if, finally. be-