Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-08-13
Anti-SaIoon League Counsel
Ends Rumor He Might Di-
rect Prosecution.
SAYS HE CAN SERVE CAUSE
BEST IN PRESENT PLACE
Treasury Office Future Held in Air.
General Due Back in
Capital Today.

While he considers the job of head
ing the Nations dry enforcement
forces "a challenge to any red -blooded
citizen" Wayne B. Wheeler. who has
been mentioned as possible sue
cessor to Gen. Lincoln c. Andrews,
could not take it if he wanted it and
would not take it now If he could.
He so informed The Star today in
a telegram from Shelby. Mich, where
he is taking vacation from the
duties in Washington which long
since have identified him as the un-
official leader Of the country's pro-
ponents of prohibition. His message
definitely sets at rest recurring ru-
mors which have mentioned him as a
possible successor to Gen. Andrews
should the latter decide to resign.
Replying to a query from The Star
requesting him to state his attitude
toward taking-if it were offered him
position which has made of it's in
cumbent a target of criticism from
both vets and drys, Mr.. Wheeler de-
clared. first. that the job has not been
offered TO him, "and If it were l could
not accept it for these reasons:
Against Leagues POl1cy.
1T is contrary to the policy of the
Anti-Saloon League for an official of
the league to accept a political ap-
pointment or use the churches which
support the league for personal po.
litical gain. I am convinced that
can serve the cause of prohibition and
its enforcement better in the position
7 ho q 10
ment can best be secured through
regularly chosen public officers who
do their duty by urging the removal
of derelict officers and by helping to
elect or secure the appointment Of
coura geOuS. effective officers of the
law.
There are many such persons avail
able for the position you mention
The task to be done by this officer
is of vital importance to the Nation,
and is in itself challenge to any
red d.blooded citizen.
But. even if were free to accept
the position, I should not do so until
! had been assured that the present
system of divided responsibility would
be supplanted by a prohibition-en-
forcement bureau and real authority
given to the officer actually in charge.
With the final authority in the inter
nal revenue commissioner. who can
give but little attention to the work
and secondary authority only in the
officer held out to the public and who
Is actually in charge, a condition has
developed which is unsatisfactory.
Wants Stronger Laws.
Il would not accept the position
and promise satisfactory enforcement
until the various departments of the
Government cooperate in this task.
Only three subdivisions of one de-
partment are now Coordinated. Nor
will the best enforcement be possible
until law-enforcement legislation is
strengthened. including the pending
measures indorsed by the department.
When these conditions are met, and
the Government uses it's full power to
enforce the law. it will he done. Until
then the friends of national prohihi
tion must be patient in their demand
for satisfactory enforcement.
Gen. Andrews will return to his
desk at the Treasury Department
today still unCOmmitted definitely on
the subject of his resignation. but
from all indications prepared TO
take up his job with renewed vigor
after conferences in England, which
resulted in a new plan for combat
ting the smuCglers from rum row.
Future of Post i'm Air.
Before he departed for Europe
Gen Andrews stirred up hornets
nest by allowing the story to get
started that he intended to resign.
The story was then modified 10 the
effect that he might resign when
he returned from Europe but the
whole thing il now acknowledged
TO be up in the air with Gen. An
drews and high officials Of the
Treasury Department the only ones
eonversant with what he really
plans TO do.
Gen. Andrews was expected to re-
Turn to Washington this morning.
but he was passenger on one of
The trains delayed by yesterdays
storm in New York aud probably
will not be home until this afternoon.
ANDREWS SEES PROGRESS. :.