The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1926-02-18
BACK SURVEY OF
PROH|BIT|O

Continued from First Page,
moot points in the present situa.
ton.
For one thing, 1t was pointed out,
such a survey or investigation
would be calculated to reveal
whether or not there is a drift of
public sentiment in favor OF modi-
fication of the Volstead act. as con
tended by the vets and heatedly
denied by the drys.
As contemplated by Representa-
tive CeIler. the investigation would
: he conducted by "fact-findi1g
commission" just as various other
Federal investigating bodies have
conducted fact-finding probes into
the coal industry, the air service,
etc. The commission would be COM
posed OF seven members to be APP
pointed by President Coolidge, two
of them to be women, and it would
have 500, 600 and the authority to
subpoena witnesses and records.
Drys Are Suspicious
DRY leaders are divided over the
.ldVisability of such a proceeding.
While asserting that they have no
reason to fear an independent in
vestigation into the results Of six
years Of prohibition. the fact that
the proposal Ii fathered by Celler
member OF the Congressional beer
bloc, makes them. suspicious OF the
entire project. While cautious about
committing themselves, they take the
attitude that anything emanating
from a wet" source is bound to be
inimical to the general cause Of pro-
hibition.
There Is. however, a considerable
bloc OF iddle-of-the-road Represen.
tatives, as well as Administration
officials, who have been vastly dis
-politically-by the increas-
ing signs OF discomfort with prohi-
bftion as exemplified by the report
OF the Federal Council OF the
Churches OF Christ, the Episcopal
Temperance Society, and, lastly, by
the frank denunciation of compu1-
sorry prohibition by the official
spokesman of the Catholic Church.
Effect Politically
To these elements a non-partisan
survey of 1.-The facts" conducted by
an official body to be designated by
the President, would come some
what in the nature Of actual relief.
On the findings Of such body
they could set their political sells
and ride accordingly.
Among some members, too, the
proposition is particularly welcome
at this time, for campaign is at
hand, and questions concerning their
views on prohibition could be an
swered by statements that a Fed
eral survey is now being con-
Quoted and it behooves all good
citizens to await the report of
'fact-finding commission" and mean
while to observe the law. 1t would
in short, afford a political out.
for a number Of candidates who
in their, districts.
In approving the proposed In
qufry, Andrews said:
"A proper study of prohibition
will result in a fixed Government
policy. The Government is fire.
queEtly asked by foreign govern
n1entS as to the sociological effects
of prohibition. Officials are embar-
raised because they cannot give an
accurate answer"
Mellon Refuses Comment
Secretary of Treasury Mellon did
not comment on the investigation,
but announced his opposition to the
proposed plan to have the Govern
nent buy existing liquor stocks to
halt the flood of medicinal liquor
finding its way into bootleg trade.
II is probable that Melons OPP
position TO this Government whisky
purchase means the end of il. There
are now some $4,000, 900 to 90 ,000,-
900 gallons of whiskey in bond.
No one has any definite idea
what it would cost the Government
to buy this whiskey, but that it
would be upward of $500, 900 900 is
generally conceded.
The Italian government is con.