Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1927-08-05
Ritchle Declines Wheeler Debate.

Gov. Albert C. Richie, of Maryland, in
Detroit last Friday en- route home from
the governors conference at Mackinac
Island. made public a letter which re-
vealed that he had declined an invitation
to debate on prohibition with Wayne B.
Wheeler, of the Anti Saloon League.
The invitation, according to the gov
ernor. was extended by R. D. HOLSTER. of
the University of Michigan forum. in let
ter July 9th. The governors letter to Mr..
HOLSTER, under date of July 10th. said:
Il congratulate your great institution
upon its purpose to provide neutral forum
for the discussion of this perplexing ma
tional problem. and feel sincerely COM
plimented that you think me worthy to
participate.
There are several reasons which in any
event might prevent my accepting your
invitation, but | feel that in candor ought
to give you the one that makes 1t impossi-
BILE for me to do so.
while personally believe our prohibi-
tion friends are taking the wrong tack, and
are not only iniuring the cause Of true
temperance, but are also doing harm to
the very character and substance Of our
Government. nevertheless, recognize that
there are many fair and sincere men and
women, for whom have the utmost re-
spect, who differ with me and with whom
it would be an honor to debate If could
arrange it.
But to be entirely frank. cannot bring
myself to feel that way about Mr.. Wheeler.
He is the paid protasonist Of a cause.
professional propag andist. special pleader
pure and simple.
THAT is his privilege, Of course. but
cannot conceive OF him for one moment
as seriously considering the views Of his
opponent however sincere. or as regarding
any debate as an impersonal and disin-
terested effort to te out the truth. So
far as know, he never debates. He pro-
claims. dictates. abuses. threatens and COL
lects. And to my way Of thinking. Wheeler
ism is coming to be real menace In this
country.
Il am very deeply interested in the sub
ject Of prohibition. not because 1t involves
controversy between wet and 'drys. but
because it involves problem Of American
Government and Of civil liberty. and l
would like to see some sane and sensible
way out of the present wilderness evolved.
But to Mr.. Wheeler everyone who Is not
with him is "a tool of the liquor interests
or an enemy of society
For long time now. we have been
hearing about this or that person debating
prohibition with Mr.. Wheeler. have. of
course, no word of criticism for any one
who W shes to do that. but personally
can see no possible object in debating with
him unless it be to give publicity to him
or to his opponent
II earnestly hope you will not miscon-
strue this letter as indicating anything
less than the highest respect on my part
for the object the University of Michigan
has in mind and my sincere appreciation
Of your purpose in extending me so cor
daily an invitation to take part in the
proposed debate.
Il have no means of knowing, however.
whether the fact of my refusal may become
public, Or indeed whether Mr.. Wheeler
himself may make it public. would have
no objection. of course, in either case, but
in the event that should occur might
want the reasons which actuate me to be
understood and made public also. This is
my reason for writing you so fully and
frankly"