New Britain herald., 1927-11-30
PARTY LEADERS RAP.
 ANTI.DRY ATTACK
Three Million Drive Of Vets
 FroWnM Upon

New York, Nov. 30 P-Criacism developed in several quarters today regarding plans of the national as- sociation against the prohibition amendment to raise $S,000,0Oo to bring about national prohibition referendum.
 Announcement that his organiza- ion would seek a campaign fund was first made by Capt. William II. Stayton, president of the association, prior to addressing a meeting at the nion League club Monday night, attended by some prominent repub- llcans.
 Richard w Lawrence, member of the clubs committee on public affairs. asserted that many mem- bers Of the club who did not attend the affair thought it was a stupid piece of political strategy to hold such a dinner at the Union League club, because. among those not well informed. the dinner and the move ment back Of the dinner might rca- sonably be looked upon as an asen- " Of the republican party sponsored by one of the leading clubs of the vorld-a club with republican 4ntecedents.'
 The Union League clubs most re contly available membership lists in- Jude the names Of President Cool idge. Representative Bertrand H.. shell. and George K Morris. chair man of the republican state com mttee.
 New York newspapers said repub- lican leaders were understood to have frowned upon the appearance of former Senator James W. Wads- worth. New York, as a speaker at the dinner within q few hours of announcing that he was q candidate for delegate at large to the rcpuhli- can national convention, and if chosen would do his utmost to force the adoption of a wet plank in tn" partys national platform.
 Barely had Capt. Stayton explain ad how the s3.o00.oo0 fund would he spent than William F. Gussy- fooD Johnson. prominent prohibit ion worker. in an address at Read iug. Pa, gave a version of where if would be raised.
 While Captain Stayton said the fund would be spent in circularizinG so.00o,0o0 voters, estimating two letters to each voter at q cost of ten cents, Johnson declared the fund will come mostly from France. For eign interests, he said. are dcSirOus of changing the prohibition law SC they can export liquor to the United States.
 Formal launching of the cam paien took place at q dinner at the Hotel Astor last night. attended by 36 New York bankers and business men. who were said by Capt. Will liam H. Stayton. president Of tho association, to represent 9 commit tees in the New York district.
 The association, said Captsn Stayton. at the coming session c congress will seek approval of nH tIoual referendum to be conduCtt' n connection with the 1928 prcsi lential elections. Should the aSso citation fail in this objective, he said the fight will be carried to the in dividual states.
 Capt. Stayton declared such ref nrendums have already been asSur I'd In New Jersey and Massachusetts and from petitions in circulation h. believed referendums also would b' held in several western states.
 "The primary object Of the asso ciation,' he said lis to get back t' the old constitution. We do no stand for the return Of the salool and We want to get rid of the sa loon we have everywhere today the speakcasy.
 If l were asked 10 say what w. propose in it's stead. l should sa, we would place a light tax on mil' beverages. q heavy tax on arden spirits and forbid the drinking 0 liquor within 100 yards Of the plac of sale