Evening star., 1928-03-18
BY SCHUYLER PATTERSON.

~ YER the new Peace Bridg
which spans the Niagara Rive
to connect Fort Erie. Ontario
~ with Buffalo, came an anti
Quated sedan. Stacked higl
on the back seat were suitcascs equal,
ancient. Luggage covered the running
boards. which also bore bundles and 8
big, oolong box. Alone in the front sea,
sat plump individual smoking huge
cigar.
His appearance matched that of his
vehicle. An ill-fitting suit. derby sew
eral sizes too large, a celluloid collar
ana ready-made tie. slightly awry
completed his makeup. And. as he
crew up TO the United States customs OF,
on the Bpffalo side. he presented to the
eyes Of the guard peering within the
car a face bearing as blank an express
SION as ever adorned human counte-
nance
Anything to declare?" asked the
Official.
Not thing"
THE running board Markings on its en-
terror told plainly that il had origi-
naily been intended for the conveyance
OF liquids now contraband on this side
OF the border. A cloth over the top hid
its contents.
What have you there?" he asked.
"A case of ale
sWhatp"
"A case of ale"
The guard whisked off the cloth.
Within were IL quart bottles. One of
these he lifted out. It's label bore cut
the statement of the itinerant. Best
ale" il read st. GATHERINGS, Ontario. "
The lnotorist had been watching this
preceding with evident boredom.
Well. said the guarc, you'll have to
hand this ever"
What's fhat?"
Ti1ese bottles are seized. You can't
bring ale into the United States"
Fo. the first time the plump indivi-
du!s showed signs of agitation. What
40 YOU mean I can't bring II in?" he
demanded. From an inner pocket he
Drought forth two slips Of paper. both
eearing Official Canadian seals. Here's
my permit and here's my receipt.
bought that ale legally. l paid for 1t.
It's mine. Who saws I cans take it
wherever want to-"
Without reply the guard walked
around to the front OF the car and took
another look at the license You're
rom New York. aren't you' Your num-
Der plate says So
of course, am. Right here in
bun
Well. you've heard OF the prohibi-
ton laws?"
Certainly. but this is ale. 1t isn't
whisky. It's ale. Four point four.
What has that to do with pro-
Tn going to seize this. And ought
20 fine you So bottle"
The plump individual dismounted
nom his rattle-trap vehicle. Behind
him long line OF machines was honk-
Ing and delayed travellers were hooting
To these he paid no attention He
waved his papers in the air. That's
my ale" he shouted. II bought it.
paid for it. What right have you to
take il away?"
For several seconds the customs guard
looked him squarely in the eye. Here"
he said abruptly. I'VE haven't time to
waste" He lifted the wooden case from
the running board and placed it at one
side OF the roadway. Now" he con-
t1nued. with emphasis. If hear any
more from you, you're going before the
chief. You have two seconds to clear
out"
But It's mine" walled the plump in
dvidual; I bought IT, ! paid
You heard what said"
Reluctantly the traveller climbed back
into his protesting car A glowering
look impaled the customs guard. Then.
with one grieved glance at his lar1ented
case Of ale. he drove into the United
States-with 30 cases of Scotch hidden
II his cilar.dated suitcases.
@*
MORE than million and a half
Ava American tourists have visited the
Province of Ontario since the day
June /. le27-on which its new liquor
Law vent into force Of these. within
the first few months OF its operation,
some $1,000 obtained liquor permits for
the benefit Of themselves and their