Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-31

in accordance with the principles out
lined in our platform.
Enforcement Of Prohibition.
There has always been room in the
Democratic party for those who differ
AS 10 the best means Of promoting tom
/ p7rance and Of suppressng the tTaffic
/ in alcoholic beverages. A proposal for
changes in the existing national prohi-
bition system and also a resolution ap-
proving the eighteenth amendment
and the Volstead act, we're submitted
to the committee on platform and res
oiutions Of the Houston Convention,
Neither was adopted
Both the committee and the conven-
lion, after prolonged hearings, recog-
nized the ft,tility Of attempting 10 Sc
cure unanimity for either contention.
The committee reported. and the con-
vcntion unanimously adopted, a decla
ration in the following language:
The Republican party for eight
years in complete control Of the Gov
eminent at Washington. presents the
remarkable spectacle Of feeling COM
PEELED In its national platform to
promise obedience to a provision Of the
Federal Constitution which il has fia-
GRAVITY disregarded and tn apologize to
the country for its failure to enforce
I laws enacted by the Congress OF the
United States.
Speaking for the National Dem
ncracy. this convention pledges the
party and its nominees 10 an honest
effort to enforce the eighteenth amend
mcnt and all other provisions Of the
{ f-AA
enacted pursuant thereto"
This provision condemns the Rcpubli-
ran party for insincerity IN promising
obedience To the eighteenth amend
mont after having flsgrantly disregard
ID for eight years that amendment and
The law for its enforcement. The con-
vention recognized that the Democratic
party Is neither a prohibition nor en-
prohibition organization, but II
intrusted with power It's duty would be
10 enforce all laws
To one who for IS years has uni
formlv supported measures for prohibit
ton 1t has been disappointing to note
he methods and agencies employed by
the Republican party in the enforce
ment OF national prohibition laws
The question should not be treated
| as merely political. but rather as moral
and economic. Some claiming tn be
re!ormers. have rlOu6ed the subject
with confusion and misunderstanding
They have discredited the motives Of
those who display moderation and fair
ness in public discussions and have
questioned the loyalty 10 the cause nj
temperance Of ALI who are dissatisfied
with present conditions
Cites wilson's Veto.
President Wilson vetoed the Volstead
act, The integrity of his purpose was
not questioned his good faith was gen.
orally conceded.
The Democratic candidate for Presi-
dent, Gov. Alfred E. Smith. declared In
/ his telegram 10 the convention;
The equal and even enforcement OF
the law Is the corner stone on which
rests the whole structure Of Democratic
government II it is the will of the
people Of this Nation that l am to take
an oath as President Of the United
States to protect and defend our Con-
stitution and laws. l will execute that
oath 10 the limit Of my ability without
reservation or evasion"
This language is an unqualified ae~
ccptance Of the obligation To enforce
iilt INV W lEfF DESL vi HIS hDflltN.
Throughout the last two administra =
tions the Prohibition Bureau has been
under the Treasury Department. whose
/ had, prior to national prohibition, was
largely interested In the liquor business.
Ware Urged Dry Repeal.
Mr. Ware. who thwarted the move
ment 10 stop Hoover" at Kansas City
end forced Mr. Hoover's nomination,
claimed election 10 the Senate on a
platform containing single plank
the repeal OF national prohibition.
Can II be said that because Gov,
Smith believes that, without returning
/ to the old evils Of the saloon, temper
ance and respect for law can be pro-
NOTED through changes In the existing
! system, he Is a nuliifcationist and an
/ enemy Of the Constitution? Such argu-
! ments impeach the intelligence OF
/ their authors
/ 1t is certain chat only such moditica
/ lions as meet with the approval OF
| public opinion are possible, no matter
who serves as President,
! Having IN mind that the law for en-
! forcement of prohibition has been dis
! credited because good faith efforts have
/ not been made for It's enforcement. the
! CONCLUSION lS asserted Iflht breakdown
! Is not threatened By mere proposals for
modification, but rather by indifference
7 Of the public IN proper execution and
! BY corruption and inefficiency Of many
| enforcement officers II Is recognized
! that the people constitute the reservoir
| Of all political power and have the
| right. In the constitutional manner. tn
! call for changes In either or both the
Constitution and tho law The execu~
tive he's no power 10 modify either IT
! IL In no sense on attempt al nullifiea :
! ton 10 suggest changes In the Consti~
/ tuition or the law Nullincation con-
| sists in refusal or wlllful failure TO en-
/ force
! To summarize the Democratic plat
| form does not commit the party for or
against modification. II does pledge
The nominees to an honest effort TO en-
| force the eighteenth amendment and
the laws enacted pursuant thereto.
Gov Smith has promised his best eff
| forts IN enforce prohibition, His per-
! sonai opinion that the law OF the Con-
/ stihItion should be changed To make
| certain better observance and enforce.
ment. does not affect his disposition or
ability 10 perform that duty,
Merchant Marine,
An adequate merchant marine Is ree~
ognized by the Democratic party as