Putnam patriot., 1929-10-17

that q free government is a govern ment of law, instead of arbitrary rule, I. despite my view that so called Protection" is wrong, nevertheless advocate and practice the declaration of everything purchased abroad, even to illustrated postal cards As a moderate thinker, before Prohibition now abstain from drinking any form of liquor. preferring to be obe. dient to the spirit of the law as well as to it's letter
 Personally. I believe that drink has become curse, aithouRh many can drink without harm to themselves. It is clear to me, how ever. that drinking before others who are not as strong as they, has in- duced weaker brethren to offend.
 Not Liable to Modify
 The recent Presidential election, with over six million plurality m Ia vor of Prohibition candidate, against n candidate of opposite views, would seem to indicate that very suhstan- tial majority of the people believe m Prohibition. It is very improbable therefore. that the Constitution will be changed. 1 do not think, further more. that the statute is likely to pe modified. 1 would have preferred that each State has legislated under the Eighteenth Amendment But tne Volstead Act became law, and, m view cf the apparent temper or the neonle and what the law has already accomplished. it is best, in my ludg- ment. to let well enough alone. A change to light wines and beer would mean the return of the saloon lh some form. by means of which spirit uous liquors could easily be served and the most debasing forms Of poll tical activity revived.
 When Abraham Lincoln wrote Slavery is abolished. After recon struction, the next great question will be the overthrow and the aboli tion of the liquor traffic, and vol know. Merwin. that my head ans heart and hand and purse will go m to that work he spake as pro phet. in beth meanings of that desig nation. Perhaps there is some powel greater than that of prophet which in spite of all technical Constitutiona arguments. has brought about Pro hibition, as we know it to-day.
 When Washington said. "The basi of cur political system is the right O the people to make and to alter then Constitution of Government, but th' Constitution which. at any time, ex ists. till changed by an authentic an' explicit act of the whole people f clearly obligatory upon ii",-he wal simply stating the basis of free gov ernment. as distinguished from urbi trary rule by an autocracy or an oh garchy. A failure to obey the law is an attack upon free government it self.
 My dear sirs, it would be a greater service to your fellows and our ccun- try were you and your legal associates Co offer your services to the poor, the oppressed and the ignorant, many of whom are suffering great wrongs. Grow enthusiastic in that kind of work. rather than In the support oi those who. often consciously, break or desire to break our laws, and many of whom are wealthy and socially prominent These should set an example of right-living Co their fellows.
 But, apart from this, if they wish to preserve their individual property from threatened violent confiscation. they should teach by their lives and preeepts. obedience to the laws of the land. until, if ever. such laws are changed by the people who made them.
 I am very truly yours,
 FREDERIC w. HINRICHS