The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-01-13
MORE PUNCH
IN DRY LAWS,
HOOVER PLEA
Call Upon Congress Also
Carries Appeal for
PubIiC's Help.
SUGGESTS BORDER MOVE
Federal Court Congestion
Pointed as Hindrance
to Enforcement.
By United Press

| BIZ united Press
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13-Presi-
dent Hoover called upon congress
today for legislation to improve pro-
hibition enforcement. At the same
time he made a general appeal to
the people Of the country to support
the law, despite disagreement of
some with its principles.
The appeal was made in a spe-
cial message to congress accompany
ing a report of the law enforcement
commission containing recommended
tons for legislation, which the Pres
ident amplifled with three of his
own.
| The chief executive also sent to
congress, opinions of Secretary of
Treasury Mellon and Attorney-G Cen
eral Mitchell on the prohibition sit
uation.
The President laid greatest en-
phaSis upon recommendations for
relief of overburdened federal
courts by giving court commission
ers larger powers in minor criminal
cases, thus correcting a situation
which he said resulted in the de
feat of both justice and law en-
forcement."
The greatest increase in federal
criminal laws, during the last
twenty years, Mr.. Hoover declared,
has jammed the federal courts. Vic
lations of the prohibition laws, he
said, comprise rather more than
half of the total arrests"
Cites Dissatisfaction
Going directly to the disSatisfac-
ton expressed by some with the
prohibition laws, the President said:
while some sections of the Amer
lean people may disagree upon the
merits of some of the questions in
volved, every responsible citizen
supports the fundamental principle
that the law of the land must be
enforced"
The major recommendation by
the President outside of those Sug-
gested by the law enforcement COM
mission was for consolidation of all
agencies engaged in preventing
smuggling along the borders. This
matter now is being dicuSsed by the
treasury with Canadian government
officials. 1t Is understood some
members of the commission believe
the proposal should be studied care
fully before any action is taken.
The President also recommended
an increase in federal prisons, reor-
ganization of parole practices, and
strong prohibition law for the Dis
trict of Columbia, which were be-
yond those made by the commits
sion. His other recommendation
followed those of the commission as
regards transfer of prohibition en-
forcement agencies from the treas
ury to the JUST department and
measures to relieve congestion OF
federal courts.
Offers Suggestions
In his statement to congress, Sec
rotary Mellon explained the treas
ury's proposal for checking the
smuggling of liquor across the
borders. He suggested:
1. PrOnlpltlng entry OF all per-
sons across the border except at
ports of entry designated by the
President.
2. Increase of the number of ports
of entry to permit uninterrupted
and unhampered intercourse with
our neighboring countries over es-
tabliShed and customary routes"
3. Creation of unified border
patrol under the coast guard.
Mellon explained that this pro-
posal will increase the present cost
of the customs and immigration
border patrol. He did not estimate
this cost, but said the treasury now
is making a survey to determine
what the amount will be.
1T is believed the proposed plan
will promote materially the con-
venience of the travelling public"
Mellon said. "as well as relieve those
travelling on inland highways from
inspection"