Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-08
Set Wet to Catch a Wet
Admitted to Be Poor Loeiicc:

Majority sentiment appears to uphold
Attorney General Mitchell in his
declaration that officials connected with
enforcement of prohibition in the
future must be persons who themselves
are dry" Many believe that this will
oner more effective test of condi-
tons and will remove current criticism
Others fear that it will be difficult to
recruit enforcement officers with this
requirement. Still others deny that the
fication.
Such requirement" according to
the San Antonio Express, docs not
infringe upon the citizens acknowl-
edged right to oppose any law and,
through constitutional channels, to
work for its repeal. Mr.. Mitchell mere
ly holds that the avowed critic of the
eighteenth amendment is not best
qualified to enforce the statutes enacted
under 1t. He purposes exercising his
right Of choice and appointing officials
who in his Judgment are fitted for
this responsible public duty. In his
first inaugural address Washington set
up such a standard: The foundations
Of national policy will be laid in the
pure and immutable principles of
private morality"
X
much Of the current dissatisfaction
with prohibition" in the opinion of
the Wichita Beacon, sis doubtless due
to the fact that many of the dry on
Gals and legislators responsible for the
law have been personally wet, If Mr..
Mitchell can help to change that situa-
ton he will be doing all Of us a favor"
IN expressing approval, the Pueblo
Star-Journal points out that "no one
would think of putting on q police
force man who did not believe In the
detection and punishment of GRIM
inals," while the Charlotte News feels
sure that "the Department Of Justice
will get somewhere with enforcement
II IL can get anywhere with this pro-
posed reform"
1T Is wholesome standard which
Attorney General Mitchell is propos-
Ing" says the New York Times.
although that paper feels that sit is
doubtful II the men he has in mind
will measure up to 1t, but it will at
least have the success of being an open
rebuke to unblushing hypocrisy in on
cial places" Comment from the New
York Herald Tribune is that they will
learn one Of the primary lessons OF
should be made to At the people, and
that the people neither can nor
should be made to At the laws"
X X 4
There is no law against drinking
alcoholic liquors." argues the Charles
ton Evening Post. There is impro-
priety in public indulgence in them on
the part of those charged with enforc-
| ing the prohibition laws. But to make
total abstinence on the part of such
officials an effective requirement will
q 80 Al
| conduct and raise up swarm of spies
and informers and agents provocateurs
| because incentive is given to displace-
| ment CT and the hope of succeeding tc
| the place, as an addition to enfnities
which naturally are excited by ad-
ministrators of the law"
The Columbus Ohio State journal
voices the hope that the Attorney Gen.
eral may select men too honorable tc
things, who will place on the law ad.
ministration the hallmark of honor
able service" The paper adds, how.
ever, that merely TO be on the dr.
SIC Is not proof they will supply thai
distinguished service. The ATTORNEY
General is far too wise to accept thai
idea and seek to build on it,"
] \ \
"This does not mean, as Attorne,
General Mitchell shows" states thl
Kansas City Journal-Post. chat onl!
professional prohibitionists shall bl
employed. The task requires more thar
zeal. No mind reader will be calleC
in to ascertain what any applicant FOL
appointment may believe, way dowr
In his consciousness, as to the practi
cability and immortality Of nationa
prohibition. But II he is q brave
prudent, loyal man, who will do hi
duty without fear or favor and win OBJ
serve the law he Is asked to enforce, h