The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-24
HEAD TOWARD
DECISIVE TEST
ON PROHIBITION
WlckerSham Report Spurs
Leaders Plans to
Force Issue.
BIG CLASH IN 1882
Liquor Problem Expected to
Be Paramount in Next
Years Election.
BY RAYMOND CLAPPER
United Press STAFF Correspondent


WASHINGTON, Jan. 24.-The al
most UNANIMOUS verdict on this
weeks prohibition developments is
that they definitely have headed the
country toward decisive test as to
whether the attempt to forbid in
toxicating liquors shall continue or
give way to resumption of them
under regulation.
Despite confusion over the Wick
ersham report, anti-prohibition
forces have found encouragement in
the fact that seven of the eleven
commissioners favor either repeal
or modification of the eighteenth
amendment. They are prepared to
force the issue.
Dry forces some time ago regarded
prohibition as closed incident
They believed the only question was
that of Tightening enforcement.
Now they are preparing the most in
tensive educational campaign at
tempted since they put through the
amendment.
Election First Big Clash
The Anti-Saloon League already
has set up a committee designed to
bring into the forefront of its edu-
cational activities large manufac-
turers and business men. The pur-
pose is to lay heavy emphasis once
more upon the economic arguments
fayoring prohibition.
The Wickersham commission re-
ported that one of the difficulties
was that prohibitionists practically
abandoned all educational work with
the arrival of prohibition.
Opposing forces are expected tc
have their first big clash in connec-
ton with next years presidential
election This weeks events may be
expected to exert their effect.
The Wickersham report was &C
companied by development of vital
Importance in this struggle, Presi-
dent Hoover's message declaring his
opposition to repeal of the eighteenth
amendment and to the form of pos
sible revision mentioned in the re-
port.
Prepare for Debate
Dry leaders, including Senator
Simeon d. Fess of Ohio, chairman
of the Republican national commit
tee, construed this as forecasting
Mr.. Hoover's campaign for re-elec-
ton on a dry platform.
Later, however, Senator Tess said
the Presidents position had been
nisinterpreted, that he had an
open mind toward revision, and
had expressed himself as opposed
to the suggested form of revision
though not necessarily toward any
other change that might be sug-
gested.
White House spokesman also gave
numerous persons a similar inter-
probation.
President Hoover has declined
suggestions that he settle the con-
troversy by an official explanation.
Members of congress have spent
the last few days trying to digest
the 2S6-page report and are about
ready to begin extensive debate.
The first intensive discussion is
likely to have its bearing on the
disposition of the Howell bill to
make Washington model enforce
ment city. This bill is before the
senate today. .
Deny Hoover Pressure
Further debate on the report is
expected when the senate considers
the Tydings resolution to investi-
gate whether the Wickersham COM
mission was subject to presidential
pressure.
This resolution, likely to be con-
sidered next week, was prompted by
reports President Hoover hao
thrown his weight against any rec
ommendation for immediate revi-
sion or repeal of the eighteenth
amendment.
Chairman Wickersham denied Che
President had influenced the COM
missions conclusion, but other in
formation obtained by the United
Press was to the contrary.