Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-06
Committeeman POLLED.
.RascOb Moves for Definite Stand on
Prohibition Question.

Prohibition Question.
BY the Associated Press.
Another suggestion that Democrats
svoid straddling and adopt definite
1882 platform on controversial sub
jects-including prohibition-was be.
fore that party today In q letter from
Chairman Raskob o. the National
Committee.
He asked each national committee
man to make individual recommends
tons for the 1892 platform and give
particular" attention TO prohibition.
Once more he advanced his home
rule plan as what he believes TO be q
solution of liquor questions. Then,
answering accusations that he was at
tempting to dictate to the party, he re-
called that the last Democratic con-
vention charged the National Commit
tee Of which he is chairman with max
ing Recommendation Of policies or
procedure for the consideration Of the
convention"
It was with this instruction in mind,
he said, that he called the recent Ma
tional Committee meeting, at which he
advanced the home-rule plan and other
suggestions.
CAe4r FlaLtOrm uTSeus
Whether we like it or not" he
wrote, prohibition is q critical question
in many Of our States"
The voters, he asserted, will support
the party whose policies and conduct
appeal to them as being sincere, honest,
courageous. best guaranteeing the
noting freedom and happiness as
against life Of tyranny and strife"
IF this line of thought Is sound, the
Democratic party can profit therefrom
Through the adoption of q platform
which will enunciate simply and clear
ly, without equivocation and in q Ian
guage 14-year-old child can under
stand, the principles it proposes and
promises TO enforce in the conduct of
our Government II its candidates are
elected" Raskob added.
If the Democratic party Is inter-
ested only in winning one election, 1t
might be argued with q great deal of
force that we should avoid or straddle
all controversial issues and resort to
every expediency to gain votes, not
through courageous leadership on our
part, but through promoting dissatis-
faction with the Republican party In
every conceivable way"
The 4,000-word letter also dealt with
Raskob's suggestions regarding tariff.
business. farm relief, Unemployment,
the five-day week and public utilities.
Dangerous Complication"
But he saw prohibition as the out.
standing question on which the party
His home-rule plan-which would
call for retention of the eighteenth
but adoption of another
change giving States
control of liquors. TO his mind, prob
ably the best solution, he said, but
added: Perhaps some Of you may
have q better solution"
1T is important that our friends in
the dry States clearly understand" he
wrote, that home rule could not be-
come effective until a majority Of peo-
pie in 50 out of the AZ States vote In
favor Of such an amendment"
Other Recommendation Made.
"And, Furthermore, If the unexpected
should happen and the new amendment
be actually adopted through vote of
the majority Of the people in SO States,
the eighteenth amendment would con-
tinue to be the law in every State until
the people Of particular State should
desire by popular vote to take over their
own liquor control problems"
for consideration Of the National Com
mitteemen were to
Take the Government out of busi-
ness and relieve trade from unnecessary
and unreasonable governmental restric-
ton"
Clearly define our tariff policies"
"Decry policy of governmental price,
ixing schemes and attempts to maintain
prices artificially."
Develop some plan Of cooperation
between our National Committee and
the duly elected Democratic members Of
the Senate and House OF Represent
atives."
Realize the absolute necessity Of
strong leadership"
Farm Relief Included.
Develop some scheme Of farm relief
which will rebound 10 the benefit Of our
whole country"
Develop old-age and Unemployment
insurance based on cooperative effort
between capital and labor"
Advance the movement for q AVE.
lay week without diminution of weekly
wage"
Correct an injustice In the Sherman
aw" so beneficial mergers may be con-
ummated
Let the States exercise police COM
Bo@ ever psblic MtAltaAsA ---~AxAEa