The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-06-16
The Republican Plank

Again the Republicans have pussyfooted on pro-
hibition. Their platform plank is a meaningless
evasion.
1t was dictated by Herbert Hoover. majority Of
delegates, like a majority Of the country, wanted
repeal plank. But Hoover refused. He in Wash
1ngton at a telephone and made majority of 1154
delegates bury their convictions and the sincerity Of
their party.
They were reluctant But the cabinet officers and
Hoover secretaries who relays at the Chicago end
of the White House wire applied the old loyalty pres
sure. Stand by the President" That did the trick
There is only one major question at issue. That is
retention or repeal Of prohibition. The Hoover plank
evadea it. I'VE do not favor submission limited to the
issue Of retention repeal"
If the Republican party had courage, it would have
de1ed Hoover and declared either for against the
eighteenth amendment That is the purpose Of
party platform-to take sides on issues which divide
the voters Party evasion Of national issue thwarts
representative government.
The American voter respects convictions, even
though they disagree with his own. wet could re-
spect Hoover and the Republican party for sincere
declaration in favor Of the eighteenth amendment
But voters will not respect the sincerity Of party
which tries to trick both drys and vets with double
dealing declaration
muddied modification ruse-if it carries. 1t means
more years Of delay. It prevents clear-cut vote.
But it does much than that. 1t pitches the
country into an endless dispute while awaiting per-
feet substitute If wait to discover one we never
shall get rid of national prohibition.
We have tried prohibition long and fairly. 1t has
failed. We must repeal it, and then slowly evolve
some other plan.
All the modihcationist talk about the necessity of
protecting dry states is subterfuge prohibition is
repealed the dry states will be protected without any
additional prohibition amendment
With repeal of prohibition, the federal government
will continue under the webb Kenyon law to protect
dry states from liquor from wet states just the fed
eral government protected them before national pro-
hibition.
No constitutional amendment is needed to give the
federal government power "to protect those states
where prohibition may exist-as requested by the Re-
publican platform. The Republican proposal is for
amendment which would allow the federal government
TO Safeguard our citizens everywhere from the return
of the saloon and attendant abuses"
But under outright repeal no state would legalize
the saloon unless the people of that state voted it back
in which case they have right to vote it back.
The Republican declaration for a modification
amendment which would retain in the federal gov
eminent power to preserve the gains already made in
dealing with evils inherent in the liquor traffic." is
meaningless. The Wickersham commission discovered
that drinking conditions and crime rather
than better.
National prohibition has not given us gains in
dealing with the liquor traffic 1t has set back. Tt
has made us a awleSs nation of hypocrites.
1t has increased drunkenness and crime. 1t has
polluted youth. 1t has corrupted politics. 1t has
robbed us of needed to relieve the taxpayer
and to employ and feed the hungry.
The Republicans have cast their die. The way
is open for the Democrats to meet the issue honestly
and win.