Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

want bread. not beer Granting this,
there still remains not the ShghteSt
doubt but that prohibition will be an
issue with which the Democratic Ma
tional Convention must deal.
There is a strong element in our party
that demands that our platform declare
for straight repeal Of the eighteenth
amendment.
Another element wants declaration
for liberalization of the VolStead law TO
permit light wines and beer, which, or
course, would definitely commit the
party to the wet or moist side OF the
question. There are various other plans
for committing the party in varying
degrees to the wet side.
I am opposed to all of these because,
as previously stated, I am opposed 10
any plan that in the slightest degree
commits our party to the wet or dry
side Of this question.
Tried Out for IL Years.
I believe this is constitutional ques-
ton, dealing with what has been de-
fined by some as the greatest social eX-
pertinent ever tried on large nation
of free, intelligent people Our people
have had IL years of real, practical,
day-by-day experience living under So
cial conditions imposed by prohibition.
AS a result a great minority, II not an
actual majority, of these people are de-
manding a change. 1t is my belief that
most of these are Democrats, whose
opinions must receive consideration at
their party's convention.
If this be true, it would be the height
of folly for US to Try to avoid, instead
of courageously meeting and solving, this
problem. One Of the main purposes
for calling a meeting Of the National
Committee last March was to afford OPP
portunity and ample time before our
national convention for full, frank, open
and fearless discussion of this question,
and I think in this we have succeeded.
Did time permit me to recite to you
the countless letters which I have re-
ceiyed from Democrats everywhere since
that meeting, 1 think all of you would
be convinced that party success or fall
ure depends almost entirely on finding
some ground which will reconcile the
wet and dry elements in our party. A
mere law enforcement plank will not
suffice, however deep and sincere might
be that hope Feeling runs high IN both
camps. Hence the necessity Tor recon
Citation Of divergent opinions. IL Is
interesting and encouraging to note
that since our March meeting both the
American Bar Association and the
American Legion have Endorsed our rec
concentrations that the prohibition ques-
ton be submitted to the people them
selves for decision.
Cites Home Rule Plan.
I am still firmly Of the belief that our
national convention should give most
earnest and thoughtful consideration to
the home rule plan for liquor control
in writing sour platform for 1882. The
plank I suggest for consideration pro-
vides that the Democratic members OF
the United States Senate and House
of Representatives will vote in favor Of
proposal (Which is really referen-
dunn which will give to the people OF
the United States opportunity TO vote
directly on the question as TO Wnetner
they wish the eighteenth amendment
retained in the Constitution without
change or whether they wish 1t mool-
fed substantially as follows:
Nothing in the Constitution OF the
United States shall prevent any State
from taking over complete control OF
the manufacture, transportation, i'm
portation and sale Of intoxicating beV-
erages within its own territory and eX-
portation thereof to such other States,
countries and territories as do not pro-
hibit same: provided, however, that the
plan under which that State proposes
to take over such liquor control Is first
approved by the people OF that State
in a State wide referendum.
The amendment might also provide
that a State at any time may rescind
its previous action, thus again submit
ting itself to the provisions OF the
! eighteenth amendment.
May 1 again point out that this pro-
posal cannot become part of the Con-
stitution unless and until ratified by a
aiority Of the people in SO States, and
also that should this amendment be
adopted the eighteenth amendment will
| remain in full force and effect with re-
! spect to all Of the States until such
| States as so desire work out liquor con-
| troll plans OF their own, which must be
approved by their people in a State
wide referendum before they become
effective.
Guards Against Saloons Return.
This plan leaves all other States In
the position Of still having national pro-
hibition and all the power of the Fed
eral Government for its enforcement
IL dlflOSJ Certainly BudIdo dsalilSe viz
return Of the old-fashioned saloon, be-
cause a majority Of the people in nc
State would vote in favor Of loca
State liquor control plan which per-
mitted a return Of the deplorable con-
ditions which existed under the ole
saloon system.
May emphasize these facts:
The proposed plank commits the
party 10 recognize prohibition as con-
stitutiOnal and social question, anc
places it squarely up to the people fol
decision in true democratic fashion.
1t takes the question out Of politics.
1t does not advocate the home rule
plan for liquor control, but merely sub
mits to the people opportunity to vote
on the question Of retaining the eight
zenith amendment without change oil
modifying the eighteenth amendment
as provided in the home rule amend
ment.
1t gives every Democratic Senator
Representative, State Committee, and
in fact, every Democrat everywhere, tul
opportunity TO work amonf the people
ha the respective States dhe9 edE q