Evening star., 1933-07-23

1ACt01ckS W no utt1c cAtcJlt - ASKING
those in high places: what are you 60
ing to do to meet these changing condi-
tions? What may we expect, once the
eighteenth amendment has passed into
the discard? How will those in authority
prepare to meet this reversal of policy?
How will our particular State be af-
fected? How will legal liquor be dis
tributed? When will manufacturers be
allowed to prepare their stocks, to assure
products fit for consumption? In short,
after repeal-what?
The country has right to an answer.
It is beside the point, in this unprece-
dented situation, where the time element
Is 50 necessary to production, for those
responsible to answer, wait until repeal
is an assured fact" Every wind that
blows bears its definite rumor of repeal.
It is doubtful if any question remains,
even in the hearts of ardent drys, as to
the imminent abolition of the eight
eenth amendment. Already prohibition
Is q dead thing-even the governmental
bureau under which it functioned is
slated for dissolution the 9Th day of
Augustine corpse but waits decent,
legal burial.
In view Of this fact, look into the
future promises interest. Six months
\ taking all indications of repeal before
the end of 1888 to be true-is not so far
into the future, at that. If American
manufacturers are to be protected; II
the United States of America Is to profit
as 1t should from increased revenues and
brisker trade; If the Democratic party Is
to fulfill to the fullest measure plat
form that urged enactment Of such
measures as will actually promote tenn
perance, effectively prevent the return
of the saloon and bring the liquor trafac
into the open under complete supervision
and control Of the States" certainly sug-
gestions, ideas, plans, must be lifting
their heads in Washington, sanguine Of
maturity before that six months period
finds us flung headlong into a novel situ-
alton, unprepared for its exigencies and
many aspects, bewildered, distraught,
excited and a bit incoherent in the midst
Of our found freedom.
THE problems Of the post-prohibition
status are many and definite. First
of all, our domestic manufacturers must
be protected against the possibility Of
an influx Of imported products. Sec
ondly, those States which have dry laws
on their statute books must be protected
adequately against any infringement Of
of distribution Of the legal liquors must
be determined upon, making good the
promise of the administration to "effec-
lively prevent the return of the saloon"
Fourth, the Federal Governments reve-
nue. sources must be protected, involving
an tnremitting campaign against wild
cat" brewers, "musclers-in," and others
who would interfere with honest brewers
and manufacturers or seek to deprive the
Treasury Of its just revenues.
This Is . large order for six month";
notice. It viii take years, there can
scarcely be any question, before all these
problems can properly and permanently
know solution. But the fact remains
that before the first snow flies this COM
ing Winter season this little hedgling Of
repeal shall have taken his first step
alone. It's bound to be . wobbly step
and q bit uncertain ct the start. But
that Is no reason Why something should
not be done about teaching him at this
time, preparing him, Strengthening him,
so that In 1884 he can stand alone, take
In the situation himself and ultimately
learn to soar.
Let's see what Attorney General Cum
Ynin0x saws NJ fhis f3Ad0lin1
Repeal Is not actually with rs, but It
Is imminent"
In this ease. what NAV we reasonably