WETS “SMILE.”

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 10827, 26 March 1932, Page 3

WETS “SMILE.”

THE EXTERNAL WRANGLE. Washington, March 14. Though defeated to-day in the House of Representatives by 227 votes to 187 on a test vote the antiprohibition members of Congress claim a tactical victory ov#r the “drys.” The vote was not taken directly on the question of liquour or prohibition but on the question whether the prohibition law can be amended so as to permit of its repeal or a return to State control.

As the “wets” put it, prohibition was “put on the spot” for the first time since the Volstead Act was passed 12 years ago. Two members of Congress, Messrs Beck and Linthicum, had submitted a resolution for an amendment of the ISth (prohibition) Amendment. The vote was taken on a mere question of procedure but the “wets” claim to have scored in compelling Congress to hear their case in open debate.

Claim Progress,

They claim, also, a progressive improvement in their position. To-day’s vote is generally regarded as a further step in the movement towards the re-submission of the 18th Amendment. The “wets” knew they would be defeated but wished to influence the national platforms at this year’s Presidential conventions.

The Volstead Act was originally passed by 287 votes to 100 with 40 not voting.