PROHIBITION IN AMERICA.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17721, 24 March 1923, Page 18

PROHIBITION IN AMERICA.

A SCHEME THAT FAILED. ATTEMPTED BRIBERY OF OFFICIALS. (BT CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION —COPTRIGHT.) (ACSTBALIAS AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received March 23rd, 10.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 22. Probably the greatest attempt to flood the country with whisky obtained illegitimately was frustrated by the authorities to-day, when the two owners of a large bonded warehouse attempted to bribe the highest prohibition officials in order to obtain permits to withdraw 10,000,000 dollars worth of liquor for beverag-3 purposes. This liquor dated from pre-prohibition days, and was being released for medicinal purposes in very small quantities to chemists' shops on bona fide permits. This meant comparatively small profits for the owners, who boldly approached the officials and offered them 20,000 dollars, and promised them further sums. The officials accepted the money and informed their superior officer. Forged permits were granted, but when an attempt was made to cart the liquor away from the warehouse, the arrests were made.

A "BOOTLEGGER" PUNISHED. JUDGE'S COMMENTS. . (BY CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION—-COPTBIGHT.) (aUSTBALIAK AND N.Z. CABLE'ASSOCIATION.) NEW YORK, -March 22. One of the harshest punishments yet imposed upon a violator of the Volstead Law was pronounced by Judge Killits at Cleveland, Ohio, when he sentenced Joseph Biemer, of Pittsburg, to two years in a Federal prison and fined him 10,000 dollars and costs. The Judge scathingly attacked the prisoner,.saying: "One witness baa declared that you are the biggest bootlegger in Pittsburg, and you have not denied it. That is a title you have to pay dearly for." The Judge also denounced the defending attorney for defending accused 1 or asking for mercy for a client whom he knew to be guilty.