LINER’S “MERRY” TRIP

Evening Star, Issue 20196, 8 June 1929, Page 18

LINER’S “MERRY” TRIP

RUN ON “ MEDICINE ” PROFITS BEFORE SENTIMENT. NEW YORK, April 12. Wireless messages from the Leviathan, the “ flagship ” of the United States fleet of eleven privately-owned vessels, report that the whisky carried as “medical supplies” is being sold to passengers in their rooms. “ A good time,” it is added, “ is being had by everyone.” This news has exasperated the American “ drys.” Mr Joseph Sbeedy, vicepresident of the line, the financial stock of which will shortly bo distributed amongst the public, declares, however, that it is legal for the Leviathan to sell alcoholic liquor under her new ownership. The United States Supreme Court, he says, has never ruled against it. The management believes that the United States will never Lave a successful “dry” mercantile marine, and urges critics to put patriotism and profits before sentiment.

Tho “ drys ” declare that the sale of alcohol on board vessels under tho American flag is a deliberate evasion of the spirit of the law. Congress, they hold, must prevent this by refusing to subsidise vessels which infringe the Volstead Act. According to law a vessel may carry one quart of whisky for every person on board, crew included, but it may be dispensed only by medical orders.

The Leviathan carried 700 quarts of “medicinal liquor” under a Federal permit- But the thirst amongst the American travellers is developing so speedily that tho merriment on board the vessel cannot by any means be pro* longed until Cherbourg and Southampton are reached.

Shipping men state that tho only difference between “dry ” and “wet” ships is that the stewards on board the former sell privately, and that the new arrangement restricts the sale to the management.