PROHIBITION IN AMERICA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 6 April 1926, Page 5

PROHIBITION IN AMERICA

REPEAL OR MODIFICATION? (By Electric Tel-"graph—Copyright) (Australia.. &. N.Z i~!ab!* Am»ocia'ion) WASHINGTON. April 4. The Senate Sub-committee on the Judiciary to morrow opens a public hearing, which will last a fortnight. upon six measures for the repeal or iio'lilicaticn of the Volstead Law. This promises in rival the most fa metis e>f Congressional investigations. Both the "Drys" and the "'Wets'' are marshalling their forces. Senators Bruce and Edge are conducting the "Wet" campaign, and the Ant l-Saloon League the "Dry." Hundreds of witnesses, including many important Governmental heads, Will testify. The three chief questions are Ihe possibility of enforcement, its social effects, and public sentiment concerning Prohibition. \ario-.-. anti-Prohibition measures pending ask for a modification of Ihe Volstead Law permitting beers and wines, and the introduction of ihe Can adian system of sales of alcohol and liquors under Government agencies in limited quantities, and a national referendum. It is interesting to note in Hie killer connection that .he New York Slate Legislature is likely lo authorise a State n I'ct ciiiliim ttpi n Prohibit ion for 2nd November. Senators Bruce and Edge, and General Andrews, will be the lirst witnesses. WASHINGTON. April 5. Mr Edge, openhig Ihe "we!" ease before the Senate sub coiumitt. c said: "Tin- Volstead law has firstly, placed human happiness under the irritating and hanassing domination of sour, cor ros.ive. riiirrowminded purilauism which does uoi hesitate lo avow its enmity, even In such innocent recreations as smoking and dancing; secondly, for the first time il has bronchi the church deeply info politics; thirdly, it has established and set! led commerce between the worthier and most unworthy number.-' iif the 11 Uiiniiiiily : f •Hdy, ii has crialed an underworld almost as llior utighlv organised as ihe respectable world' abovi : lil'lhK . i! has tended In bririn >'dl laws including iiscli into moo or lew. di .respect ; sixthly, it has lower ed the prestige of Ihe I'ederal I lov.-rn-lilCIl! ; Si'Vt-111 Illy, i! lie: lo i tit il d. icii . perfidy, espionage and lyi aliiiv in ■< mint (heir meaiiesl and lie :-.( haicltil :.s peels; and lastly it has been ivspunr.ihle lor tln linpH" edeuted pheln meneii i i thousands of reputable men and w..nieti, including' ministers nf Ihe law n self, living in habitual disregard ..I const it ul ioiial law ."