PROHIBITION ATTACKED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18703, 8 May 1924, Page 9

PROHIBITION ATTACKED.

AMERICANS INCENSED.

EDUCATIONALIST'S SPEECH.

DEMAND FOR DISMISSAL.

CENSURED BY MINISTERS. WRONG EXAMPLE TO SET. By Telegraph—Preas Association'—Copyright. (Received 9.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. NEW YORK, May 6. The controversy aroused by the speech of Dr. Nicholas M. Butler, President of the Columbia University, at a dinner on March 30, in the course of which he attacked prohibition, has developed a new turn. It is now suggested that Dr. Butler may have been angling for nomination for the Vice-Presidency.

While this motive has been authoritatively denied, observers point out that the President, Mr. Calvin Coolidge, who is considered to be a prohibitionist, might benefit by having as Vice-President an eminent citizen who holds liberal views on prohibition matters. This would be especially valuable if the Democratic Con vention should decide to offer consolation to the so-called "wets."

In the meantime, the extent of public feeling on the question may be judged by the fact that Dr. Butler has received more than 10,000 communications. One politician, incensed by Dr. Butler's stand against prohibition, has announced that he is withdrawing his two sons from the Columbia University,

The local Methodist Ministers' Association, -with nearly 200 members, has adopted a resolution censuring Dr. Butler. They protest against his attitude on the prohibition question, which they say is not the right kind of patriotic example to set before the thousands of young men and women in training for citizenship at the Columbia University. The resolution further requests the trustees to dismiss Dr. Butler. The trustees, have, however, unanimously refused to do so.

An unexpected debate on prohibition took place last week between Dr. Butler, one of the leading educationalists in the United States, and Dr. L. Brooks, of the University of Missouri. Both were guests at a dinner. The debate caused great disorder among the guests, who, despite the toastmaster's pleas, rose to their feet applauding and cheering the disputants. Dr.. Butler declared that prohibition was not enforced merely because it was unenforceable. He attacked the clergy who supported the activities of the Anti-Saloon League. The bootlegger alone, ho said, was satisfied with the present situation. What America needed was a liquor policy similar to that of Quebec, which weald pour into the Treasury annually £100,000,000, which sum was now going to the bootleggers. America was down in the valley of darkness, lawlessness, and contempt for order. The situation demanded courage, intelligence, and reason. He had faith in the American people's ability to correct it.

TREATY WITH BRITAIN. KING AFFIXES SIGNATURE. THREE MILE LIQUOR LIMIT. (Received 5.5 p.m.) Router. LONDON, May 6. King George has signed the AngloAmerican liquor treaty. It will come into operation immediately ratifications have been exchanged with Washington.

The treaty regarding liquor on ships between Britain and the United States declares the firm intention of the two countries to uphold the principle of the three-mile territorial limit, but authorises search of British vessels suspected of carrying liquor anywhere within a distance from the coast of the United States which can be traversed in one hour by the vessel suspected. Britain is pledged against raising objection to the boarding of private vessels under the British flag outside the territorial waters for the purposes of search when thore is reasonable ground for suspicion. The seizure of British vessels and their detention in American ports for adjudication is stipulated.

The principle of the treaty was endorsed by the Imperial Conference, and the convention was signed on behalf of the Dominions and of India, as well as for the United Kingdom, by Sir Auckland Geddes. then British Ambassador to the United States. In return for the right granted to search, suspected carriers of contraband liquor, British vessels are to be allowed to carry liquor under seal into United States harbours and out again. By one clause it is set forth that a joint commission is to adjudicate on claims for compensation in cases whore British vessels sustain loss through any "unreasonable or improper exercise" of the rights given by the convention. A stipulation that if by reason of "a judicial decision or legislative action" it becomes impossible to apply , the provisions of the convention it shall automatically lapse, and the contracting parties shall ipso facto regain all those rights they would have enjoyed if the convention had never been negotiated, is the last clause of the instrument. The period of duration is fixed for one year, with a provision for notice by either side of a desire to modify its terms three months before the date of expiry. If an agreement has not been reached as to the suggested modifications, the convention will lapse.

THE VOLSTEAD ACT. MODIFICATION OPPOSED. A and N.Z. NEW YORK. May 6. The Methodist Conference, which is sitting at Springfield, Massachusetts, is considering a resolution asking Congress to defeat the 56 identical beer bills which are designed to authorise the sale of light beers and wines. The resolution also asks Congress to strengthen th© enforcement of the prohibition law by placing prohibition agents under the Civil Service. The resolution has aroused little objection, and its adoption is regarded as certain. Further suggestions include the deportation of aliens and disfranchisement of American citizens who persistently violate the liquor and narcotic prohibition laws. - -

• * •• The so-called "beer bloc," which is endeavouring to liberalise the Volstead law, gained further . adherents among members of the House of Representatives, and introduced 56 identical bills to legalise the manufacture and sale of beverages containing 2$ per cent, of alcohol. The bloc requested immediate hearings with a view to prompt action. The 56 bills correspond to the present membership of the " beer bloc," which began operations with a nucleus of 40. It planned to emphasise the campaign of liberalisation by having each additional recruit present an identical bill.