AMERICA'S “DRY” LAW

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12424, 19 April 1926, Page 7

AMERICA'S “DRY” LAW

WILL BRITAIN ENFORCE IT? BY CHECKING BRITISH SMUGGLERS RECIPROCITY PROPOSED By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Reuter’s Telegram. (Received April 18, 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 16. The State Department proposes to place another stumbling-block in the path of the rum smugglers, by supplementing the liquor treaty with Britain, in order to prevent the exportation from the British Isles of liquor intended for “Rum Row.” Informal conferences were held between the State Department and the British officials, at which the groundwork, for such negotiations was laid, and if President Coolidge approves it is proposed that a mission be sent to London to frame a treaty. It is believed that the administration is prepared to enter into a reciprocal agreement with Britain, to prohibit the exportation from the United States of any goods considered to be contraband by other Governments. It is also understood that the Prohibition officials are seeking an agreement permitting American officials to search ships in the British West Indies.

THE CASE FOR THE LAW FIRM SUPPORT BY CHURCHES “IT HAS WROUGHT BLESSINGS.” Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 18. 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 16. “Dry” witness, giving evidence, before the Senate Committee, contended that Prohibition is a success. Dr. Haven, speaking for the Federated Council of Churches, declared that Prohibition has wrought social and economic blessings. He asserted that the “Wets,” in seeking a modification of the law, are acting for the brewers. A former health commissioner of New York declared that Prohibition has aided health in the largest citv of the United States. There were fewer deaths from alcoholism in 1921, when liquor was not readily accessible, than now. Mrs Green, a member of the Cleveland City Council, contended that the law had’ reduced drunkenness, aided morality, decreased crime, and encouraged children to right living. i,ec Beatty, a social worker, said that a former slum of New York was now a clean and lie. itliful community, owing to Prohibition. Seven hundred and fifty churches, of 17 denominations, presented a resolution pledging themselves to support the tightening of the present enforcement regulations.