CORRESPONDENCE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17732, 4 December 1919, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE TRADE. MR. DURHAM, AND MR. TAFT.

(To the Editor.)

Sir. —The columns of our newspapers are being filled with a motley assortment of literature, published by the Trade in a vain endeavour to stem the tide of National Prohibition. Judging by the class of literature published, the "Be British" and "Liberty" signs bedecking the local hotels and various hoardings, the Trade is hard pressed for arguments in its favour. Its policy certainly does not appeal to common sense, but some may possibly be misled by the frothy bluff. In its campaign the Trade has enlisted the services of a Mr Durham, billed as Australia's champion orator. Mr Durham, whatever his qualifications, is not entitled to make misstatements. This morning, e.g., he informs your readers that ex-President Taft is opposed to Prohibition. Ex-Presi-dent Taft questioned the policy of altering the United States Constitution but he is no opponent of Prohibition. Let. him speak for himself in the follqwing extracts from a striking article in one of America's most influential monthlies: —

. . . There are many men, as we know, who might drink liquor and be moderate in its use. But we must recognise that liquor is a very considerable source in stimulating crime. We must recognise that it plays a large part in the production of poverty and suffering not only for the excessive drinker himself but for those related to him and dependent on him. Such a man in many ways imposes a burden on society at large. The restraint of the liberty of the individual to whom the use of intoxicants is enjoyable and harmless is but a slight restriction on his general freedom of action. It is something he may very well be called upon to give up to save for society those whom it depraves and destroys. The drinking of liquor is a social practice and is increased or minimised in a very large degree by the opportunity and proximity of access for many who would never drink at all unless it was set under their noses by the infesting presence of saloons in their community where the sale of liquor is allowed. The comparative cheapness in the production of alcohol and beer, even with a heavy tax laid upon them, enables the vendors to reap a heavy profit from every retail sale. The temptation to the lazy, seeking a means of livelihood without effort; and prompted by distillers or brewers lending on credit, forces upon a community saloons everywhere, because even in a hole in a wall a considerable daily income can be earned. The political machine of saloon keepers and liquor dealers wields through the übiquitous saloon, a vicious and pernicious influence upon voters. This array of the immoral and vicious effects of the free manufacture and sale of liquor upon the community can leave no doubt that the curtailment of personal freedom in effective prohibition,- is small as compared with its benefit to society This settles its conformity to true principles of personal liberty

We have long moved beyond the,attitude of the laissez-faire .class of political economists, who thought that legislation should be confined merely to the maintenance of good order and the administration of justice .between individuals, and that efforts in respect to personal morals should be confined to voluntary associations of individuals, to churches, to public opinion and to the com-

mon sense and perception of mankind. While perhaps such philisophers could point to many futile efforts to improve conditions by the magic words 'Be it enacted,' many other instances could be cited which demonstrate that in proper fields positive statutory restriction with reasonable penalty can accomplish much. Indeed, in many States where the majority favour it prohibition has; unquestionably done great

good. . ." The Trade surely has no support from Mr Taft! Poor Mr Durham! I would suggest he publicy apologise for having introduced the name of ex-President Taft in the cause he advocates. —I am, etc.,

DON Q

P.g,—i w ill leave the remainder of Ex-President Taft's article so that it may be available for inspection at your office.