The American Issue

UNITED PRESBYTERIANS RESOLVE

Action of the Seventy-Second General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church Recently Held in Des Moines, Iowa

Whereas, the Eighteenth Amendment and the laws for its enforcement, together with officials, organizations and individuals who support them, are being viciously attacked by the enemies of laws against liquors; be it

Resolved, That we reaffirm our faith in prohibition aided by observance and backed by enforcement, as the best method for the suppression of the beverage use of the narcotic, habit-forming drug, alcohol.

That we view with gratitude the great contribution of prohibition toward the social and economic welfare of the people and call attention to the increased need for sobriety in this age of power in industry, speed in transportation and other modern conditions vastly increasing the necessity of total abstinence of each for the safety, progress and welfare of all.

That we warn the people, particularly youth, against the insidious campaign of wet propaganda deliberately designed to discourage respect for prohibition, and encourage the use of intoxicating liquor.

That we protest against drinking scenes in the movies, falsely showing the use of intoxicants as attractive, adventurous and fashionable instead of as in reality lawless, degrading and dangerous.

That we also warn against insinuations favorable to intoxicating liquors in the fiction pages of the nation's leading magazines.

That we urge the teaching of scientific facts about the effects of alcohol physically, mentally and morally in public schools, Sabbath schools, colleges and universities since it is the undoubted right of every child and every young person to be informed of the dangers of intoxicating drink, which is the most deceptive, destructive and seductive enemy of every age.

That we call attention to the activities of the Association Against the Prohibition Amendment as revealed in the recent senate lobby committee investigations showing that this organization, well organized and abundantly financed, is working for the repeal of all enforcement legislation and eventual repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment. We also call attention to the organization and activities of the so-called "Women's Organization for Prohibition Reform," "The Crusaders," and other wet organizations whose avowed purpose is the repeal of all prohibition laws.

Resolved, That we express our great satisfaction in the fact that in the thorough investigation recently conducted by the senate lobby committee, the integrity of the Anti-Saloon League has once more been publicly confirmed; and that although the lobby committee had access to all the records of the League and had the general superintendent of the League on the witness stand for seven days, yet the enemies of the League have not been able to establish any reflection or fasten any slander upon that militant organization.

THAT WE COMMEND THE WORK OF THE ANTI-SALOON LEAGUE FOR ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN REPRESENTING THE CHURCH AND TEMPERANCE FORCES OF THE NATION IN UNIFIED CAMPAIGNS SUPPORTING LEGISLATION AND ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION: THE LEAGUE IS ORGANIZED AND CONTROLLED BY SELECTED REPRESENTATIVES OF CHURCH AND TEMPERANCE GROUPS.

THAT ITS RESOURCES COME MOSTLY FROM GREAT NUMBERS OF INDIVIDUAL GIVERS OF SMALL AMOUNTS AND THAT ITS OBJECTIVE CONCERNS THE GENERAL PUBLIC WELFARE AS CONTRASTED WITH THE WET ORGANIZATIONS FORMED AND FINANCED BY SELF-SELECTED INDIVIDUALS WHOSE OBJECTIVE IS PRIVATE PROFIT AND PERSONAL GRATIFICATION. WE URGE THAT OUR PEOPLE GIVE THEIR FULLEST POSSIBLE AID AND COOPERATION TO THE ANTI-SALOON LEAGUE IN ORDER THAT IT MAY HAVE THE MEANS TO COMBAT THE FINANCIALLY POWERFUL WET ORGANIZATIONS.