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Editorial
January 9, 1926
Chicago Citizen
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
What is this article about?
Editorial criticizes the ineffectiveness of prohibition agents on New Year's Eve, views the Prohibition Amendment as disreputable, mocks fanatics' extreme goals, notes global reluctance for similar laws, and urges wise men to reform without saloons.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE FARCE GROWS MORE FARCICAL.
Was there ever anything more absurd or grotesque than the action, or inaction, of prohibition agents on New Year's Eve? How can the Federal Government spend money on such a display of helplessness? What is the meaning of sending agents to declare their inability to do anything? It makes government all the more ridiculous.
It may be some time before the prohibition amendment will be amended.
But it is already a disreputable enactment, and is so regarded.
When the fanatics achieved their purpose of "making the country dry," they openly declared their intention of taking the cigar or pipe out of a man's mouth. Later they would stop snuffing; still later, candy would be forbidden. It is quite certain now that they will not attempt anything further for a while. It is also certain that no civilized country in the world will attempt prohibition in the next quarter of a century. The "reformers" in any land will hesitate before trying to make people good by civil enactment. This much we have to be thankful for.
We suggest once more that wise men, men who love their country and their kind, should come together and devise some plan of changing the present scandalous condition without reverting to the saloon.
Was there ever anything more absurd or grotesque than the action, or inaction, of prohibition agents on New Year's Eve? How can the Federal Government spend money on such a display of helplessness? What is the meaning of sending agents to declare their inability to do anything? It makes government all the more ridiculous.
It may be some time before the prohibition amendment will be amended.
But it is already a disreputable enactment, and is so regarded.
When the fanatics achieved their purpose of "making the country dry," they openly declared their intention of taking the cigar or pipe out of a man's mouth. Later they would stop snuffing; still later, candy would be forbidden. It is quite certain now that they will not attempt anything further for a while. It is also certain that no civilized country in the world will attempt prohibition in the next quarter of a century. The "reformers" in any land will hesitate before trying to make people good by civil enactment. This much we have to be thankful for.
We suggest once more that wise men, men who love their country and their kind, should come together and devise some plan of changing the present scandalous condition without reverting to the saloon.
What sub-type of article is it?
Temperance
Moral Or Religious
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Prohibition
Temperance
Federal Government
Enforcement Failure
Moral Reform
Amendment Critique
What entities or persons were involved?
Prohibition Agents
Federal Government
Fanatics
Reformers
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Critique Of Prohibition Enforcement And Amendment
Stance / Tone
Critical And Reformist
Key Figures
Prohibition Agents
Federal Government
Fanatics
Reformers
Key Arguments
Prohibition Agents' Inaction On New Year's Eve Is Absurd And Makes Government Ridiculous.
Prohibition Amendment Is Disreputable And Will Take Time To Amend.
Fanatics Aimed To Ban More Than Alcohol, Like Cigars And Candy.
No Civilized Country Will Attempt Prohibition Soon.
Reformers Should Hesitate To Enforce Morality By Law.
Wise Men Should Devise A Plan To End The Scandal Without Saloons.