Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 298, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1916 — Committee O. K.’s the Resolution On Prohibition. [ARTICLE]

Committee O. K.’s the Resolution On Prohibition.

Washington, Dec. 14.—Nation-wide prohibition took a long stride toward congressional consideration today when the house judiciary committee unexpectedly voted to recommend the adoption of the resolution to submit a constitutional amendment forbidding the manufacture and sale of liquor for beverage purposes in the United States. Even the most enthusiastic champion of the amendment had not expected favorable action so soon from the committee which at the last session voted to postpone its consideration indefinitely. How far the resolution will progress through the various legislative stages of congress at this session is problematical, but the administration leaders doubt that it will reach the senate in time for action at thie session. Prohibition advocates are jubilant over the action of the committee, however, and predict ultimate adoption of the resolution and reference of the amendment to the legislatures of the various states at a much earlier date than they heretofore had hoped for. Two-thirds majority in both houses is required. Coincident with the committee’s action on the amendment the prohibition issue was brought directly to the attention of the senate when the Sheppard bill to prohibit the manufacture and sale of liquor in the District of Columbia became the unfinished business to be kept before the senate until disposed of. As an amendment to this bill, Senator Underwood has proposed a referendum to the male voters of the district. Senator Kern, of Indiana, has added a proposal that women also should participate in the referendum. Sentiment in the senate for and against the referendum appears to be closely divided with a vote on the subject expected within a day or two.