Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 February 1917 — Letter From Representative Wood. [ARTICLE]

Letter From Representative Wood.

Rensselaer Republican: After sending you the telegram, in answer to your request, I desire to give some explanation as to some changes that were made in House Bill No. 78, providing for state-wide prohibition. The senate has seen fit to amend the bill: First, by extending the time of the law going into effect to April Ist, 1918, instead of January Ist, 1918. Second, it amends the bill to the extent that druggists sell ho spirits of liquor other than ‘ pure grain alcohol fdr medicinal br mechanical purposes. - Third, that the sale of liquor is allowed to" ministers for sacramental purposes. In other words,- it seems to be a reality' that we are to have a dry Indiana. This hill passed., the bouse hya vote of 70 to-28. ——r— ■ Since it has been amended by the, senate, it will be referred back to the house Lpr concurrence. There is no doubt in my mind but thpt the house will concur in the action of the senate. The governor has said that he is ready to sign the bill. I have his own words on that, point.* This has been a ver ■ strenuous week in the general assembly; great demonstrations have been made by the drys and wets of the state. The state house has been crowded with preachers, suffragettes, brass bands, choruses and in fact, evefy other demonstration that was possible to create sentiment-was here. This is the first* time since’ 1855 that Indiana has succeeded in placing pi nvwhi hi tion laiw.OTi t.-hF 'Stdß-til(books. Personally, I have no objections to the .amendments made by the senate, I felt that they should have been made in tlie house, but I did not desire to tender the movement of statewide prohibition. I voted on the measure as it stood. Other / states have adopted this forfn of law. I am thankful that* the storm is practically over and that the house witt have an opportunity to give it the last touch the early part of next week, and the governor’s signature to the document will be attached some time next week. ; Di 'conclusion win say that this is

a Thanksgiving Day to the people of the Grand OI<T Hoosier State. - Respectfully yours, W. L. WOOD.