Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 February 1918 — GOMPERS AND BRYAN ARGUE [ARTICLE]

GOMPERS AND BRYAN ARGUE

ALBANY STATE HOUSE SCENE OF STIRRING DEBATE, PRO £ND CON. Albany, N. Y., Feb. 26.—For more than five hours today a crowded audience in the room and galleries of the assembly chamber of the state capital heard men of international reputation argue for and against the ratification by the New York legislature of the federal prohibition amendment. William Jennings Bryan led the prohibition forces. His principal opponent was Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor, who was seconded by former United States Senator Bailey, of Texas. There were many other speakers widely known. The hearing was held before a joint legislative committees to which) the ratification resolution early in January. At the close of the hearing no indication was given as to when the committee men would decide whether to report the resolution favorably or unfavorably.

Must Send Clean Men Prohibition and its relation to the war was one of the principal arguments made by both sides. Mr. Bryan declared that it was vital to the success of the United States and its allies that this country send men clean in mind and body to the battle front. Mr. Gompers asserted that in the present crisis the people of the country had enough to do in the fighting line by opposing the Central powers, and that their attention from this most important subject should not be diverted by any measure less vital. Opponents of the ratification asserted that the federal amendment was unconstitutional in that it would give both federal and states concurent jurisdiction in enforcing the prohibitory clause. The resolution’s sponsors were equally as emphatic in their declaration that the, enforcement provisions contained in the amendment were legal and valid.