PROHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1926, Page 4

PROHIBITION.

•• PUSSYFOOT ” JOHNSON’S AIISGIVINGS. AH' " Pussyfoot ” Johnson, the foremost missionary in the cause of Prohibition, admits on arrival at Now A ork (saiil the New York correspondent of the Loudon *’ Telegraph ” on January llth> that lie has some misgivings as to the virtues of America’s Prohibition Law. He wishes it distinctly understood that he still maintains the right of society to protect itself from the liquor interests and safeguard certain members of the social body, hut during his crusades abroad he has beer

impressed by the flood of criticism of Prohibition. lie is by no means converted but admits that Prohibition certainly lias not worked out in the way it was expected to do. He goes so far

as to concede a man’s right to drink, if he pleases, and even that some drinkers are good citizens. Mr Johnson acknowdledges some doubts whether the American Law lias not done as inudli or more harm than good, and confesses that there might

be some truth in the assertions that there is nearly as much drinking of spirits as ever. If Americans are convinced that Prohibition is bad, Mr Johnson declares, they should repeal the law. liis admissions are a real blow to the Anti-Saloon League, whose members have planned a great banquet next Saturday in honour of tlieir re- | turned pilgrim. So far, there is no intimation that the dinner will be cancelled.