FORMER KANSAS GOVERNOR CALLS VOLSTEAD ACT 'A POLITICAL FAILURE'
Boston, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On January 30, 1926, Associated Press reports "the Volstead law* was described as a 'political failure' by former Governor Henry J. Allen** of Kansas in an address before the Kansas Society of Massachusetts last night."
The Governor said "the country's attitude on the liquor question was uncertain and that the prohibition law could be worked out successfully if supported by public opinion."
JFK+50 NOTE
According to educational resources provided online by the National Archives, although the 18th amendment/Volstead Act "worked at first" by 1925 New York City alone had 30,000 to 100,000 speakeasies or private clubs where illegal liquor was sold & nationwide people found "clever ways" to get around prohibition laws.
I've heard it said that "more liquor was manufactured, transported & sold during Prohibition than any other period in U.S. History." Statistics prove that Prohibition made America a more violent place.
*Volstead Act (1920), vetoed by President Wilson but passed over his veto, enforced the 18th amendment by prohibiting the manufacture, sale & transport of alcoholic beverages. VA's purpose was to end liquor consumption but led to bootlegging, organized crime & corruption.
**Henry Justin Allen (1868-1950) was born in Pittsfield Township, Pennsylvania & was educated at Baker University & Washburn University. HJA, a member of the Progressive Party, served as governor of Kansas 1919-1923 & U.S. Senator (P-KS) 1929-1930.
SOURCES
"Allen Sees Dry Law As Political Failure," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 30, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"The Volstead Act," National Archives, www.archives.gov/
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