"BAPTISTS REACT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S MURDER"

DEATH PENALTY PROPOSED FOR VIOLATORS OF LIQUOR LAWS

Madisonville*, Kentucky (JFK+50) On August 11, 1925, Associated Press reports that a business men's Bible study class at First Baptist Church is proposing the death penalty for every person in the Commonwealth convicted "of manufacturing, selling or buying liquor."

This recommendation was made in hopes of getting a law passed in the Kentucky State Legislature following the murder of a local county liquor law enforcement officer.

*Madisonville is located in Hawkins County, Kentucky in the western coal fields region.  It was founded in 1807 & named for then Secretary of State James Madison.  

The city became a rail hub & coal mining center in the 20th century & was also a tobacco market.  It is home of Madisonville Community College.

SOURCE

"Death for Dry Law Violators Is Urged By Bible Class Men," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 11, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

First Baptist Church

Madisonville, Kentucky

Photo by Jim Henderson 2017

CC 1.0 UPD

"LIQUOR IS PLENTIFUL & ARRIVES DAILY"

 AAPA SAYS STATISTICS SHOW WASHINGTON IS ONE OF THE 'WETTEST' U.S. CITIES

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 5, 1925, The Evening Star reports that the Association Against the Prohibition Amendment*, in a statement released today, contends that the Nation's Capital is "one of the wettest cities in the United States" and that "liquor is plentiful and arrives daily from an almost limitless source."

The AAPA cites records obtained from the Washington Police Department which show a steady increase in arrests for drunkeness over a five year period.  The association believes that this increase is "because of prohibition."

The records show that in the last year of 'wetness,' D.C. arrests for drunkeness were 3,568 while in 1924, under prohibition, arrests had skyrocketed up to 9,149.

JFK+50 NOTE

While arrests for public drunkeness initially decreased, with a surge in bootlegging (black market) & speakeasies, alcohol-related problems surged during the years of prohibition 1920-1933.

According to Mark Thornton, prohibition was a failure.

*AAPA was founded in 1918 & incorporated in 1920.  Its purpose was to work for repeal of prohibition (making liquor illegal) in the U.S.  AAPA did not become effective until the mid 1920s & boasted of 500,000 members in 28 states.

SOURCES

"Alcohol Prohibition Was a Failure," by Mark Thornton, July 17, 1991, Policy Analysis No. 157,  CATO Institute, www.cato.org/

"Washington Held as 'Wettest City'," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., June 5, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

Anti-Saloon League Newspaper

January 25, 1919

www.flickr.com

"THIS IS NOT INTENDED AS MERELY A SCARE"

YOUNG WOMEN 'DRINKERS' WILL BE ARRESTED ALONG WITH THEIR ESCORTS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 13, 1925, The Washington Times reports that "young women who enjoy taking a little drink...at fashionable restaurants and hotels...are going to be arrested...and charged with violation of the liquor laws."

This was announced by Federal Prohibition Agent for the District of Columbia Harry M. Luckett* who has recently received a number of complaints from "prominent women" of the city who say their daughters are returning home in the early morning hours "under the influence."

The practice by local authorities has been to arrest the escorts of young ladies who have been drinking illegal liquor, but now the women also will be subject to arrest.

The Times warns...

"This is not intended as merely a 'scare'."  It is the beginning of a vigorous campaign by the prohibition unit...to put a stop to drinking in public places."

JFK+50 NOTE

The Volstead (Prohibition) Act  (1919) banned the sale and production of alcohol in the United States from 1920 to 1933.  The law was based on the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  That amendment was repealed in Dec 1933 by the 21st Amendment.

SOURCES

"Harry McKeever Luckett (1878-1938)," Family Search, www.ancestors.familysearch.org/

"To Arrest Drinking Girls," The Washington Times, March 13, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Clear glass martini glass

with red liquid

Royal Free Photos

www.pickpick.com/

"FORCE GUARDS TO DRINK WHISKEY UNTIL INTOXICATED"

BANDITS RAID GOVERNMENT WHISKEY WAREHOUSE, MAKE OFF WITH 60 BARRELS 

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On January 28, 1924, The Associated Press reports twenty to thirty bandits raided the distillery in Hammond*, Indiana which was used as a government warehouse.

According to three guards, the bandits forced them to drink whiskey "until they were thoroughly intoxicated" and then made off with sixty barrels.

The Prohibition agent in Northern Indiana, James E. Browne, alerted Chicago police that the bandits were bound for the Windy City.

*Hammond is located in Lake County, Indiana, the only city in the state which borders Chicago.  Hammond is part of the Chicago metro area.  The Pullman Company built M4 Sherman tanks here during WWII.

SOURCE

"Force Rum Guards To Get Drunk; Band Steals Sixty Barrels," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 28, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Hammond, Indiana

1908

Steve Shook Photos

www.flickr.com/

"SENTENCED TO PAY $200 FINE & SERVE 60 DAYS IN JAIL"

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR TRANSPORTING BUTCHERED HOGS CONTAINING JUGS OF MOONSHINE

Weirton, West Virginia (JFK+50) On January 19. 1924, The Evening Star reports that yesterday prohibition officers stopped "a woman driving a horse and wagon into Weirton*" and discovered "the interior of each of the large freshly-butchered hogs" she was carrying "contained a ten-gallon jug of moonshine."

Mrs. Mary Tolpovich was arrested for "transporting liquor from Pennsylvania into West Virginia."  She was sentenced to pay a $200 fine and serve sixty days in jail.  Her husband is already serving six months in Ohio County prison for liquor possession.

*Weirton is located along the Ohio River in the northern panhandle of West Virginia.  The town was founded by Ernest T. Weir in 1909.

SOURCE

"Woman Jailed  For Smuggling Liquor in Pigs," Weirton, West Virginia, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 19, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, ww.loc.gov/

"18,000 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL"

PROHIBITION UNIT WILL DESTROY BEER CONTAINING 5% ALCOHOL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 14, 1923, The Evening Star reports an order has been issued to United States Marshal Edgar C. Snyder instructing him "to destroy 18,000 bottles of beer" each containing 5% alcohol*.

The order, issued by Justice William Hitz** of the District Supreme Court, will be carried out tomorrow with five trucks transporting the illegal booze from warehouse to a unspecified place of destruction.

The Star further reports that the illegal liquor was initially transported by rail from Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C., and when the consignee did not show up to claim it, railroad authorities contacted the prohibition unit.

*The National Prohibition Act (1919) a.k.a. Volstead Act set the legal maximum alcohol content of beer at 1/2 of 1%. A 12 ounce bottle of American beer contains 5% alcohol today (2023). The Scottish brewery Brewmeister produces the strongest beer in the world, 'Snake Venom' which contains 67.8% alcohol.

**William Hitz (1872-1936) was born in Washington, D.C., & educated at Harvard University & Georgetown Law School, 1900.  WH worked in the Justice Department before being appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia by President Wilson.

SOURCE

"Will Dump 18,000 Bottles of Beer Here Tomorrow," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 14, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Justice William Hitz

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"HARDING TO ENTER 1924 CAMPAIGN 100% DRY"

PRESIDENT TAKES STAND ON PROHIBITION ISSUE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 4, 1923, the Evening Star reports that President Warren G. Harding "will enter his campaign for renomination and reelection 100 per cent dry."

David Lawrence writes the President's stand on the prohibition issue was made clear with the recent Supreme Court decision "that American ships could sell liquor outside the 3 mile limit."

Lawrence adds..."the President made up his mind to keep the American ships dry."

Mr. Harding chose not to grant the 'wets' "a point" and stay free of the prohibition controversy.

JFK+50 NOTE

The the term "dry" refers to those who supported prohibition or making the manufacture, distribution, sale or importation of alcoholic beverages illegal.  

'Wets' were those who opposed prohibition.  They were city dwellers, Catholic immigrants & southerners.

SOURCE

"President To Run As 'Dry' in 1924," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Warren G. Harding

Harris & Ewing Photo (1920) 

Library of Congress

 

"LIQUORS MAY BE SOLD ON U.S. VESSELS ON HIGH SEAS"

HIGH COURT STRIKES DOWN DAUGHERTY RULING 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 30, 1923, the United States Supreme Court overturned a ruling by Attorney General Harry Daugherty* "against the selling of liquors on American vessels on the high seas."

The high court also ruled, however, that the prohibition of both American and foreign ships from bringing liquors into American ports under bond "is legal and enforceable."

According to the Supreme Court ruling, the prohibition amendment does not apply to American ships selling liquor outside of American territorial waters. 

The Evening Capital reports steamship companies are holding meetings to devise plans to comply with the court rulings.

*Harry M. Daugherty (1860-1941) was born in Ohio & served as Attorney General of the United States under Presidents Harding & Coolidge, 1921-1924.

SOURCE

"Court Overturns Daugherty Ruling," The Evening Capital, Annapolis, Maryland, April 30, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Harry M. Daugherty

Attorney General of the United States

1920

 

"PRESIDENT HARDING TO ORDER IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION"

PROHIBITION DIRECTOR SUSPENDED FOR BRIBERY; $2 MILLION GRAFT IN RUM ALLEGED

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On April 23, 1923, the International News Service reports "two high officials of the Department of Justice" are involved in operations of a 'shakedown liquor ring' extending from "coast to coast."

An affidavit was filed in Washington, D.C., has resulted in the suspension of Chicago prohibition director Roscoe Andrews*.  Mr. Edward M. Saloman stated in the affidavit that he was offered the position of prohibition director if he would pay $50,000 to Washington officials.

The Washington Times reports bribes and graft exceeding $2,000,000 has been distributed by violators of the 18th amendment.  It is expected that President Warren G. Harding will order an immediate investigation into the matter.

 *Roscoe C. Andrews, 26 years old, was prohibition director of Illinois in 1923 when he "was caught up in a alcohol scandal involving missing liquor for the government workhouse.  The Chicago Tribune states he maintained he was innocent.

SOURCES

"$2,000,000 Graft In Rum," The Washington Times, Washington, D.C., April 23, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"The battle over booze," Chicago Tribune, July 25, 2014, www.chicagotribune.com/

 

 

Prohibition Disposal

Library of Congress Photo

 

"CONGRESSMEN & SOCIETY LEADERS ON PATRONS LIST"

APARTMENT OF KING OF WASHINGTON SOCIETY BOOTLEGGERS RAIDED 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 21, 1922, the Washington bureau of the New York Tribune reported that the apartment of the "alleged king of Washington's 'society bootleggers'" was raided last evening by an Internal Revenue agent along with police.

Five hundred quarts of liquor were seized at the apartment of Raymond "Razor" Gray, a 28 year old college student.

Along with the booze, a "long list" of alleged patrons which includes the names of congressmen, lawyers, business men and society leaders was confiscated.

The report states that Mr. Gray was the subject of a "trap" set by authorities with the assistance of "a local society woman" sympathetic with the "drys."

JFK+50 NOTE

According to the National Museum of American History, prohibition did not stop Americans from drinking as "expanding violent, organized crime (and) illegal sources of production and distribution" made alcohol easily accessible from 1920-1933.

SOURCE

"Elite of Capital Found On Bootlegger's Books," The New York Tribune, December 22, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 Izzy Einstein Sharing a Toast

with Moe Smith

NY World Telegram

Library of Congress

www.picryl.com/

"LIQUOR CAN BE BROUGHT IN ON FOREIGN WARSHIPS"

LIQUOR POLICY NOT TO BE A CONCERN FOR D.C. FOREIGN MISSIONS 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 12, 1922, the Evening Star reports the new liquor policy* of the United States will not apply to "foreign missions in this city."

Alcoholic beverages to be consumed by ambassadors and ministers, along with their official staffs, will be brought into Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis and New York legally "on warships flying the flag of their respective countries" and then transported from docks to the embassies in motor cars displaying the national coat of arms.

*Prohibition (1920-1933) a nationwide ban on the production, importation, transport & sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States.

SOURCE

"Embassies Not Embarrassed By Dry Ruling," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 12, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"PROHIBITION WOULD HELP WITH REPARATIONS BURDEN"

STRAW BALLOTS SHOW HUGE MAJORITY FAVOR PROHIBITION IN ONE GERMAN PRECINCT

Bielefeld, Germany (JFK+50) On August 7, 1922, "the results of the first straw vote ever taken in Germany on the question of prohibition showed an overwhelming majority...in favor of the abolition of alcohol."

Of 14,069 registered voters in the Bielefeld* precinct, 12,626 voted for prohibition.  The straw poll was conducted by the German prohibition committee headquartered at Darmstadt**.

The committee plans more straw polls in other parts of Germany.  They argue that that saving 3,500,000,000 gold marks each year with prohibition in place would help "shake off the yoke of the reparations burden."

*Bielefeld, founded in 1214, is the 18th largest Germany city & is located in the north-east of North-Rhine Westphalia.

**Darmstadt, the "city of Science" is located in the southern part of the Rhine-Main-Area near Frankfurt.   

JFK+50 NOTE

According to Mary Miley's blog, "several European countries...passed laws that restricted consumption of alcohol."  She specifically mentions "the suspension of liquor sales in German industrial areas."  

SOURCES

"Prohibition Favored in Germany, First Straw Balloting Indicates," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 7, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Prohibition in Europe?," Mary Miley's Roaring Twenties, www.marymiley.wordpress.com/ 

   

 

Old Town Hall

 Bielefeld, Germany

Photo by Rudiger Muller 

2015

"NEW YORK: MODEL CITY OF PROHIBITION ENFORCEMENT?"

MINISTERS PLEDGE TO HELP ENFORCE PROHIBITION

New York City (JFK+50) On January 23, 1922, 500 ministers representing a variety of congregations met at Madison Avenue Baptist Church here in New York City pledging "to help the government enforce prohibition in any possible legal way."

The delegates to the union prohibition meeting, according to the Tribune, "agreed to use all their moral, physical and spiritual forces" to help in stopping the sale of illegal liquor.

Prohibition Commissioner Roy A. Haynes*, a guest speaker at the meeting, said...

"We intend to make New York a model city in the way of enforcement."

JFK+50 NOTE

According to Mark Thornton of Cato Institute, as alcohol became more dangerous to consume (during the 1920s & early 1930s), "crime increased and became 'organized'."  Consumers switched to more dangerous opium, cocaine, etc. but alcohol consumption began increasing in 1922.  In fact, heightened enforcement "did not curtail consumption."  Thornton argues the 'noble experiment' was a failure.

As to Roy Haynes intention to make New York City "a model...in...enforcement," Esad Metjahic writes...

"It would be fair to say that New York City never truly accepted prohibition."  He argues that the 'City of Immigrants' never gave in to it because liquor was 'the only thing' that the people of a city as diverse as NY "had in common."

*Roy Asa Haynes (1881-1940) was editor of The Hillsboro (Ohio) Dispatch & advocate for the Anti-Saloon League.  RAH was appointed by President Harding as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Treasury in charge of prohibition enforcement.

SOURCES

"Alcohol Prohibition Was a Failure," by Mark Thornton, July 17, 1991, CATO Institute, www.cato.org/

"500 Preachers Agree to Help Haynes Stop Rum Sales Here," The New York Tribune, January 24, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

"Prohibition-era New York," History of New York City by Esad Metjahic, www.blogs.shu.edu/

 

 

Roy Asa Haynes

Time Magazine Cover

July 23 1923 

"SO MUCH FOR SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER"

GIFT GIVING OF PRIVATE LIQUOR STOCK FROWNED ON BY NEW YORK COPS

New York City (JFK+50) On December 25, 1921, the Evening Star reported that yesterday, Christmas Eve, one John A. Hanley "was hauled out of his expensive limousine...and arrested for giving away Christmas presents."

Mr. Hanley "had been driving around for several hours distributing part of his private stock of champagne, wines and whiskey among his friends."*

The would-be Santa was charged with "possession and transporting liquor."  His sleigh.....that is, limo...was confiscated along with its contents.

So much for spreading Christmas cheer!

*During the Prohibition years, 1920-1933, there was a constitutional ban on production, importation, transportation & sale of alcoholic beverages.

JFK+50 NOTE

Merry Christmas 2021 to our Followers & Visitors! 

SOURCE

"Playing Santa Claus for Thirsty Friends Man Seized by Police," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., December 25, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Sheet Music Cover 1918

University of Maine Library

"101 ARRESTS MADE ON LOWER WEST SIDE"

NEW YORK COPS BREAK RECORD FOR SEIZURES OF ILLEGAL BOOZE

New York City (JFK+50) On April 26, 1921, "police engaged in enforcing the Mullan-Gage prohibition law*...broke all records for seizures for any twenty-four hour period since the state law was enacted."

According to the New York Tribune, the police would "dump 600 gallons of several per cent beer into a sewer, with an East River outlet."  

101 arrests were made on the lower West Side in a 24 hour period.

*Under NY's Mullan-Gage Act, a.k.a. "Little Volstead", the 1st 4000 arrests led to only 6 convictions & 1 jail sentence.  The act was a complete failure & repealed in 1923.

SOURCES

"It's Not Even About the Booze:  Politics, Prohibition and the Mullan-Gage Law," by Elizabeth J. Beutel, www.history.sfsu.edu/

"Rum Hunters Net 101, Biggest Haul in a Day," The New York Tribune, April 27, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

    

 

Removal of Liquor During Prohibition

New York City

Library of Congress Photo

"HOW DRY I AM"

PROHIBITION GOES INTO EFFECT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 17, 1920, the 18th Amendment, prohibiting the production, transportation and sale of 'intoxicating liquors' went into effect in the United States.

According to the Roosevelt Institute for American Studies, consumption and abuse of intoxicating liquors were national problems that increased during the 19th century.  Prohibition movements were led by groups like the Anti-Saloon League* and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union**. 

As a result of the 18th Amendment, organized crime took over the liquor business and America was victimized by record crime, poverty and violence. 

According to Dr. Jack S. Blocker Jr., alcohol consumption did not surpass pre-Prohibition levels in the U.S. until the 1970s.  The Depression of the 1930s kept the consumption level at 1.5 gallons per capita.  By the 1950s, it was up to 2 gallons and in the 1960s 2.4 gallons.

JFK+50 NOTE

Prohibition was in effect from 1920 to 1933.  FDR signed a law legalizing 3.2% beer & the 18th amendment was repealed by the 21st amendment in 1933.

*Anti-Saloon League was founded in Oberlin, Ohio in 1893 by Howard Hyde Russell.

**WCTU was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1874.  It became one of the largest & most influential women's groups of the 19th century. 

SOURCES

"Did Prohibition Really Work? Alcohol Prohibition as a Public Health Innovation," by Jack S. Blocker, Jr., American Journal of Public Health February 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

"January 17, 1920:  The Law that Dried the Nation, Prohibition in the U.S. and its Consequences," Roosevelt Institute for American Studies.

 

 

Prohibition Disposal

New York City

Library of Congress Photo

 
 

INTOXICATING LIQUORS FOR BEVERAGE PURPOSES IS HEREBY PROHIBITED

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF   RATIFICATION OF 18TH AMENDMENT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 16, 1919, the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was ratified by the required two-thirds majority of states.

The 18th Amendment, Section 1 reads...

"After one year from the ratification of this article, the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United states and all territories subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.'

The amendment did not make illegal, however, the private possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages nor did it provide for its own enforcement. The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of the law.The 18th Amendment was the first to set a "time delay" before the law would go into effect after ratification.  Accordingly, Prohibition went into effect on January 16, 1920, one year after ratification.

The amendment, which passed Congress on December 18, 1907, was ratified by Nebraska, Missouri and Wyoming on January 16, 1919, giving the law the required 36 states out of 48.  Two states, Connecticut and Rhode Island, rejected the amendment.

According to the Constitution Center, the 18th Amendment was the result of the work of the national temperance movement whose members believed alcohol use to be "reckless and destructive," and that Prohibition would "reduce crime and corruption" and "improve the health of all Americans."

The Center says that while the 18th Amendment decreased alcohol consumption and alcohol-related deaths, it also "drove the lucrative alcohol business underground...encouraged disrespect for the law, and strengthened organized crime."

On January 16, 1919, the Nation called for a nationwide popular vote on the 18th Amendment.  The magazine said...

"We are for the...amendment as long as it is law and for its rigid enforcement (but) we should like to see the question submitted today to a vote of all the people."

The Nation held the view that an affirmative popular vote, which it believed would be the case, would make the law's enforcement easier and even if the vote turned out negative..."in either case, the people would have spoken."

SOURCES

"January 16, 1919: The 18th Amendment Is Ratified, Prohibition of Alcohol Becomes Law," Richard Kreitne and The Almanac, January 16, 2005. www.the nation.com/

www.constitutioncenter.org/

JFK+50 TOP TEN POSTS #5

JFK+50 TOP POST #5

Knoxville, Tennessee (JFK+50) Today we continue a review of the ten most popular posts of our JFK+50 blog since we began in November 2010.  This review will include updates and revisions of the original posts. 

Thanks to all our visitors worldwide.

PROHIBITION AMENDMENT RATIFIED BY THE STATES

January 16, 2011, Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified by the 36th and deciding state of Nebraska ninety-two years ago today, January 16, 1919.

The amendment, which prohibited the manufacture, sale or transport of intoxicating liquors, took effect on January 17, 1920.

On January 8, 1918, Mississippi became the first state to ratify the 18th Amendment.  In addition to the amendment, Congress passed the National Prohibition Act (a.k.a. Volstead Act) on October 28, 1919 which provided for enforcement of prohibition.

Prohibition in the United States can be traced back to the reform movements of the 1840s.  The Temperance Movement encouraged people to stop or reduce their imbibing of alcoholic beverages. 

The movement was supported by Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Disciples of Christ and Congregationalists.  Kansas and Maine passed prohibition laws and by 1913, a total of nine states had statewide prohibition.

The Womens Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was founded in 1874 and the Anti-Saloon League in 1895.

Opposition to prohibition was strong in the cities where large numbers of the immigrant working classes enjoyed their liquor.

JONES ACT STRENGTHENS PROHIBITION ENFORCEMENT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 2nd, 1929, the Congress of the United States passed the Jones Act which strengthened federal penalties for bootlegging.

Since prohibition had gone into effect in 1920 by the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, enforcement of the provision banning the consumption of drinking alcohol had been difficult if not impossible.

The 18th Amendment was repealed in 1933 and prohibition went down in history as a failure.

Prohibition Raid

Elk Lake, Canada

by C.H.J. Snider 

Prohibition (1920-1933) had been called the "noble experiment."  According to Mark Thornton of the CATO INSTITUTE, its purpose was to...

"reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce the tax burden created by prisons...and to improve health and hygiene."

The results, however, again according to Mr. Thornton, made alcohol dangerous to drink, increased crime and resulted in "organized" crime, and "stretched to the breaking point" the prison system.  It also contributed to "rampant" corruption of public officials.

As was said later by a San Francisco flapper of the 1920s, a legislator joining her in drinking at a speakeasy told her...

"We make the laws in the daytime, and break them at night."

SOURCE

"Alcohol Prohibition Was a Failure," by Mark Thornton, July 17, 1991.  Policy Analysis #157, CATO Institute, www.cato.org

PROHIBITION

January 16, 1964

LBJ approves "OPLAN 34A".  This initiates a program to gather intelligence & conduct sabotage with the intent of destabilizing the government of North Vietnam.  

The operatives will include South Vietnamese forces supported by US military personnel.  The operation will lead to a confrontation in the Gulf of Tonkin between NV patrol boats & the USS Maddox.  

January 16, 1920

The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution goes into effect one year after its ratification prohibiting the "manufacture, sale or transport of intoxicating liquors".  


The amendment will be in force until 1933.

January 16, 1861

A proposal by John C. Crittenden of Kentucky fails to pass the US Senate.

The "Crittenden Compromise" calls for a series of constitutional amendments to lure 4 seceded Southern states back into the Union. 

The vote is 25 Ney to 23 Yea.  All 25 Ney votes were by Republican senators, who like President-elect Abraham Lincoln, refuse to compromise on the issue of slavery in the territories.

 

January 16, 1942

Hollywood actress Carole Lombard, wife of actor Clark Gable, dies in a plane crash en route from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.  

Lombard, recruited to sell "war bonds", is returning to her home along with her mother who also dies in the crash.

January 16, 1945

Adolf Hitler moves into his bunker 55 feet under his headquarters in Berlin.  He will spend 105 days there until his death.  


The bunker includes 18 small rooms & has its' own water supply & electricity.  Hitler will commit suicide along with his wife, Eva Braun, in the bunker on April 30, 1945.

January 16, 1991

US forces attack Iraq as the Persian Gulf War begins.  The UN deadline for Iraqi forces to withdraw from Kuwait has expired.  


President George H.W. Bush orders American fighters, launched from Saudi Arabia & British aircraft carriers, to conduct bombing missions over Baghdad.