A Blow for Prohibition The transference of Mr. J. D.
Rockefeller, Junior's, weighty support from the Drys to the Wets in America would be a minor sensation in days when the appetite for sensations was less cloyed. Even as things are it is a most notable event for Mr. Rockefeller's influence was among the most important of the factors which lined up business men behind the Prohibition movement in the first instance. But Mr. Rockefeller has become convinced, like so many Americans, that prohi- bition has made for more drinking and worse drinking, and more lawlessness, and he has acted on his convictions. The Democrats are certain to put a Wet plank in their platform, and it will be singularly difficult now for the Republicans to avoid doing the same. We may soon see the two parties competing as to which can make America wettest. If any question ought to be taken out of party politics it is this. The simple repeal of the XVIIIth amendment would leave each State free once more to make its own decisions about alcohol.
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