NEWS OF THE WEEK.
IN our leading columns we urge the Government to adopt the policy of State purchase in regard to the whole of the liquor trade. We urge it as the only solution, short of total prohibition during the war, which will enable us to deal adequately with the need of the hour. We trust that our readers will not think that we have undertaken to advocate a course of action so momentous without the most anxious thought and without full sense of responsibility. We would beg them to remember that we should never have pro- posed a State monopoly had we not come to the conclusion that the highest national interests demand a drastic handling of the liquor problem became over-indulgence in intoxicants is interfering with the supply of the munitions of war. Further, a general indulgence in alcohol is preventing the nation from realizing the very great sacrifices which are demanded from us all if we are not to go under in the struggle. On these two points we are absolutely convinced.
