After more than two generations of constant debate, our country adopted a
system of national prohibition under all the solemnities involved in an
amendment to the Federal Constitution. In obedience to this mandate the
Congress and the States, with one or two notable exceptions, have passed
required laws for its administration and enforcement. This imposes upon the
citizenship of the country, and especially on all public officers, not only
the duty to enforce, but the obligation to observe the sanctions of this
constitutional provision and its resulting laws. If this condition could be
secured, all question concerning prohibition would cease. The Federal
Government is making every effort to accomplish these results through
careful organization, large appropriations, and administrative effort.
Smuggling has been greatly cut down, the larger sources of supply for
illegal sale have been checked, and by means of injunction and criminal
prosecution the process of enforcement is being applied. The same vigilance
on the part of local governments would render these efforts much more
successful. The Federal authorities propose to discharge their obligation
for enforcement to the full extent of their ability.