“‘Drinking declined once it became an economic question, or at least as soon as it was recognized as an economic factor. It then began to be unfashionable--at least to overdrink--and the man who never drank at all ceased to be unusual in any trade or calling. “‘I am, however, sorry that they are pressing Prohibition so hard at this time. It is, I think, all right, desirable, in fact, to limit or perhaps prohibit the so-called hard liquors, but it is a mistake, I think, to stop or try to stop the use of beers and the lighter wines. “‘If this thing goes through, where does the social side of life come in? We both know that a “dry” dinner is apt to be a sad sort of affair. It will make dining a lost art. “‘Likewise, I do not know how the working-classes will take to the change. You and I have no need of the saloon. We have other places to go. But you and I know that the saloon fits into a very definite place in the life of the tenement-dweller. I do not know what he will do without it; what substitutes the reformers will think they can give him for it. I do not believe they have thought of that, or that they care much. “‘Frankly, I do not know what will be the outcome. Prohibition, if it comes, will cause ill-feeling and unrest--it will be a disturbing factor--but I do not look for anything serious, for after all is said and done, the fact remains that the American workman is a law-abiding individual. “‘When it comes, Prohibition may or may not be permanent. You may, however, be sure of one thing--it will be extremely difficult to repeal, once it becomes part of the Constitution.’ “Responsibility for Prohibition Colonel Roosevelt placed squarely upon the shoulders of the liquor dealers good and bad. “‘Some liquor dealers I have known,’ said he, ‘were good, well-meaning citizens, who kept decent places. Take the Oakeses, father and son, who own the Oyster Bay Inn. I should be very sorry to see them lose their license. Theirs is a clean, respectable place. Again, there is John Brosnan’s place in New York. No one ever heard a complaint against John. His place has been no more offensive than if he sold dry goods. “‘I shall take no part in the contest one way or the other. It must be settled without me. I shall not allow it or anything else to swerve me from the work we’re now in.’ “The ‘work we’re now in’ was the effort to speed up the war by arousing the American people to the necessity of winning a ‘peace with victory.’” Thus Theodore Roosevelt. Woodrow Wilson vetoed the Volstead Act. He saw at once its undemocratic features, its danger to the country. As to following Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson--do you prefer their leadership, or that of Mr. Volstead and the fanatics? CHAPTER VIII “THE FEAR FOR THEE, MY COUNTRY”