Has It Been Accepted? by M. C. Wilcox

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 23, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 24.

Has It Been Accepted?

By M. C. Wilcox

DR. CHARLES R. BURGER, of Los Angeles, state chairman of the Prohibition Party of California, issued in the California Voice of April 23 a challenge addressed to Mr. Frank Niggins, secretary of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. Referring to statements sent abroad by that body to the effect that prohibition would result in serious loss to the wine grape growers, Mr. Burger says:

"Believing that such statements are not true, and that they do not correctly represent the views of a large portion of your membership, who are entitled to know the facts, I am authorized by the Hon. Eugene W. Chafin to challenge any officer or member of your organization or any accredited representative to a series of from one to ten public discussions of the following question: 'Resolved, That the best interests of the state financially demand the passage of the prohibition constitutional amendment.' "Mr. Chafin will speak affirmatively. If this suggestion should meet your approval, committees can be selected to arrange the necessary details."

Have you heard of the acceptance of this challenge? We have not. Why? Is it not fair? There are able men connected with the Los Angeles Board of Commerce. Why are they not willing to defend their attitude, their statements? Is it not because the whole liquor traffic is absolutely indefensible? M. C. WILCOX.