Neutrality

On Prohibition President Hoover last week observed a careful neutrality while factions of his party struggled excitedly over the issue (see p. 16). Dry leaders reminded him of their assistance in his election two years ago, implored him to reward them now with a resounding declaration in their behalf. But the President only shook his head, told them voters would have to settle the question for themselves without any White House guidance.

Behind this neutrality, however, were evident signs that President Hoover was giving more thought to Prohibition than at any time since entering office. His friends said he seemed to realize that he was making little or no headway in diverting public attention from the liquor issue. Many an observer guessed that he was simply awaiting the report of the National Law Enforcement Commission as a basis for revision (if any) of his policy. Though he opposes repeal of the 18th Amendment, his public record is not so Dry as to exclude every form of modification. He is still, insist his secretariat, open-minded on the "experiment noble in motive."

(P: A flat tire, first of the year, was what President Hoover's automobile got last week as it carried him from his Rapidan camp back to the White House. At the camp remained Herbert Hoover Jr. According to Dr. Joel T. Boone, Herbert Hoover Jr. has tuberculosis in its initial stage. The lung lesion is small, full recovery is anticipated. (P:To be U. S. Minister to Liberia President Hoover last week, as custom dictated, appointed a Negro, Charles E. Mitchell, business manager of the West Virginia State College for Negroes.

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