TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, July 23, 1919. Letter to friend and journalist Gus J. Karger, in part: "I haven't followed the discussion in the House particularly except to note that there has been a good deal of it over the liquor enabling act. I greatly deprecate their use of the power of injunction to enforce the act. It seems to me that this is a very excessive use of legislative power and is making the enforcement of the prohibition act the chief end of Congress. Of course the result will be that it will arouse an opposition to prohibition which will prevent its enforcement, and will, we may hope ultimately lead to the repeal of the 18th Amendment. It is difficult to overstate the foolishness of these prohibitionists. There is a deplorable lack of leadership in the Republican Party, at any rate, and a division of counsel, and they are rapidly fiddling away their great advantages. I think they will disgust their own party so that the members of Congress and Senate are not likely to have as much influence as they otherwise would have in the next National Convention, which of course will be a good thing." Taft adds a lengthy handwritten postscript, in full: "Telegrams have come from Short and the World that my suggestions as to interpretations have been out in the Evening Sun—I wonder how they got out—I suppose it was to be expected—I don't know whether Hays can be trusted or not—However if my revised suggestions are followed the League will not be weakened and I am hopeful the other nations would not object." In very good to fine condition, with areas of light toning and rusty paperclip impressions to the upper left corner.
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