In connection with factories and labor, one inevitably thinks of Samuel Gompers. The Digest asked him for an expression of opinion, wishing to get all sides of all subjects, and he sent this strong statement:
“In addition to the vile and poisonous substitution for whiskey so largely consumed, and in addition to the increased drug habit since Prohibition, Prohibition has made a nation of grouches. It has taken the joy out of the American people, as can be attested by almost every social gathering. The whole scheme is unwarrantable interference with the personal freedom of the people, and increases discontent and resentment in the knowledge that those who have it, have it. I firmly believe that a modification of the Volstead Act so that beer and light wines may be manufactured and sold under proper regulations would solve the whole question rationally and helpfully.”
The discontent of the worker is something to be considered—even by fanatics who would rule us by force, and seek to restrain too thoroughly man’s natural appetites. One must take into account the wishes of that vast army who do the drudgery of the world; and it does not require an immense amount of imagination to understand what the years may bring. If there is an apparent stolid indifference now in the realms of labor, the Digest’s poll would seem to contradict any such belief. That the workingman is beginning to realize that a distinct form of class legislation has taken place there can be no doubt. I think the authorities would never dare to encroach upon a laborer’s rights in the matter of home brew. Yet they must be aware that, deprived of his only club, the corner saloon, the workingman who still desires a glass of beer occasionally is methodically producing it. Against the law? To the devil with the law, says the hard-working day laborer, when the rich disobey it every hour of their lives.
Another factory, which employs women, was also canvassed. This was the establishment of the Campbell’s Soup Company in New Jersey. Approximately 30 per cent of the workers polled were women; yet the vote is against the present laws by a proportion of 9 to 1. This is how the voting ran:
| For enforcement | 162 |
| For modification | 720 |
| For repeal | 750 |
But the final figures are the most interesting of all. A summary of 922,383 ballots revealed this result, which must have proved disheartening to the Anti-Saloon League:
SUMMARY OF 922,383 BALLOTS ON PROHIBITION
| For Enforcement | For Modification | For Repeal | |
| Main Poll | 306,255—(38.5%) | 325,549—(41.1%) | 164,453—(20.4%) |
| Women’s Poll | 48,485—(44.5%) | 39,914—(36.7%) | 20,448—(18.8%) |
| Factory Polls | 1,453—( 8.4%) | 10,871—(62.1%) | 4,955—(29.5%) |
| TOTALS | 356,193—(38.6%) | 376,334—(40.8%) | 189,856—(20.6%) |
Is it necessary for anyone to say anything further about the temper of the country? Facts are facts.