Prohibition and Efficiency.

(We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest, but assume no responsibility for sentiments expressed under this head.)

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

I was exceedingly pleased to see the editorial in this morning's CRIMSON coming out squarely in support of national prohibition during the war. It was with some regret, however, that I observed that the writer saw fit to mention only one of the three great reasons for the enactment of such a measure, namely, the great saving of foodstuffs which would be brought about.

Permit me to call explicit attention to the saving of man-power and the increased efficiency of the nation's workers which might also be obtained through prohibition. The great problem at the present time is to bring the nation to its highest productive efficiency. This may be done through the conservation of foodstuffs and other raw materials, by withdrawing men from non-productive or destructive occupations and putting them to work where their labor will be of use, and by increasing individual efficiency in any way whatsoever.

Let the breweries, distilleries, and saloons be closed down, and let the army of men now employed in manufacturing position for our people be given jobs on farms, in munition plants, and in the military service. They will pass into other occupations largely as unskilled labor, but there is plenty of use for such labor at the present time.

And let us not overlook the increased efficiency of all classes which is sure to result from the abolition of the liquor business. When Lloyd George made his famous statement: "We are fighting Germany, Austria, and Drink, and so far as I can see, the greatest of these three deadly foes is Drink," he was thinking of the slowing-down of the production of munitions by the drunkenness of the workman. America, too, has drunken workmen, and they should be made sober. Moreover, the cost of food is, and will be, very great, so that no man should be permitted to spend on liquor the money needed for the sustenance of his family. Let us take to heart the word that comes from Russia to the effect that the savings in her banks have increased more than twenty-fold since the prohibition of the sale of vodka in spite of the terrible cost of the war.

The Graduate Schools Society has been circulating a petition to the President, asking him to use his influence in favor of national prohibition during the war. Graduate students who have not already signed this resolution may do so at Phillips Brooks House at any time before 5 o'clock Thursday evening. Someone ought to have spunk enough to start a similar petition among the undergraduates. The President is waiting for the development of public opinion. Let every man do his part in its mobilization. EDWIN C. KEMBLE 4G.