Speech #710282093

I have no doubt that were the zealous prohibitionist to succeed in his purpose to have the prohibition law enforced by the Army and Navy those branches of the Government would also soon be reeking in the slimy mire of corruption. Prohibition corrupts every department of government which undertakes to participate in the enforcement of the law. I note from the morning press that this serpent of corruption has gotten into the customs border patrol. and that corruption is as widespread there as it has been in the Prohibition Bureau in its efforts to enforce this law. Prohibition seems to be a cancerous growth. with its corrupting influences extending everywhere. into both public and private affairs. It has corrupted the minds of our citizens to the point where today there is little respect for any law. I understand that an appropriation bill is coming before the Senate carrying a provision for 250 additional men for the border patrol. Two hundred and fifty additional men are to be subjected to this same influence. and. perchance. many of them are to be corrupted. I understand. Mr. President. the purpose of increasing the number of border patrolmen is to enforce more effectively the immigration law. I heartily approve of that purpose. but. unfortunately. these border patrolmen are called upon to enforce the prohibition law. and thereby an otherwise honorable service is to be corrupted. I am going to read from the press reports of this morning so that the country may know. as far as my voice may reach. of this slimy trail of corruption as it affects another department of the Government. Mr.