The Blaine Act: A 90 Year-Old Rational Response To Progressive Liberalism

 

The New York Times front page, February 17, 1933

It really is enjoyable to commemorate the passage of the Blaine Act which took place on this day 90 years ago. This brief piece of legislation began a year-long process that ended the debacle we know as Prohibition. Granted, overindulgence in alcohol was a national issue by the Gilded Age. At the same time, I doubt few progressive liberals would have expected the degree of lawlessness that engulfed American society as a result of their best intentions. Indeed, a year before the Blaine Act, John D. Rockefeller wrote this appraisal:

When Prohibition was introduced, I hoped that it would be widely supported by public opinion and the day would soon come when the evil effects of alcohol would be recognized. I have slowly and reluctantly come to believe that this has not been the result. Instead, drinking has generally increased; the speakeasy has replaced the saloon; a vast army of lawbreakers has appeared; many of our best citizens have openly ignored Prohibition; respect for the law has been greatly lessened; and crime has increased to a level never seen before.

And here's a photo of The Honorable John J. Blaine, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, who was responsible for not only writing the act bearing his name but also the 21st Amendment that officially repealed Prohibition.

I would suggest a toast this evening to Blaine and his realistic response to moral folly. Oh that we should have such wisdom today!

Sources


Photos and Ilustrations:
The New York Times, rarenewspapers.com
Blaine, public domain photo, bioguide.congress.cov


Text:
Rockefeller quote, "Twenty-first amendment to the United States Constitution," wikipedia.com