14 JULY 1923, Page 3

We publish in our leading columns an article on the

effects of Prohibition upon the younger generation in America which contains a very grave view of certain aspects of the subject. We mean to maintain the attitude of complete reserve on this highly controversial matter ; that attitude of minding our own business which we recommended to Englishmen on matters political and social which are in dispute in the United States. All we shall do is to point out : (1) That the article was written by an American ; (2) that it would not have been published by us if it had not been written by an American who is in touch with University life and who himself is one of the younger generation ; (8) that, whether the opinions expressed are sound or not in fact, we can absolutely guarantee the bona fides of" Americanus." We may add that we must refuse absolutely to open our columns to any general discussion of the working of Prohibition in America. We accept as a proved fact that for the greater part of the United States and the greater part of the population Prohibition has been a success, and that very few people desire anything in tht shape of actual repeal. But though we cannot let the main question be argued in our columns, we shall be very glad to see the special facet of the problem dcalb with by " Americanus " made the subject of moderate comment. We do not, however, want letters from Englishmen. They, we say once more, had better maintain the refusal to judge which we have imposed on ourselves.