Prohibition era politics — ‘Our Jim’ defends anti-Prohibition vote

This is the latest in an occasional series of posts.

U.S. Sen. James Wadsworth, R-N.Y., called for “moderation rather than fanaticism,” and “reason rather than hysteria” in the enforcement of national Prohibition.

“The last word has not been been spoken, and, until it is we must move in that spirit of fair play which results in public contentment, so essential to the orderly conduct of government,” he said, according to a Feb. 21, 1920 issue of The Post-Star.

Wadsworth, running for re-election to a second term, was under criticism for his opposition to Prohibition and his opposition to woman’s suffrage.

He defended his votes against Prohibition at a testimonial dinner the previous evening in New York City that more than 1,000 people attended.

Those who attended received souvenir menus with a portrait of Wadsworth and the caption “Our Jim.”

Wadsworth, of Livingston County, said Prohibition was an un-Constitutional overreach of the federal government, lacked unanimous consent, was not practical and violated individual rights.

“Upon a matter affecting so intimately the personal habits and predilections of millions of good people, I believe the people should have an opportunity to pass judgement.”

Wadsworth won re-election, but lost his next bid in 1926 for a third term.

After leaving the Senate he toured the country making speeches advocating for the repeal of Prohibition.

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