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CONGRESSIONAL
RECORD—SENATE (March 29, 1935 # 4424)
WORLD NARCOTIC DEFENSE ASSOCIATION ADDRESSES
Mr.
SHEPPARD. Mr. President, I ask
unanimous consent to print in the Record the second and third of the series of
Nation-wide broadcasts put on by the World Narcotic
Defense Association in the interest of the enactment of the uniform State
narcotic drug act now pending in a number of State legislatures.
The second broadcast, consisting of an address by Mrs. Grace Morrison
Poole, president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, and the third of an
address by Mrs. Ida B. Wise Smith, national president of the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union.
There being no objection, the addresses were
ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
(Second
of a series of broadcasts in aid of narcotic legislation by States)
(Jan.
24, 1935)
WE BATTLE WITH A BEAST
(By
Grace Morrison Poole, president of General Federation of Women's Clubs)
You
are all, I am sure, familiar with that old legend of the 12 labors of Hercules,
and possibly you remember that the second labor was the slaughter of the hydra,
a water serpent that had nine heads of which the middle one was immortal.
Every time Hercules struck off the heads with his club, in place of each
two new heads appeared, and it was only after a long struggle, and with the
assistance of his faithful nephew that he was able to accomplish his purpose.
The problem you and I are discussing today is a beast with many, many
heads, and the question of his final death is a many-sided one.
This
afternoon we are dealing principally with the humanitarian angle of the narcotic
evil and its devastating effects upon the human race, but in order that I may
justify my own right to appear upon this most important program of broadcasts
planned to arouse the public to the almost unbelievable effects of narcotics
upon our Nation, may I remind my listeners that in 1923 the General Federation
of Women's Clubs went on record with the passage of a resolution expressing
realization of the evil effects resulting from the illicit peddling of drugs
upon the youth of our Nation, even to children of school age, and the consequent
undermining of the health and morals of the communities, and resolved to make
plans for a vigorous campaign in cooperation with other agencies to wipe out
this national evil.
In
1924 we went a step farther and addressed a resolution to the International
Conference In Suppression of Opium and Limitation of the Manufacture of Drugs,
in which we stated our belief that a major step in preventing the further spread
of the drugtraffic evil would be the curtailment of production of narcotics.
In
1932 our organization addressed a resolution to the Secretary of State, the
Secretary of the Treasury, and the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee
of the Senate, in which we expressed the earnest hope that at the earliest
practicable date the President and the Senate of the United States would proceed
to the ratification of the convention coming out of the International Conference
for the Limitation of the Manufacture of Narcotic Drugs, and would provide the
necessary legislation by Congress for Its effective enforcement.
At
the same convention of the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1932,
realizing that the narcotic laws of many of the several States were lacking in
uniformity and in greater or less degree failed to provide, the basis for
complete control of the Illicit-drug traffic, we asked that the several States
carefully examine their narcotic laws with a view to recommending such
amendments as were found necessary to secure adequate statutory control and to
achieve uniformity In the system of control to be provided.
We
welcomed the action of the American Bar Association and the American Medical
Association in approving, that same year, the principles for State legislation
which had been worked out by the National Conference of Commissioners for
Uniform State Legislation. We are
indeed glad to work with these groups and with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics
in putting the facts before our State federations and the women of the country.
We are proud of the record made by Nevada, South Carolina, Virginia,
Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Florida, and now Louisiana, in
passing uniform legislation, and we believe that our club women have been
largely instrumental in this work. In
fact, Mr. Anslinger, who is heading the Federal
Bureau of Narcotics, has written the South Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs,
giving that body full credit for the passage of the law in that State.
At our board of directors meeting here In Washington last week many of
our State presidents took steps to plan for aiding passage of this important
legislation In their own States. We
hope we will have a part in aiding a large number of new States to place their
names on the honor roll during 1935.
With
this brief background which ties up the General Federation of Women's Clubs
actively with the program of these various broadcasts, we would like to stress
particularly this afternoon the humanitarian angle of the problem.
Only
those of us who have been Intimately connected with the Insidious and awful
effect of drug taking and drug using can fully appreciate what such a habit can
do to an Individual, who consciously or unconsciously comes under its Influence.
When
a person uses liquor it is done more or less in an open manner, and the results
are apparent to every one who comes in contact with him, but the use of drugs is
a very different matter. From the
very beginning of the habit there develops a secrecy and cunning that are
difficult to combat. For a long time
unless persons know the symptoms, one may use a drug without its effects being
very apparent, but during that period an Iron grip has so taken hold of the drug
user that before he or she realizes it, he faces a situation most difficult to
overcome.
The
users of drugs, as a general thing, have periods when they are normal, but the
continued use of drugs leads eventually to the time when the user is a physical,
mental, and moral wreck.
The
users of drink, if they cannot obtain it, do not exhibit any very dangerous
tendencies as a rule, but the confirmed users of drugs, if they cannot get them,
will go to any length and any extreme to satisfy that abnormal appetite which
has gripped them.
It
Is bad enough when the addict is an adult, but we have very good reason to know
that at the present time in our colleges, and even in our high schools, drug
peddlers are getting a lucrative living through selling a type of cigarette made
from the marihuana (mar-i-wa-na) weed, which is known in the parlance of the
peddlers as the " killer drug." It
comes from a weed that grows in many of the States of the Union, and the student
of narcotics tells us that the number of users of this particular drug is
growing most rapidly in this country. The
users, we are also told, are frequently turned into cruel monsters who commit
the most atrocious crimes.
Now, the use of this drug is of fairly recent
date, but because of its terrible reactions upon the human system we believe
that there is even greater need than ever for the States to Pass legislative
measures for uniform control of narcotics.
Two
big problems face us on the humanitarian side of this question which is linked
up so closely with the necessity of legislative action.
With those nations producing habit-making drug products working out a
program of curtailment, the drugs will become more and more difficult to obtain;
therefore, those who have already acquired the drug habit will become more and
more desperate because of their Inability to get that which they so ardently
crave. That means that almost
anything may happen In the case of the drug user.
He will steal to get money to buy the drug, and in more than one instance
we know, because of past tragedies, that he will not hesitate to commit murder
to satisfy his appetite. Therefore,
right along with the two remedial steps planned---to curtail production and
manufacture and to enact State legislation that shall be uniform to control the
traffic---there must be some definite plan worked out to help those who, because
of conditions past and present, have been able fairly easily to get the drug.
There
must be a more Intelligent understanding among officers of the law in the
differentiation of a man or woman fairly normal arrested for crime and the man
or woman, either Indirectly or directly, under the influence of a drug who has
committed a crime. These in the
second group are In dire need of Intelligent medical treatment.
It
is not easy to cure the drug habit, for it takes a person of strong will, in the
last analysis, to gain a complete victory, and one of the saddest results of the
drug habit is that it breaks down the strong human will and replaces it with a
weak one, so in many, many Instances, I am sorry to say, cures are only of
temporary duration. But science has
made progress along these lines and not simply must we demand legislative
control measures but remedial legislative enactment as well.
Hospitals and institutions equipped to deal patiently with those wrecks
of humanity must have the support of our communities.
So
much for those who have already formed the habits so detrimental to humanity.
But there is much preventive work to do, and I am vitally concerned with
this phase of the question. As I
said in the earlier part of this talk, the amount of drug peddling in our
schools and institutions where young people are found almost surpasses
comprehension, and in these days of restlessness, disappointment, and
disillusionment among our young people, one can hardly wonder that the
temptation to forget all of life's troubles for a little while and dream
pleasant dreams becomes too strong to be resisted.
You
and I do not hesitate to put a great burden upon these young people of our
Nation by saying that the mistakes we have made will be rectified by them; and
we are really doing much to guarantee that they shall be the right type of young
people by fighting the seen dangers that face them.
But now I plead with (page 3325) you, with all the eloquence I possess,
to realize that the unseen danger which works so insidiously and relentlessly
upon the character of our young people may be as vigorously attacked as those
apparent to the naked eye. [END]
[CONGRESSIONAL
RECORD—SENATE (March 29, 1935 # 4425)]
(Third
of a series of broadcasts in aid of narcotic legislation by States)
(Feb.
21, 1935)
NARCOTIC
EDUCATION
(By
Mrs. Ida B. Wise Smith, president
of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union)
Last
week was Boy Scout Week. The
Nation's heart met appeals for community service In behalf of the boys who are
the citizens of tomorrow and who in this time of stress and strain need
safeguarding and direction as boys have never needed it before.
Following
this, it is eminently fitting that the Nation's thought should be focused on a
condition which menaces boys and girls and adults as well.
The menace is particularly dreadful for youth, for all of life in all its
years is likely to pay the price. Today
is the beginning of narcotic-education week.
For 9 years the World Narcotic Defense Association has rendered great
service to humanity in exposing this fiendish business and in securing such
worldwide interest that we are in the way to see a glimmer of hope in the sky,
which not long ago did seem so dark. It
is passing strange, is it not, that we need to be told more than once about the
horror of drug addiction and the extent to which it grips people everywhere?
We
greet you, Admiral Richmond Pearson Hobson, hero of the Merrimac, honored Member
of Congress for many years, but now rendering possibly your best service to your
country as president of the World Narcotic Defense
Association. God speed your
work and bless you in it.
Fifty-two
nations of the world have ratified the narcotic convention, which limits the
manufacture and distribution of narcotic drugs to the requirements of science
and medicine; among these we stand second in our ratification.
But
alas, this law, like many others, all others, is violated.
Liquor was smuggled into the country, and now is between the States.
Smuggling of drugs is easy because of the small space needed.
For several years the worst victim nations of the illicit traffic in
narcotic drugs were Egypt, the United States of America, and China.
A few years ago, when I was in Egypt, those engaged in the traffic were
also engaged in a strong effort to secure the removal of Russell
Pasha, chief of police of Cairo, because he was reducing their contraband
trade to a remarkable extent. HIS
success has continued, but the United States and China still remain outstanding
victims of this nefarious traffic.
Practically
no drugs manufactured in the United States of America have entered the illicit
traffic of either this or other countries. On
the other hand, most of the illegally sold narcotics here were made elsewhere
and smuggled in. The problem,
therefore, is International whether considered from the national or from the
international viewpoint.
In
recent raids the chief drug seized was heroin, called the Most deadly of
narcotics. The main source of supply
is the Far East and Bulgaria, and the "dope" seized was traced to
French and Chinese ports of shipment. The
morphine was found to come from Japan, China, and Honduras.
In the last-named country alone, it is estimated, the morphine
importations of the last 18 months would suffice for its legitimate needs for
the next century, but most of this supply was intended for the contraband trade
here. The cocaine was of Swiss,
French, and British origin; smuggled In from Honduras, Mexico, and China,
respectively.
A
most alarming situation has developed In Bulgaria where at least 10 factories
and laboratories producing illicit heroin, the worst of all narcotic drugs, have
been located. Experts estimate that,
during 1 year, enough heroin has been produced in Bulgaria to supply the total
legitimate needs of the entire world for at least 4 years.
In
the Far East, notably in China and Manchukuo, narcotic conditions have become so
grave as to constitute a serious menace not only to China but also to the rest
of the world. It is estimated that
China produces annually 7 times as much as all the rest of the world together;
also that 30 percent of the population of Manchuria are drug addicts.
Not only is addiction to opium increasing, but the use of heroin and
morphine appears to be ravishing the people of those countries.
Evidence indicates that the clandestine manufacture of heroin and
morphine is making rapid headway, and there is every reason to believe that
quantities of those drugs are being smuggled into the United States and her
colonies.
NARCOTIC CONDITIONS IN AMERICA
Why
is the United States of America one of the outstanding drug Victims of the
world?
1.
Because some nations do not effectively restrict their narcotic products to
medical and scientific requirements, thus allowing large quantities to leak into
the illicit traffic, whence they are smuggled into America.
2.
Because many of our States neither have strong, uniform narcotic laws, nor
efficient enforcement, and do not cooperate sufficiently with our Federal
enforcement officers.
3.
Because, with the exception of California and a few other States, the
segregation and rehabilitation of drug addicts has been Badly neglected.
4.
Because our youth In so many educational Institutions have not been
intelligently instructed concerning the narcotic problem.
5.
Because among the public at large there has been a shameful ignorance and
indifference toward the narcotic menace.
6.
Because there is enormous wealth In the United States, and the illicit drug
traffic has marked America as a most fertile field for its ignoble profits.
In the illicit traffic many drugs sell for over 12 times as much as on
legal medical prescription.
7.
Because the boundaries of our Nation, extending over 10,000 miles are so immense
that our Federal Narcotics Bureau finds it difficult to prevent smuggling across
such vast border areas.
8.
Because of the highly organized criminal gangs and the great crime wave in the
United States.
Listening friends, have you an adequate idea of
just what this situation implies? Have
you accurate knowledge of the dope menace to the life and health of the Nation?
“Dope
User, 15, Tries to Kill", "Dope Peddled to
High-School Students”, “Paregoric, Marihuana, and Death Impulse”,
"Doped Cigarette Puts Hundreds in Drug Tolls"
have been some of the headlines greeting readers of daily papers during the
Nation-wide drive of Federal authorities against the Illicit drug traffic.
In
Chicago the press has said: " Shocked by
disclosures of dope being peddled to high-school students, Police and school
officials of Chicago yesterday launched a double-barreled drive against the
traffic In habit-forming drugs. * * *
"Informed
that peddlers of marihuana, held by crime lighters to be as vicious as narcotics
or opiates, are making their head-quarters near high schools, Superintendent of
Schools Bogan ordered his district superintendents to launch an investigation
and submit reports. Lt. William
Cusack, head of the narcotic squad, revealed the marihuana weed is being grown
domestically---plots of ground being devoted to it within a few miles of
Chicago. * * * * He has sent 197 peddlers of it to jail, deported 50 persons to
Mexico for selling the weed, seized 167 pounds of marihuana and 183,000
cigarettes within the past year."
Marihuana
is a derivative from a variety of hemp. In
the desert section of the West where it is indigenous it is called "loco
weed." It is rolled in
cigarettes which sell from 25 cents to a dollar.
It produces an effect similar to Turkish hashish.
It creates delusions of grandeur and breaks down the will power and makes
the addict ready for any crime, even murder.
The last stage is a depression during which suicide is often contemplated
or even accomplished.
One
of the drug-habit tragedies reads in part:
"Investigation
of the sale of drugs to school children In the M. school district was ordered
last night after a boy of 15 had attacked his father, a music teacher, with a
knife while crazed with marihuana cigarettes.
Only the father's quick action in wresting the weapon from the youth
saved the parent from death or serious injury.
After hearing the boy's story the officers arrested the owner of the
school store and the clerk from whom the boy said he bought the
cigarettes."
Another
account is that of a lad of 19 who "had been brought to the verge of
suicide by drugs", and who led the narcotic squad in raiding an apartment:
"The
young victim said he was driven to desperation by marihuana cigarettes he had
smoked there. * * * and had tried to plunge Into the river."
Prevented by passersby, he was taken to the boys' court, where "he
confessed he had spent many nights in the apartments where, he said, the drug
was sold to boys and girls who were allowed to sleep off the effect.
He had been a choir boy when he fell Into the clutches of a paregoric
peddler. * * * He grasped at the chance to take a 3 months' cure at the
Bridewell."
Within
a few days during a Nation-wide Federal drive last December more than 800
peddlers and narcotic denizens of the underworld were arrested.
One of the peddlers confessed that he had been selling dope at the rate
of $1,300,000 a year and that many women and girls came to his apartment for
their daily dope jamboree. In many
cities leaders of rings have been seized who were not content with supplying
addicts with drugs, but plotted to ensnare large groups of new victims by giving
boys and girls free samples.
It
Is estimated by Federal experts that 80 percent of drug addicts become
criminals, for they will lie, steal, or commit any crime to get the money to
satisfy their terrible appetite for drugs. A
large portion of the Inmates of Federal penitentiaries are either drug addicts
or were convicted for violation of narcotic laws.
What
can be done to aid in this crisis?
An
important matter to which all citizens should give their attention is the
passage of the Uniform Narcotic Drug Act by the State legislatures.
The Federal Narcotic Bureau exercises control over manufacture,
importations, and interstate traffic in drugs.
But the Federal Government cannot revoke the State license of a physician
or dentist or druggist who violates the law.
He may be convicted and serve a Federal sentence and return to his
practice in his State. The
cooperation of the United States in the International conference is incomplete
till all States have passed such a law. Only
nine States have done so.
Will
not every hearer today in the other States write to the Senator and
Representative of his district and urge their interest in the enactment of the
Uniform Narcotic Drug Act?
There
must be narcotic hospitals for the segregation and rehabilitation of these
unfortunate people, for their own sakes and for the protection of society.
(page
4426) Finally, youth and the public at large must be educated that they may not
acquire the drug habit and they may all join In the struggle to free their own
and other countries from the narcotic drugs, alcohol, opium, heroin, marihuana,
and any others which destroy the body and mentality of the individual and thus
lower the standard of our Nation.
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