Dems Battle Over Booze At 1916 Convention

Democrats gathered in San Antonio on May 23, 1917, for their biennial state convention, where once again booze would be the biggest bone of contention.

Anyone who thinks single-issue politics is a recent phenomenon has another think coming. Compared to the epic battle over alcohol, current conflicts concerning abortion, stem-cell research, gun control and the like are in their infancy.

The prohibition movement took root in Texas soon after independence. The Sons of Temperance boasted an active membership of 3,000 in the 1840s, and the United Friends of Temperance and their youth group, the Bands of Hope, resumed the struggle following the Civil War.

By 1876 teetotaling Texans had the clout to insist upon the insertion of a local-option law in the new state constitution. While they managed to put the question on the ballot in 40 counties over the next 10 years, only three chose to forbid the sale of intoxicating beverages.

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