Semi-Soft Cider

Saturday night in Baltimore--and Representative John Philip Hill of the Third District was at home. A select party of friends attended. They smacked their lips. He served cider --semi-soft cider. It was made from apples picked up in his own orchard. A few days later, a Federal Grand Jury in Baltimore indicted him on six counts:

1) Manufacture of 25 gal. of wine at his home in September, 1923

2) Possessing the wine so manufactured

3) Manufacture of 30 gal. of cider at his home in September, 1924

4) Possessing the cider so manufactured

5) Maintaining a common nuisance when he made wine

6) Maintaining a common nuisance when he made cider

Thereupon, Mr. Hill clapped his hands and rejoiced. In Washington he aims to belong to the best social clique; at home, he aims to satisfy a moist constituency. For four years, according to his own statement, he has been trying to obtain a ruling on the maximum percentage of alcohol which is allowable under the Volstead Act according to a section which permits the manufacture of "non-intoxicating cider and fruit juices." He declared himself dissatisfied with the answers he received from the Prohibition Enforcement Unit. In September, a year ago, he notified Prohibition officials that he was about to manufacture wine at home. Agents came on the appointed day, looked, left and did nothing. This year his wish was gratified. He was indicted. Said he: "If 2.75% cider is intoxicating, they must prosecute me. If it is not, then 2.75% beer is legal, too."