Chapter 232 Wine Business (1/2)

"This at least proves one thing."

After shaking the wine glass in his hand, Colin looked at Roosevelt in the wheelchair and said with a smile.

"Everyone is looking forward to your coming on stage."

His eyes stayed on the wine glass in Colin's hand for a while. Roosevelt sighed silently, lowered his head and forked a piece of steak into his mouth, hiding the worry on his face.

"Yeah, everyone is looking to the new president to solve the problem."

Although he defeated Hoover by a huge margin in the general election and succeeded him as the 32nd President of the United States, Roosevelt felt very uneasy.

During Hoover's tenure, the entire U.S. economy was in shambles.

The existence of the Great Depression has become a catastrophe that the United States, and even the whole world, needs to face. This is a big problem for any successor in power. No one knew how to fix the Great Depression, just as no one knew why it happened.

From this point of view, Roosevelt became president at a terrible time.

At least during Hoover's time, although he is now generally referred to as the 'Hungry President', at least when he first came to power, the U.S. economy was still in a prosperous stage. Even at that time, he claimed to be the first president in U.S. history. A business president. It's just that obviously, this person's business methods are quite bad.

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act became the trigger for the Great Depression. After the law was passed, many countries adopted retaliatory tariff measures against the United States, causing the United States' import and export volumes to plummet by more than 50%. , sowing the bitter fruits of the Great Depression in the future.

"But at least after you come to power, people no longer need to hide and drink illegal alcoholic beverages at home like in the past..."

The abolition of the Eighteenth Amendment was also one of Roosevelt's campaign platforms. It can be said that because of the existence of this political opinion, a large number of drunkards voted for Roosevelt.

In the wheelchair, after hearing Colin's words, Roosevelt's originally worried face couldn't help but reveal a smile, and he also picked up the wine glass in his hand and gestured to him.

"Indeed, from now on, smuggling alcohol will become a thing of the past, and people no longer need to worry about drinking."

Picking up the wine glass and taking a sip of the carbonated drink mixed with alcohol and juice, Colin raised his eyebrows slightly.

Strictly speaking, Roosevelt had not officially taken office, so the legal effects of Prohibition did not exist.

However, since the two of them dared to drink openly in the restaurant of Club 21, they naturally had something to rely on.

In fact, cocktails were a popular way to drink during this period to avoid detection by Prohibition agents. By adding juice, soda, and syrup to spirits, the Prohibition level was reduced and became a 'legal' drink, which was also prohibited by Prohibition. The most widely circulated way of drinking during the period.

Of course, others include "home-made non-intoxicating juices" brewed on farms and "low-alcohol drinks" from wineries, including some wines produced before Prohibition, which can also be consumed.

On the other hand, although the "Prohibition" is strict, it also leaves some loopholes. Drinking alcohol itself is not illegal, but it cannot be bought or sold. At the same time, Catholic and Jewish religious activities are also allowed to use a small amount of wine. Therefore, many people continue to go to churches to drink in the name of worshiping the Lord.

Not to mention, in the Capitol, the congressmen who signed the Prohibition Act have never stopped drinking in the past ten years.

The Washington Post published six consecutive articles detailing the transactions on Capitol Hill.

These reports also became an important basis for Roosevelt to repeal the 18th Amendment during the general election.

Regarding the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, both people at the dinner table had the same position.

This policy originally proposed by Colin has also become the key to Roosevelt's election. Both Roosevelt and Colin themselves are well aware of this.

After finishing the cocktail in the glass, Roosevelt turned to signal to the waiter not far away. After the latter replaced it with a new cocktail, he turned to look at Colin in front of him and continued: "So, what do you think? Do you want to talk to me, Luper?"

Although Colin did not actually join his campaign team, the political views he proposed invariably became Roosevelt's campaign platform in the election, whether it was the repeal of Prohibition or the implementation of the "New Law" proposal.

It is precisely for this reason that Roosevelt also attaches great importance to Colin's views.

"Wait and be cautious."

In this regard, Colin did not give any long explanation, but only told Roosevelt two suggestions.

After hearing Colin's connecting-the-dot suggestion, Roosevelt's face showed a thoughtful look.

In fact, this is Roosevelt's current thinking.

Even after the votes came out, many people had contacted him through various channels and expressed their desire to use Roosevelt to talk to Hoover. In this regard, Roosevelt acted very cautiously, rejecting these temptations on the grounds that he had not officially taken over yet and was just an ordinary person.

Because of Roosevelt's reaction, many people left a weak impression on him, including even Hoover, who was about to step down.

Judging from the information revealed within the White House, Hoover seemed to intend to use this to set up Roosevelt. During the handover ceremony, he would publicly admit that he would adhere to all the policies of the former president, and tie Roosevelt and himself to the ship of the Great Depression.

However, unfortunately, this plan, which should have been kept secret, somehow leaked out and even fell into Roosevelt's ears.

Obviously, with the end of the election, the lame Hoover could no longer control the power inside the White House.

He planned to take Roosevelt down with him, but not everyone planned to get off the ship with him.

His eyes lingered on Roosevelt's thoughtful expression. At present, the outside world generally regarded Roosevelt as a submissive person. However, Colin knew very well that all this was just the other party's disguise. When power was not really transferred and everything was not settled, weakness was not a bad thing. On the contrary, it was a good protective color.

When everyone relaxes their vigilance against you, they will also expose their flaws.

Roosevelt is a very resourceful and ambitious person. As a latecomer, Colin knows this better than anyone else.

"In addition, you may want to pay more attention to the development of radio. Since the Great Depression, the number of American families with radios has soared from 40% to more than 60%, and this number is still growing. Radio programs have become an indispensable part of people's daily lives, even more popular than newspapers."

"So, you plan to ask me to restrict the development of radio?"

After taking his attention away from Colin's suggestion, Roosevelt subconsciously thought that the other party was going to take action against radio when he heard his description of radio.

After all, the newspaper industry where Colin works is quite dissatisfied with radio.

"No."

Shaking his head, Colin's reaction was somewhat unexpected to Roosevelt: "On the contrary, I think the development of radio has become an unstoppable trend. Instead of trying to stop it, it is better to follow the trend. In addition, don't you think this is a good channel for the public to hear voices?"

Colin's words made Roosevelt move his body slightly in the wheelchair, and he was obviously touched.

"Compared with traditional media newspapers, radio information is more widely spread and more convenient. Everyone reads newspapers, but adults, children and even women are happy to listen to radio programs in front of the radio. If the content of the radio program is turned into the president's voice, isn't this the best way to maintain feelings with supporters?"

"Radio program?"

As a person who grew up in the era of newspaper development, Roosevelt did not have a detailed understanding of radio, a new media platform.

However, Colin's description gave him some different ideas.

On the other hand, noticing the other party's moving expression, Colin also smiled and gave his long-prepared suggestions.

"In fact, I am currently cooperating with Columbia Broadcasting Corporation (CBS), and I believe CBS is very happy to have the president's voice on its radio."

...

"Boss, they are here."

The Courier Newspaper.

Jack Lebowitz knocked on the door of the newspaper and nodded to Colin.

"Thank you for your hard work, Jack."

Looking at Jack Leibowitz, who looked exhausted, Colin immediately thanked him.

With the opening of the newspaper office and the factory, Colin's business is no longer limited to the publication of newspapers and comics.

In fact, long before the election, Colin had arranged for Jack Leibowitz to go to the UK to contact the brewers. Jack was a little hesitant about Colin's approach. After all, the Prohibition was still in effect, and operating the imported wine business was not a good choice.

However, Roosevelt's candidacy and his attitude towards the Prohibition made Jack aware of some signs.

Perhaps, the Prohibition will become history.

On a cruise ship, Jack Leibowitz successfully met with British brewers such as Dewar and Gordon within a month of going to the UK, and expressed his desire to be the only American importer of their Scotch whisky and gin.

Although these British brewers were somewhat tempted by Jack's proposal, they did not fully agree to it.

The Great Depression and the existence of the Prohibition in the United States have had a significant impact on the business of brewers. In recent years, major brewers have been reducing production and trying to survive.

At this time, a guy from the United States who had never had experience in alcohol sales suddenly told them that he planned to sign a contract to become an American importer of British Scotch whisky and gin.

As long as the brewer's brain is normal, he will not agree to it.

After all, the news channels of this era are far less popular than those in later generations.

The consciousness of these brewers living in the UK is still stuck in the era of Prohibition.

It is precisely because of this relationship that Colin has the opportunity to take advantage of the loophole and become one of the behind-the-scenes promoters who pushed Roosevelt to abolish Prohibition.

He naturally has to seize this opportunity to seize the initiative before the bill to abolish Prohibition is officially signed, and do everything before everyone has no reaction.

It can be foreseen that once Prohibition is officially repealed, the domestic alcohol market in the United States will usher in a period of large-scale retaliatory consumption. This opportunity within reach will not be missed by any normal person.

"Mr. Colin Looper?"

Following Jack was a representative of a British brewer. Unlike the United States, which was mired in the Great Depression, Britain was also affected by the economic crisis of the Great Depression, but the situation was relatively better.

Therefore, in terms of attitude, it did not follow the United States as it did in later generations.

After looking around the Courier newspaper office, the brewer's eyes fell on Colin in front of him, and then he spoke in a British accent.

Seeing the brewer's arrogance deep in his bones, Colin did not show too much emotion.

The afterglow of the sun that never sets is destined to not shine for too long. The impression of the Great Depression on the world's political situation is more profound than imagined.

Britain, which seems to have escaped the disaster, is also dragged into the impact left by the Great Depression in another way.

Meeting Colin himself, the brewer was slightly relieved. At least this meant that Jack and his friends were not liars. It was just that considering the import business, they picked up their hearts again.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. We also feel your sincerity for cooperation. However, we already have a stable partner in the United States. The only thing you asked for..."

If Colin only wanted to be an importer of Scotch whiskey and gin, these British brewers would not have much reaction, but his request to sign the only partner made them hesitate.

"It seems that you all seem to have made a mistake. What I signed with you for cooperation is not the shameful bootlegging business, but the formal import wine business."

"In fact, I have never thought of stopping you from continuing to cooperate with those bootlegging merchants. My only goal is to become the only legal one!"

"Not stopping cooperation with bootlegging merchants?"

Hearing Colin's reply, the two British brewers looked at each other.

The interests within bootlegging are huge, and even these brewers are unwilling to give up easily. However, since Colin's goal is not to replace these partners, they don't seem to have much reason to object.

As for legality and illegality, that is a headache for Americans. They are only responsible for brewing.

Noticing the change in the brewer's expression, Colin knew that the matter was basically settled.

Although he vowed that he would not stop the cooperation between British brewers and bootleggers, once the sale and transportation of imported wine became legal in the United States, the problem of bootleggers would naturally cease to exist.

After all, once you can legally drink the wine you want at a lower price, who would be willing to go back to the basement to hide?

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