On the breaking out of hostilities in Europe all the nations engaged in the conflict sought to increase the efficiency of their citizens in every possible way. The French Republic realized that the use of absinth was undermining the character and endurance of her citizens. Instead of any longer trying to regulate the sale of absinth, it was decided by the authorities of the republic to ask for its entire prohibition. This prohibition was established by the law which became effective on the sixteenth of March, 1915. This law has the following provision: "The manufacture, the sale, wholesale and retail, as well as the commerce in absinth and liqueurs similar thereto are forbidden." This law has been sustained by the courts, which have held that not only is the sale interdicted, but that the person who does sell is penally responsible for all damages arising therefrom. In like manner the prohibition of the sale of distilled beverages at retail in the saloons where beverages are dispensed has been upheld by the courts, maintaining that such a regulation, made with a view of securing and maintaining good public order, is legally admitted to the circle of those exercises of authority on the part of the prefects as well as by the military authority in places where martial law has been declared. The manufacture and sale of absinth has long been prohibited in Switzerland and Belgium. In Switzerland the question of prohibiting absinth was submitted to a plebecite and was adopted by a large majority.