You might also try exploring the various public/pastoral letters and other documents of the US Catholic Bishops (individually, or in conference) during periods of particular controversy.
 
I have used, in passing, ("Heretical Plants of Irish Growth": Catholic Critics of Mathewite Temperance
The Catholic Historical Review - October 2005, pp. 611-632)
some of the material from the 1840s, but I'm sure it came up from time to time.
 
The church had a complicated position on alcohol and temperance movements, and the language may be a bit nuanced, but I think bishops articulated from time to time opposition to elements of temperance as an organized campaign.  Check German-born bishops in particular!
 
Paul Townend

________________________________

From: Alcohol and Drugs History Society on behalf of K. Austin Kerr
Sent: Mon 3/10/2008 3:13 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Temperance Opposition?



John, Galliher wrote:
> Dear Colleagues;
>
> I'm searching around for ideas and citations on the issue of organized
> opposition to the U.S. Prohibition of alcohol.  Joe Gusfield could think of
> nothing off the top of his head and Harry Levine recommended that I contact
> this list serve. 
>
> Since the largely protestant WCTU pushed hard against the culture of Jews
> and Roman Catholics I'm wondering if they pushed back.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> John Galliher
>