Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-24
Important DecisIon-The Liquor Case

Important Decision-The Liquor Case
Yesterday morning the circuit court pronounced
its decision in the case OF Charles Werner against
the Corporation Of Washington.
The appellant had taken out tavern license,
and under il claimed a conferred right 10 sell
spurious liquors in quantities lass than a pint,
Notwithstanding the law of the Corporation 10 the
contrary. For an alleged violation of this statute
he was fined twenty dollars by justice Morsell,
from whose judgment he appealed TO the circuit
court.
Judge Morsell adverted 10 various acts on the
subject Of taverns, ordnaries, and inns, drawing
therefrom the Specification and privileges Of such
establishments, and asserting that they have been
found TO be indispensable, and have a right TO sell
spurious liquors 10 travellers or guests an es-
seniial part OF their business, as much so as 10
furnish their customers with meat and accommo
datons for their cattle II makes no difference
whether the liquor furnished at the table or at the
bar, or in whatquantty He examined the powers
Of the Corporation under the charter, coming 20
the conclusion that ii had not the power TO pass the
bylaw in question, limiting prohibiting taverns
or ordinaries from selling intoxicating liquors in
quantities less than pint; therefore the judgment
rendered against the appellant is erroneous, and
the law, 50 far the persons engaged in that des-
cription Of business are concerned, imperative
and void There could be no doubt as TO the
power 10 suppress tipping houses because this
express power is given by the charter, which pro-
vides for regulating" taverns, not to destroy or
restrain them which would be the effect Of the
bill, were it TO have the application designed.
Judge Dunlop agreed with his brother as to the
reversal Of the judgment OF the justice. Tavern
or ordinary, under the old laws Of Maryland,
meant public house FOE the accommodation Of
guests, where the public or travellers are supplied
with meat drink, lodging, stabling, etc. The
keeper is bound TO entertain travellers or guests,
and nothing excuses him. He is authorized TO
charge his customers, and his business is not only
lawful, but convenience. The power under the
charter was 10 regulate" iavtrns and ordinances,
but the law acted as restraint prohibition, for
which there is no authority, and was therefore
void.
Such, we believe, is the substance OF the deci-
SION delivered yesterday.
Tavern.keepers can now sell their liquors by
the glass, as heretofore without further molesia-
ton by the municipal authorities. ~
3. Il. Lucas.-The jury in this case, after re-
naming in their room during Friday night, came
into the criminal court yesterday with averdict
of guilty--of obtaining money $500 under false
pretences from the Brothers Chubb, bankers.
There are two other indictments pending against
him.
Bayard Taylor is announced to deliver lee.
ture, on Tuesday evening, at odd-Fellows' Hall,
on the interesting subject Of Japan and the
Japanese" The mere announcement will attract
a full attendance.
shilIIngton---cornef Of Pennsylvania avenue
and -Four and-a-half street, has large and beauti
ul variety OF books and other articles suitable for
the holidays; selected wib special view TO the
festive season. n .