Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1868-03-13

has Dctll. we
the case, in private, by the circumstance that
Capt Matthews sold the liquors, or portion
of them, at higher prices than his predeces-
sor. We suppose it is true that portion Of
the increase of profits may be so accounted
for but we have been informed that after all
proper allowance has been made on that score,
there remains a large and mysterious increase
Of profits to the city treasury, consequent upon
the change of agent, which is hard to explain
upon the theory Of a careful record Of and ac-
counting for the profits of the agency, before
the change. If there IS any such explanation
of the difference, it is time it was given to the
public.
Mr.. John K Gray succeeded Mr.. Mat
thews, as city agent. But he too, was not in
favor with the city fathers and having declin
ed to give n bond for the faithful care of the
city property in his hands, the Aldermen re-
fused to supply liquors for the agency. of
course the stock in the agency became much
reduced, and for many weeksand even months
before election, there was no alcohol-an ar
ticlc in constant demand no gin; no cheap
rum. such rs is most used for lotions: none of
the lower priced whskey and soof wines and
other liquors in constant demand in place
of this size. OF course this condition of the
agency caused much annoyance to many per-
sons, and contributed effectively to the vote
for Catlin in this city, many voting for new
commissioner in hopes Of change for the
better in the condition of the agency. In
spite, however, of this unfavorablc condition
of things and consequent large decrease of
sales, the increased profits to the city con-
tinucd under Mr. Gray, and the city Treas
ury ncttcd from the agency in ten months
under Messrs. Mathews * Gray, mare than
double the profits returned for the year pre-
vious.
To avoid misconception we may say
here, that it seems to us altogether prudent
for the Aldermen to require bond Of the
agent, and very proper in him to giveit. Also
that We DO not think the agency should be
run at a profit, to the city or to anybody.
The liquors should be sold at such rates as
will barely pay expenses, and nothing more.
Ifany profit does accrue, however, We think
it all belongs to the city and should 60 into
the treasury. We Furthermore consider that
it is no rartof the business of the city to keep
dram shop and that the conduct of any
agent, who allows his friends to help them
selves to drinks from the city stock of liquors,
Is exactly on par with that of a city treas
urer who should keep city funds in an open
box in his Office, and permit his friends to help
themselves to fractional currency thercfrom.
And We should suppose that any honest man
would agree with Us, 30 far, whatever his
views On prohibition or Temperance.
Theway in which Mr. Wires was defeated by
a secret organization of opponents of the
Trohibitlry law, aided by theindiferencc and
rcmi,sncs- of temperance men. is known to
most Of our readers. We may mcnti 10, how
ever, that one means. industriou>ly used was
the circulation, among temperance men. Of
reports to his prejudice based largely ON the
assertions Of runners Er city liquor houses.
who failed to secure Mr.. Wires endorsement
of their Liquors.
1t has seemed well to Us, for The public
benefit. To put on record this little Tit of his
tory. The time Is coming wheusome of those
concerned will DE ashamed of their share in
the business That the facts mentioned
might have been made more damaging
to some Of the parties, five had been disposed
to set down aught in malice, they know
very well. We should have given them be-
fore election. but for the absolute -ecrcsy as
To their candidate. maintained by the P.P.L's
and their tools and assistants We give them
now because they still belong to the public.
Forewarued is often flrcamcd. The friends
of law order. and temperance in Chittendcn
county can see what the prospect is. The city
agent. Superseded a year ago, is county COM
missioner for the .7ear to come, elected by op-
poncnts Of the law by which his Office was
created. 1t Is rca sonablc to expect that the
law will he practically nullifed 50 far as he
md the gents apo rnted by him on and after
the LIST of May next, dare to do it. There
ire. however, provisions Of the law, intended
or the protection of tue public in such cases,
md the temperance men of the county should
stand prepared to use Il ZEN.