New-York tribune., 1873-07-25
THE STATEN ISLAND LIQUOR WAR.


The war on the Staten Island liquOr-dealers,
which was begun last Sunday, TO be pushed forward
vigorously by the police and there is every reason TO
suppose the law viii be fully and fairly enforced The
Commissioners are working Zeaously and the fruits OF
their labors are already beginning 10 appear though
the farest test Of what has been accomplished will be
the appearance of the Island Sundays and the con
don Of the thousands who accustomed on the first
day OF the week to rush from all sections to Staten
Island for a days amusement These crowdf have
heretofore returned the city at evening somewhat
uoisv though seldom noxicated; but the general
harity which has prevailed throughout the day the
drinking the swearing, the music in the gardens
"sacred concerts" they are termcd-and the merry
making generally, have been regarded nuisance by
the peaceabe residents Of the Island. BY these the
movements OF the Police Commissioners have been
hailed with genuine satisfaction, and their cordial ap
rroval has been expressed both in public and private.
The number OF Quor dealers staten Island amounts
10 nearly 100 or these ninetenhs have been conduct
ing their business for the past two years without tie
license which the law requires. Attempts have been
made al various times enforce the law but owing 70
some ambiguity 10 its exact significance and extent
these efforts haye not been yeTy DECIDED the liqfJ
dealers have smiled and said nothing the matter has
been allowed to drop temporarily, and all parties,
esneciay tue dealers themselves have apparently been
satisfied short time ago, however 1t was resolved to
make some what more vigorous assault than any that
had preceded and the Police Commissioners desiring to
know their exact duty sought and obtained the opinion
of Attorney RawsOn, and, fortified with this,
they went to work, aud the very first thing closed the
doors which open on Sunday in violation
of law. The arrests made were, however, mostly III
the vicinity of Edgewater, and numbered no less
than So. Among these were representatives, OF nearly
every portion OF the island The intelligence Of the
police movements spread like wildfre, aud large nuw
r shut their doors and thus avoided arrest The
already made have been largely on the ground OF selling
guOr on Sunday. The parties arrested in Edgewdter
were subsequently brought before Judge Garrett and
nearly every sguited his Willingness at once TO OBJ
Tain license and to close his place OF business the
Sabbath. Their were therefore adjourned Till
THURSDAY next 70 afford them opportunity OF carrying
out their purpose. Those who do not obtain licenses Will
he puuised as the law provides One Frederick LawOr
at Port Richmond pleaded guilty TO the charges made
and was 1ned so.
me UguOr dealers who inclined 10 resist have
called meetings arrange plans OF action, but they
have amounted 60 nothing The principal members OF
the Liquor Dealers Association have already slgnhed
their willingness comply with the requirements OF the
law I is understood that money Will he raised quietly
among many OF the dealers that counsel Will Dc OBJ
tanned aud that II possible strong resistance will be
made the officers in their attempts 10 enforce te Ia"