The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-23
RUM AND WATER.
A Temperance Meeting Turned Into Liquor
Gathering and scuffie in Consequence
Indignation of the Cold-Water Men.

PITTsBURG, Pa, Feb 90 1873
There Is considerable excitement in this city to-
night, and early this evening conflict was threat
ened between q number of the most prominent
citizens OF Pittsburg. The friends of temperance
and dealers In splrtu0us beverages as well are
Just now greatly interested on the subject
Of Local Option, and neither side Is halt
ing in preparations for the conflict at the
polls, which is expected next month. The
temperance men have been considerably
encouraged by the result in several districts where
side, as an offset. have also had triumphs; while
the results In all cases where the matter, thus
lar, has come to an issue have created an in
tense interest in the nnal test, and have caused
each side to redoube their exertiOns to accomplish
their ends The attention of the temperance men
Is directed to the fact that
THE LOCAL OPTION LAW
has been so cumsily drawn that 1t becomes very
serious question whether, under its provisions,
there could be vote taken in this and In some
other counties for the next three years. The ques-
ton thus raised was considerably discussed, and
the result was difficulties. The ambiguity OF the
law was perceived, and 1t was brought to the at
tenton OF the Legislature in proposed amend
ment, which passed without opposition through
one branch, but has been very considerably delayed
begin to fear that 1t never will be ratified.
For some days correspondence has been pub
lished in the daily papers relative to mass meet
ng for the expression of public opinion upon the
Local Option law. call was issued signed by the
most prominent merchants and manufacturers Of
the city, requesting Mayor BlackmOre to fix
an evening for such a meeting. He did so
and this was the the nature Of the correspondence
The meeting was to be held at the City Hall to-
night, and as the call was for mass meeting Of
citizens, liquor men considered their rights there
as great as any other persons. So at the time fixed
for the meeting representatives OF
THE LIQUOR LEAGUE
who have been bold and bitter in the fight with
the advocates OF cold water, crowded INTO the
was filed to overfowing with those opposed to
temperance. w. ID. Moore, who was Chairman Of
the County Democratic Executive Committee,
was on the stage, in moment called the
meeting to order, and officers were appointed
comprised OF men OF high standing in the CON-
munity. The President then commenced to read
the resolution denouncDG restriction OF the
liquor interests, and had got half through, when
brass band In the employ of the temperance party
not hear word that came from the stage. rush
was made for the musicians, and they were
FORCIBLY ELECTED FROM THE HALL
and quiet for a time reigned The resolutions were
then finished and unanimously adopted. At this
point the temperance men endeavored to be heard
insisting that the nall had been granted for q diff
erent purpose than that to which had been put to
James Park Jr., wealthy steel manufacturer
and an advocate OF temperance, succeeded In get
ting f0othold on the stage and endeavorea TO
speak. His voice was drowned in boots and yells
and he was 0nally compelled to yield. Excitement
ran very high and several scufies took place in DIFF
erent parts OF the hall but the liquor interest was
too strong. and those opposed to 1t at length re-
luctantly withdrew. About half-past enc O'Clock
they held meeting, denouncing the action OF the
liquor men as mean and c0wardly.