The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-03
THE EXCISE WAR.

A TOUR AMONG THE BARRooMs YEsrERDAY-
HOW THE EXCISE LAW Is LvADED-wHAr IS
TEMPERANCE DRINK?--oLIvEB coTTER SUR
PRIsEs A BowERY LAGER BEER SELLER
Hot whiskey the prevailing drink In the liquor
saloons proper yesterday. To largo class OF the
bibulous community the crisp, bracing atmosphere
evidently suggested the aromatic and stimulating cal-
ORIG furnished by the steaming potion mentioned. and
the hospitality Afforded through the means Of ssidc
doors" all over Manhattan Island gave those who
desired ample opportunity to indulge their respect
i've tastes The Germans, true to their national love
OF copous draughts Of comparatively mild character,
Notwithstanding the chilly atmosphere which told
with reddening effect the nasal organs Of both
sexes, confined themselves to toaming lager nzz-
ing weiss beer and other kindred beverages In
the various popular which they assembled,
as usual in large numbers. Although the efforts
made OF late TO enforce the Excise law IN
this city have. doubtless, produced q minia-
ture revolution among large proportion OF
the liquor dealers, impelling them to more strict
observance of the human well 40 the divine law
tho experience OF HERALD reporter while visiting
numerous drinking places and other convival centres
yesterday goes show that thus far the attempted
enforcement Of that portion OF the statute which pro-
hibits the sale OF intoxicating drinks on The Sabbath
Is palpable failure
AT THE SALOONS
At the Tivoli the bar In the front portion OF the
connecting With the entrance In the main drinking
saloon unique pretence TO comply With tho Sunday
front Of each drinking glass was placed small card
bearing the counterfeit presentmenS OF male and
female athletes, dancers and n!srionic characters
connected with the Teutonic stage In this aud othor
cities. Men sat At the tables drinking what APP
peared to DO lager, several kegs Of which were
Whether stronger drink than beer could have been
obtained Is a matter altogether for Inference The
proprietor on being questioned BY the writer. said,
~ know nOdlnG bout excise piZZinoS5: only sell
temperance drinks on Soondaya"
The Dc Soto Rouse was found absolutely closed the
outside door being secured against possible Intrusion
by heavy wooden crossbar. Having announced the
mitted, and then learned from the propfietors
that the hote has invariably closed its doors sun
day eyer since II was sssoi'snsd 1--WE have mouse
only persons wis obtain refreshments here on
Sunday under any circumstances
The bar at the Clifton Shades completely hidden
from Wow by green covering. the only signs OF life
in the room being solitary guest and the pro-
wish OF the reporter as he was in the act Of
entering tho door loading from the vsstbule paused
Of Welsh rarebit, or some similar tidbit, say
ms mo. sir, nothing to-day, sir; can't sell
hs Visitor had ny desire xha.sSsr to Infringe upon
the Excise law, Mr.. Hassett said that, rule, his
kept his front door open TO allow his boarders to 60 il
ana out.
harry Hil's bar vas also closed tn. place present.
ing almost . deserted appearance. Tho proprietor
was nowhere to be SEEM, nor any other person
nectcd with the house. II was understood outside,
however, that kind Of Entertainment would
be given later In the evening.
Nothing was sold at the bar OF the Ashland House.
Fourth avenue and Twenty fourth street, and those
wanting drinks took seats in the restaurant where
they were served with anything they required.
Hundreds OF people were found seated IN the
Atlantic Garden imbibing beverages Of various
coors, and watching with interest the musi-
cal convolutiops OF gorgeously dressed
chestra composed Of female performers Three
four bartenders were KEEP busy responding TO the
ders Of about OF walters, chief demand
for what they termed ''wess." While inside tho
reporter overheard youth, who had just seated
himself 1t one Of the numerous tables, ask one
Of tho walters for glass OF lager. Putting down
full glass In front OF the customer the walter said,
.Weiss beer" whom the other quickly remarked,
"Oh. | want lager" every WE'LL" was the
quiet reply, "that's all the same, CentonniaI
weiss beer that We sell Sunday The
customer then tasted the beverage and absorbed u
without further comment Addressing fat man, who
pointed tie manager, the reporter inquired
II the excise people caused him any inconvenisnce
his business He replied, "No, dey don't
droube mooch. Dot Cotter teller he gf leetlo
drouble bout two weeks ago. You see be COON in
here and got glass OF wess BIER and after he drink
IL he say IL vas lager, and den shwore u lager
REPoRrER-"WsI, was oliver Cotter right In say
Ing sopn
MASAGRR-'Yah. yah, maybe he vas," ana the jolly
German shook bis sides with laughter.