The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-11-26
THE EXCISE WAR.


YEsTERDAY-pARs CLOSED IN THE LEADING
HoTELs-vARIoUs OPINIONS ON THE UNSET
TIED CONDITION OF AFFAIRS.
The unfavorable weather yesterday had Q tendency
TO decrease the usual number OF bibacous visitors at
many Of the best known drinking places tho city,
and accordingly to some assisted the suthori-
ties In their efforts TO enforce tho Excise law ut
present Interpreted. A great many men, accustomed
10 Sunday afternoon stroll, which includes inter-
mission for "refreshment" at their favorte resort,
preferred remaining in doors seeking cold comfort
the streets under drizzlng Tho observations by
HERALD reporter IN some OF tho leading hotels and
barrooms up town warrant the statement that the
Propretors OF those places, while complaining or tho
harsh recently adopted toward them in re-
gard to the sale OF Intoxicating drinks Sabbath,
all manifest desire to comply strictly with the stated
law, no matter what Inconvenience cost TO them
selves such compliance may entail. There seems
be little doubt. however, that the Law and Order
League IS making itself felt In quarters other than in
those which come under the denomination OF "dis
reputable"
CLOSED BARS
The bar OF the Windsor Hotel was completely closed
for the FIRST time yesterday Hitherto IL has been
open for the accommodation of the guests, but oven
these sought in VAIN for the matt tpai mineral water,
dashed with de rie, or tho snowy champagne
that guests could obtain what they wanted by
having the orders sent to their private apartments
to the dining room. gentleman connected with tho
house minated to the reporter tina, they had boon
obliged to close the bar account OF tho excise
troubles.
At the Fifth Avenue Hotel tho bar also closed
as has been the custom there on Sunday since the
opening OF the establishment. Ono Of the managers
Informed the writer that the bar closed al mat
ter OF principle every Saturday night and was not
reopencd until the following Monday morning. II
guests wish order table OF course thoy are
supplied with it. This gentleman said they were not
interested tho excisc controversy as II did not
affect them the least
Mr. A. H. Palmer, of tho Abcmarlc HOTEL said that
thoy had always made It rui. TO keep tho closed
sundays, as, for the most part, II
venicnce of their guests, and they did
side patronage. In regard 10 the action Of the Law
and Order League. he thought mistake for It's rep-
resentatives TO single out such Mr. Deimonico;
they should devote their attention tho grog-
gercs, whence the harm TO society really springs.
In the barroom OF tho Grand Union Hotel Fourth
avenue ana Forty second street, linen cloth effect
uay concealed the shelves set apart tor stimuiants
and no liquor Of any kind was being sold. The propri-
etor, Mr. Garrison said 1--WE wish BIO Just 10 tho
public and We desire to deal with tho public they
deal with US We never sell anything persons who
are intoxicated or 10 minors and we never allow noiso
or proiano language 10 be used In the. barroom In
Short our patrons are gentlemen and we want
others. And yet you compelled close tho
bar, while liquor Is being sold openly within few
yards Of US this street. We think tho Law and Or
der League is carrying this question too far, in
compelling to close bar Sundays and by
osherw se annoying In sending every few days
to examine our license. None can purchase Ito uor
hero except patrons, then tho orders can
only be sent to their tho restaurant. We
would be glad to comply with tho law and close tho
bar enectually II that law was universal, but there
would be no use In our refusing TO accommodate
guests when we know they can out and obtain what
they want without walking half = block"
MIR IN n thn NO nhadn Natal
Fourth avenue and Forty second street, SAID ''You
SEQ for yourself whether tho bar closed not
We are endeavoring to comply with the law, but
guests nearly nil transient parties we have to
supply them with such refreshments as they may
require We would rather close tho bar entirely II
that became general, but as il is we must accomno-
date guests in order 10 their patronage or
otherwise close the hotel altogether
At the Aston House the reporter found the bar
tightly closed, which fact seemed surprise TO lew
thirsty looking gentlemen who were vainy seeking to
enter It's cornwall atmosphere Incidentally however,
the writer alter sauntering through Corridors
assembled brilliantly lighted stairway and soon found
cosey parlor wherein were seated select party OF
KNOWING ones" jovialy discuss ng the best
solids and liquids which the house afforded.
Among the principal restaurants and drinking
saloons II was evident that the proprctors were
sirous Of complying with the law, without at the
patrons. Gailaher's saloon, on broadway, near
Twenty NTH street, Is partially screened by cigar
store IN front Guarding the door Of the wine and
hand, who rapidly scrutnized tho features OF those
who sought admitance, and II satisfied with thor ap-
side Of this door no Excise law observed.
"Phirf Migan's restaurant ut No. .259 Broad-
way, had Its front doors closed sido entrance how
ever revealed u brilliant though orderly scene
Although the bar was open no business seemed TO DO
transacted at It, The tables however were all occu-
pied by guests, who did not appear To suffer by any
restrictions ordinarily imposed by the Excise law
Tho proprietor said "a do large restaurant BUSINESS
aud have only gentlemen coming here. / think Il
would DO hard to close my bar; but II any with
authority asks mo 10 DO so would DO quite willing,
provided all my nelghbors did the same"
AT Parkcr's restaurant Broadway and Thirty
fourth street, tho bar closed Said Mr.. Parker,
IL damages our business very much TO tho bar
on Sundays l have been here Tor the last twenty
years, and breath OF compliant has been made
against me- am quito wiling, however, to comply
with tho law until such time US the Legislature IFS
wisdom, comes ~ our relief"
Commissioner Murphy, OF the Board OF Excise,
whom the reporter accidentally met, beng ques-
toned In regard to the possible action Of The Grand
Jury said MY associates and have no apprenen-
OF trouble coming IRON that quarter. The stand
ing and characters Of The Excise Commissioners will
compare favoraby with those OF the Grand Jury and
think that body would best the interests OF
this community II they devoted attention to tho
manner In which our savings banks 1ro and life IN
surance companies generally ducted the
pcnse OF too conndng and injured people,"