Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1878-03-20
The Bell Punch as q Moral and Fl.
nancfal Agent,

Among the inventions Of modern ciyiliZa-
tion the bell punch occupies prominent po-
sitiOn. 1t has already earned the right to ap-
pear on the coat of arms of at least one of the
United States, and We look for time when it's
influence shall spread from ocean to ocean.
Virginia is proud of her dram bell punch and
finds IL a rich source of income to her reve-
nueS. Louisiana has adopted the invention
and the eNpedlency of pursuing a similar
course is seriously debated in the west and
north. Chicago, perceiving that Virginia will
obtain nearly 100000 more than the aDt;rrT1
pated revenue of half million from this
source, looks to the bell Psrrnch as the only Ger
tain means OF relief, in her crippled financial
Condllnasfi. The subject is agitated I'm st.
louis, Cincinnati and other prominent cities
all over the country. The arguments in favor
of the adoption of the plan are numerous. As
every barkeeper must punch numbered slip
for each drink in the presence of the drinker,
guarantee of an honest settlement of &C
counts is furnished the proprietor of the
saloon. 1t will have tendency to do away
with mean and cheap whisky The burdens
on real estate, personal property and the
industries will be lightened, or at least will
not be increased: while indulgence in Obiec-
tUnabe Injuries is taxed. 1t is unnecessary
to remark that the combination of virtue
and freedom from taxes will have power
full reforming influence. The financial view
OF the matter is not without effect on some
minds. Statistics showing the wonderful
amount of intoxicating liquor annually alb
SOrbed by the citizens of the United States
may afford some idea of the vast sums i'm the
way of revenue to be derived by the general
adoption of the bell punch. Each state or city
can easily estimate for itself the extent of its
profits. Thus refOrmatOry influences, temper
:nce, and financial prosperity all cling about
the bell punch. Some of the Virginia papers
complain of falling off in the revenues from
The MCfat register owing to delinquencies in
the enforcement of the law on the subject
and are disposed to find fault with the legisla-
ture for failing to pass the bill providing for
the more etfectual collection of the tax, but
the belLpunch itself is mistaken in their affec-
tons.
In the debate In the Senate yesterday upon
the timber BILL Mr.. Blaine complained that the
eastern papers had abused him as rushing to
the defence of the timber thieves. So far as
we have seen, the western papers, those of
Cincinnati and Chicago, for instance, have
uSedthe harsheSt language in regard to him.
The prominent point of interest in Euro
rean politics at present is the determination
OF the manner in which the expected congress
shall approach the treaty of San StefanO.
Russia has so far receded from her original
position as to be willing that the congress,
after having the treaty read, shall decide for
itself what portions it will discuss. England
claims that as the public law o Europe is
valid until formally repealed, and as this
treaty amounts to readjustment of Euro
pean relations. and abrOgates previous
agreements, it should be formally considered
as a whole by the congress of powers. TIE
other nations have not shown their hands
and the issue of the matter is uncertain. The
second preliminary question seems to be set
tied. Greece and other interested nations of
the same grade may send delegates to the
congress TO represent their interests, but these
diplomats shall not be on the same footing as
regards voting with the representatives of the
Signatory powers.