New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-01-29
IyFIV0R or HIGH LICENSE.
Mr.. ROosEyELTs BILL COMMENDED.
ADDRESS BY MR. BEECHER AT A MEETING II
BROOkLTN-lGE GRAHAM's WORK.

ADDRESS by Mr.. BEECHER AT A MEETING II
BEoOkLYN-lT. GRAHAM's WORK.
\ large audience gathered in Historical Hall,
Brooayn lao evening at q meeting called in support Of
the high license bill before the Legislature. The
Rev. Or Noah Hunt schenck presided. Robert Graham,
secretary of the Church Temperance Society, presented
resolutions in support of the bin introduced by Dir.
Roosevelt providing for fee OF 5000 for license
to sell spiritu0us liquors and $3.50 for malt
/ liquors. urging that it De made 70 in
clude al cities OF the state and providing for com
nttec to 20 the representatives of the city in the leg
stature and them to support it. The resolutions
were aftcrward unanimously adopted
Mr. Beecher the princlpal speaker. Among other
things he the old time total abstinence meetings
did much good and led the way FOR the present stage Of
temperance work such teachings should continued In
churches and schools Public sentiment had been largely
changed alre idy in the matter Of drinking There
an inherent nght in communities to defend themselves
against their greatest enemies In regard suppressng
the evn OF liquor selling, were divided
as to Some wanted restriction
prohibition. The latter premature yet In this
country and public sentiment be lifted 10 a high
plane by regulation before would be possible. II was
fact that UluoFsellers class, formed the one multi
FORM dIscd and yirulent enemy Of society They were
the professional promoters OF the evils which Increase the
taxes and disorder the general happiness society No
class OF directly affected legislation liquor
sellers Their selhsbly united interests controlled
city state, and, to some extent, National politics.
The liquor interest must be made to obey the law He
did not denounce individuals, but a class lauorsel
lers were bad and harmful in influence on social and
political affairs. All temperance men united 10
work on the solid ground OF restricting the sale OF liquor
This would b. best effected by high license fee bet
ter class Of men would get in the business
and they would not permit unlicensed
saloons flourish. Though was better without
beernkng, il wise 20 fix the fee for malt liquors
less than the for alcoholic beverages, the former
worked the community less HARM To these restrictions
should he added limit Of the saloons in proportion TO
uopuation ard a putting up Of the licenses
al auction to the highest bidder. If there
ever was need for action by a community 10 was
now in view of the lmperious nature OF the liquor
Interests Ia the cities Of this state and the facts should
commend themselves 10 the common Of the people
The other speakers were General Stewart l. W0OdfOrd
and MT Graham The latter referred 70 the lack Of
William p Kirk As president of the Board OF Aldermen
in tins city, proofs 0f the power Of the liquor interests
Some months ago meeting held In Steinway Hall,
which the secretary OF the Church temperance Society
MI Graham. exhibited maps 0 certain parts OF the city
and statistics showing the connection between intemper
ance vice crime and poverty and the dishonesty OF the
city government. lie instructed to lay before
assemblies or citizens IN All the large cities
OF This state details OF scheme of high
license for the restriction and regulation OF the liquor
traffic Yesterday Mr.. Graham reported that the bill
which had been Introduced into the Assembly by Mr.
Roosevelt contained the principal clause IN the sOcleys
shon IRON, W m 1900 and for beer shops from $50 10
$50 Mr. Roosevelt had consented. he said at the
quest Of the society, extend the Of his bill TO the
whole state. instead OF limiting IL TO cities u over lO0
Committee on Internal Affairs, and the committee
10 Is expected Will report the bill faVoraby tomorrow.
ely ts afternoon which Assistant Bishop Potter pre-
sided, said Mr.. Graham 70 IRiBUNE reporter there
n0ux. r. Fulton Cutting, I. T. COddngtOn, Albert II.
Vcrnam, Dr. Andrew II. smith, and the Rev. Dr y. F.
DcCOsta was instructed to wait upon the committee
IN charge II the bill O-nOr.OW Albany and urge that
the bin be reported fayoraHy, with Further amend
ments, the committee being anxious not oJcOpard1e the
bill by introducing new clauses when might become Oh
iects VI attack"