The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-06
THE LIQUOR DEALERS SIDE OF IT.

THE LIQUOR DEALERS SIDE OF IT.
Those in the liquor trade who do not care
to try the experiment of prohibition have the
alternative of paying such license as may
be imposed by the people. That prohibition
may have practically proved a failure in no
wise, we think, makes it desirable to saloon
keepers; for, while it may be failure SO far
as preventing drunkenness, it is structure
upon the traffic that renders it an expensive
business, and doubtless goes far toward re-
stricting the sale of intoxicating liquors. 1t
is now month since the provisions of the
new liquor law in Maine have gone into effect,
and it is said that, despite their increased
stringency, there is as much drunkenness as
before 1t is not probable however, that the
saloon keepers of that State are satisfied with
the law, while it is altogether likely that they
would gladly pay any reasonable license fee to
escape the hardships of the statute. If the
liquor dealers of Indiana are wise, they will
profit by the experience of their fellows in
other States, and not invite the experiment Of
prohibition.
The attitude of those engaged in the saloon
business in Indianapolis is such as to incur
the fiercest hostility Of the people. Those who
bear their burden Of taxation made necessary
| mainly, by the existence of saloons, will not
always be as patient as they heretofore have
| appeared to be. With prices declining and
the margin of profit growing steadily mar
rover, it is not good time for any class of
men to attempt to escape their just share of
the burden of taxation. The time will come
when the saloon-keepers Of indianapolis, and
of the State at large, would be glad to pay
800 year for the privilege of selling
liquors. Other States have raised the amount
TO $780, and even ten times as much, and the
effect has been good; the dangerous saloons,
many of them, have been compelled to close,
while those which remain are under better reg
ulation and surveillance.
Saloon-keepers of Indianapolis make very
serious mistake in fighting the proposition to
require the payment of reasonable license
fee. Taxpayers, who realize that they are taxed
largely because of the liquor traffic, will not al
ways consent to allow the saloons to escape
their portion of the levy. And in the matter Of
requiring saloons to close at certain hours and
to remain closed on Sunday, it is foolish for
dealers to defy the people and the laws their
representatives formulate. The hostility be-
ing aroused by those who defy the laws of the
State is steadily growing stronger. and there
can be but one result if this spirit is not
crushed--there will be prohibition law,
or one of high license and regulation
and responsibility above any ever
con tempated in Indiana. The great majority
Of the taxpayers are tired of the illegal way
in which the saloon business is conducted.
They are also tired of the impudent and
arrogant manner in which it interferes with
legislation. If its friends are not willing to
shoulder their share of the public expense, some
| measure must be devised to compel them to-
As it is, the bummers and beats are at the
head of the liquor interest, to it's manifest
hurt. Public sentiment will yet turn against
these fellows and exact from them the same re-
spect for the law that the better elements of
society give willingly. From paying nothing,
or next to nothing, the day is not far distant,
if this defiance of law be persisted in, when
they will be compelled to pay all the expense
that their business puts upon the public.