Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-03-07

ihdhlHB tuS bu CLIO phiNh"SS ~
Where they would formerly buy five or
ten barrels they now buy from hand 10
mouth, not knowing when they may
have to discontinue business.
The liauor-dealers have formed an
association, and are using all endeayors
to get as large a membership as possi-
bic, and they will resort to all honora-
bic means to defeat the bill.
No, don't think our city will go
dry, as We liquor.men will be thor
oughly organized, and will look alter
our interests.
GUARANTEEING AGAINST PROHIBIT
TION.
Mr.. f. G. Leigh, of Egbert G.. Leigh
& Co., wholesale grocers and liquor
dealers. answered, with reference to
the effect the passage Of the local-option
bill has had on trade 1t renders 1t dull
by reason of the uncertainty it in
duces. Some dealers are guaranteeing
against prohibition-in other words
they bind themselves to take back
goods if licenses are prohibited. Others
are furnishing goods in small quantities
SAY enough to supply wants. from
week to week. The latter policy is
more generally pursued. The liquor
dealers have organized an association,
and will leave nothing undone to defeat
the prohibition movement.
DON'T KNOW.
Mr.. Gibson, Of SPOTS Il Gibson
wholesale grocers: We are not in the
liquor line have not read the bill do
not sell liquor; can't say what the Ell
feet will be on the trade in the city.
TIE TRADE "DOwNED."
Mr.. Watkins, Of Muse q Watkins,
wholesale liquor-dealers The law has
" downed" the trade. Both members
Of this firm have been away for the past
three weeks, but we will become MEM
bers of the Liquor Protection Associs-
tion. can't say, but hope the town
will not "go dry"
BUSINESS SERIOUSLY AFFECTED.
Captain johnson, Of W. j. johnson
d Co., wholesale grocers and liquor
dealers: My opinion is that the law will
affect the trade very seriously. ! ex-
pect to put few goods on the market
owing to the depression in trade. |
sell very little liquor to retailers and
not any to the bar-rooms. | do not
belong to any organization. No; | do
not believe Richmond will adopt local
option.
TOO MUCH SENSE TO BECOME FANA-
TICS.
Mr.. Junius Morris, Of Davenport d
Morris, wholesale grocers and liquor
dealers: The local-option law has de-
pressed trade very much with us.
This applies not only to our large loca!
trade but to the State at large.
"What are the conditions upon which
liquors are now Sold;"
On credit ranging from sixty days to
four months. Under the operation Of a
lccal.option law all credit would be
very severely criticised and in many
cases 1t would necessarily have to be
abandoned.
"What steps are the liquor-dealers
taking 10 organize:'
They are preparing to take vigorous
measures to resist. The liluor-dealerS
are a very peaceful set Of men and sub.
nit to much. but this local option will
be fought hard by them.
"D Do you think Richmond will he
come a dry town." "
No. because think the people have
too much sense to become fanatics.
TIE CoCNTRYMAN OPPOSED TO To-
CAL OPTION.
Mr.. 4. ". Roscne, retail liquor
dealer: The passage Of the las has
not affected my trade as yet, but the
effect in the city among all classes and
trades, | understand, IS very depress-
ing. have yet to meet a countryman
who will vote for the measure. The
houor.dcalers are determined to oppose
the bill by'eyery legal means, and are
organizing for that purpose. do not
think Richmond will so dry, because
with all classes with whom | have
spoken on the subject | find DISPOSE
ton to defeat the bill, and especially
among merchants. because Of the ruin
Gus effect it will have on trade and the
prosperity Of the city generally.
'WIY DISTURB SUCH LAw-AEIDING
AND MODEST TRAFFIC.
Mr.. Julian Binford. Of Walter d. Blair
a Co.. wholesale liquor-dealers The
immediate effect Of the passage of the
law has been to intimidate the liquor
dealers throughout the State, fearing
evil results whether they think they
can beat this sumptuary legislation
against honest and legitimate mer-
chants or not. Trade is literally para
lived for the present, and the effect, in
my opinion, will even stop the honest
farmer from pruning his grape-vines,
the cooper from getting out slaves, and
the soil Of old Virginia from growing
trees and vines. Where there are one
set Of licensed dealers who pay into the
State Treasury nearly 100000, | can
not understand why should we disturb
such law-ablding and modest traffic.
As to conditions Of sales, goods are
usually sold on four months time. Now
should we sell on said terms and local
option should prevail, where is our Sc
curity? We propose to let the oppo-
nents of justice know in time. In my
opinion the people Of Richmond, Va,
are too enlightened ever to let local
option pass, and here urge every man
to do all in his power to prevent such
a calamity in this community.
\ DEALER WHO NEVER INDULGES.
Captain Richard NJ. Taylor, Of Charles
F. Taylor * Co., wholesale grocers and
liquor. dealers The law has not affected
us much as yet. Our country trade is
about the same. Our city trade is no,
so good. | am opposed to the agitation
Of the question. As to selling goods.
if man is good We will sell him all
that he will buy.
Ny firm arc members of the Liquor
Dealers Association, which is estab-
lished for the protection Of our trade
NJ 4 A. e