New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-01-16
THE HIGH LICENSE BILL.

The High License bill is now before the
Legislature, and it becomes of the highest i'm
portance to know what the responsible majority
intend to do with it, 1t is true that this is not
properly political question, but the Demo-
Gratis in tho Legislature last winter made it so
by voting steadily against it, and Governor
Hill confirmed it as such by vetoing the bill
for political motives. The Republican men,
bers of the present Legislature cannot shut
their eyes to facts like these, which have an
obvious bearing on the future The Demo-
cratic party is not less the friend Of the liquor
dealers than It was twelve months ago, and if
the High License bill receives any Democratic
support, it is not likely to be great The Re
publican majority must know that the practical
handling of the whole matter rests with them.
and that everything depends upon their acting
wisely and with common purpose.
The overwhelming public sentiment in be-
half of some form Of decidedly restrictive
legislation will not be satisfied. If the Repub-
lican majority, especially in the Assembly,
allow serious divisions to spring up on this
question. The diversion of a small number Of
votes would be sufficient to break their control
Of legislation, and involve the party in a
humilating failure to redeem its pledges.
Under these circumstances, it becomes the dnty
Of Republican members to endeavor to discover
what measure offers the promptest and most
elective method of dealing with the question,
and is supported by the largest share Of public
opinion. and then, waving minor differences.
push that to conclusion as rapidly as possible.
If it encounters a veto. and sticks there then
other measures NAV be attempted until they
have either succeeded in forcing law upon
the statute-book or have convinced the people
Of the State that the kind Of temperance legis-
lation they want cannot be had until they put
Republican in the Governors chair.
The High License bill introduced by Mr.
Crosby, seems to deserve the preference in this
movement. IT is based upon a careful study of
existing laws in all States where High License
has been found successful. and it is worth
noting, in passing, that High License never
fails It is framed by bipartisan. nom
sectarian Joint committee rcprcscntiro the Cit-
zens' Committee on High License. the Society
for the Prevention of Crime. and the Church
Temperance Society II undoubtedly expresses
the best experience and the highest principle
on this subject. II seems to us that the wise
course. both from public and party point NJ
view. is for the Republicans to accept it with
such notifications as NAV he found necessary,
and give Governor Hill as quickly as possible
his choice Of signing or vetoing it, IF he sign
it, a law that will not only vastly reduce
drunkenness and crime but will greatly d.
minish the burdens Of taxpayers, viii 90 upon
the statute-book and the Republican party
will have the credit of putting it there If he
veto it, the Republican party will not be re-
sponsible for its failure. and will receive as
much credit as if the bill had become law.
Governor Hill, on the other hand. will deal
hard blow at his friends the liquor-dcalers, by
signing it and by vetoing 1t. will DESTROY his
last clam to sincerity for the bill has been cX-
rressly framed to meet his objections
To do public service like this, and, at the
same time to win such party advantage it is
worth while to concede few differences on
minor points We believe that 1t will be good
citizenship and shrrwd politics to push the
High License bill. and that alone.