New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-01-07
A WARM ENDORSEMENT.

Those passages Of Governor HIPS message
which treated the Excise question were re-
ceived with ast0nishment by temperance people
and the law-abiding classes generally. The
Governors relations to the saloon-keepers were
only too we'll known, but it was not supposed
that he would make such palpable demonstra-
ton Of them. 1t was not expected that he
would abandon all the pretences Of being in
favor of restrictive legislation tina: have
abounded in former communications, and come
out boldly against such reforms. No doubt,
however, be was encouraged by tho renewed
proof afforded by the recent election that the
regular Democratic candidate can always COM
mand the party vote, no matter what his char
acter record or associations may be. Many
thousands of respectable Democrats. Christian
men, men calling themselves gentlemen, voted
for Governor Hill, who would have been per-
sonally ashamed, in his place, to veto the High
License and Ballot-Re bills. or to make
the alliance he did with the representatives Of
35, 600 Equor-dealers by virtue OF which he
sold his veto in return for their political sup
port. This inability on the part OF men who
are good citizens, conscientious and honorable
men, to break away from their party, even
when the interests Of morality demand IL, is one
of the strange characteristics Of the Democratic
organization.
The Governor does not lack for support now
any more than during the campaign. The
Democratic papers Standby him Loyalty. One
of the most enthusiastic manifestations Of ap-
proval, however, comes from quarter whence
appreciation should be peculiarly grateful to
him. II is from The Innkeepers Journal
and the Bar, weekly paper, devoted to
tho interests Of the Retail Dealers In Strong
and Spirituous Liquors, Wine, Ale and Beer"
When we try hard to please it is gratifying to
know that we have succeeded; and the Gov
ernor certainly tried hard to please the liquor
dealers by his message. "The Innkeeper and
the Barr offers him the following as part Of
Ibis reward
In his annual message to the Legislature this year.
Governor Hill touches the excise question 10 con-
siderable extent and with bis usual beralty and IN
tcIIgcnce, will DO seen by reference to the first
page of The Innkeeper" He sees tho propriety Of
thorough revision of the present law, but he doesn't
believe In temperance legislation He says that what
Is needed is @honest excise legislation" He is right
and the expression Of this sentiment clearly indicates
that no looks upon the present Excise Revision Com
mission as a failure, and costly one at that This
Is Just what The Innkeeper' has maintained from
tho start AS the Governor says, what Is wanted Is
neither absolute prohibition law which Is too
lax but system adapted to tho requirements of the
people Of tho State" Such system, he plainly in
Inmates. will never find its birth among tho cranks
and fanatics who would Ike b have arbitrary control
Of the liquor business. What the people want, and
what the lquordcalers hope for is fair, Just and
equitable law vigorously enforced, and not severe
iaiberal one. Governor Hill IL IN favor Of local
option or homo rule, Of reasonable license fees
ada.ted u tho locality and Of excise moneys geiAg
int local TREASURES and not into the Golfers Of the