New-York tribune., 1891-05-15
THE SALOONS AND G0VERNOB HILL.

1t is very sad, but whiskey just now evinces
a disposition to go back on Whiskey's Gov
ernor! The saloons, as they review the work
of the late Legislature from the point of view
OF their own special interests, have the con-
yiction forced upon them that they received
no substantial reward at the hands of the Dem
ocratc lawmakers of that body for their services
in electing a Democratic Assembly last fall.
1t is conceded that had it not been for the
liquor vote and the liquor corruption campaign
fund Hill never could have succeeded in Sc
curing a majority in the Assembly Of 1901.
1t is also conceded that the liquor men all over
the State worked like beavers for the Governors
candidates for the Assembly on the understand
ing that if the necessary majority was secured
Hill would reciprocate by doing his best to pro-
mote the passage of measures embodying the
wishes of the saloons-of the men and the in
tuences that, politically speaking, have made
and preserved him.
What did Hill do? Did he carry out his
part Of the bargain? Did he stand by whiskey
or 60 back on IL? In its last issue "The Wine
and Spirit Gazette' throws good deal Of light
upon these questions This is what it says:
The history of the schaa Excise bill has not yet been
written When that Is done 1t win appear that the bill
was drawn under and with the advice Of Governor Hl
that every provision of 1t carefully considered by
the Governor and that the amendments made In the
text Of the bill the last hour in the Assembly were
prepared the Executive chamber. This being fact
the nquordealers TO be blamed for assuming that
the Governor would take sufficient interest to the
bill through the Legislature, and not allow the deadlock
In the Senate 10 stand in the OF its consideration
by tho Senatel Is II TO be wondered at that the
Illustration of all their efforts to have an Excise bill
passed has dIspleased and vexed the lquordealers,
and that there is disposition TO lay tho responsibility
for their defeat at the door Of the Go whose own
ideas on the question Of excise regulations according
TO Mr. Campbell were embodied In the remodelled
schaaf bill
This is good reading alike for reformers and
anti-reformers. for reputable citizens and cit
izens OF another variety. 1t shows how in
innate were the relations which existed during
the last session between the Governor and the
saloon lobby. He was practically the author Of
that wanton attempt to break down the excise
laws known as the Schaaff bill. The head
quarters of the lobby were in the Executive
Chamber. The infamous job "was drawn under
and with the advice of Governor HILL" 1t also
shows that the saloonkeepers suspect that the
Governors zeal in their behalf was a delusion
and snare They suspect that he organized
the deadlock in the Senate for the purpose of
preventing a vote being taken on the Schaaff
bill. In other words, his conduct in regard to
this notorious piece of legislation has pleased
nobody IL has still further commended him
to the condemnation of the practical reform
sentiment of the State, and has earned him the
distrust of whiskey.
The Goyerner may well view the Situatioa