New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-04-20
THE EXCISE LLPUT THROUGH
PASSING THE SENATE BY A PARTY VOTE
EARNEyr PROTEST AGAINST IT-EvEEY
PROPOSED AMENDMENT DOGGEDLY
VOTED DOWN - CANToRS
SUPPLEMENTAL BILL.

| VOTED DOWN - CANToRS
SUPPLEMENTAL BILL.
| IRON THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRiBrNEl
Albany, April 19-The Democratic Legislature to
day rewarded the liquor dealers for their lavish con
| trlbutions TO Democratic Campaign funds, amounting
since 1885 to several hundred thousand dollars, by
putting IN Governor Flowers hands the Liquor cone
| an act otherwise known the Foley Excise bill,
and VIGOROUSLY drawn up in the interest OF
the 80 900 liquor dealers OF the state As the readers
of The Tribune aware. this is act codifyng ana
amending the existing Excise laws Of the state so as
permit Of the unrestricted sale OF liquor IL
breaks down many wholesome provisions OF eAisuhs
excise statutes kills the Civil Damage act, and opens
the liquor shops and dives TO night Hqnor selling.
Moreover pointed out by the Republican Sen
ators in their onslaught upon the bill In the senate to-
day by its authorization Of the sale Of liquor on sunday
by hotels. opens the door to the transformation Of
liquor stores into "hotcls7 and the sale by these
fraudulent concerns also of liquor on sunday.
An indignant and powerful protest against the pass
age of the bin made by the Republican senators,
but the Democratic senator's had all been coerced into
support of the measure, and they would not heed what
was said against the proposed act. Nor would they
accept any amendment Of the measure prohered by
the Republicans, however ncsdfu such amendment
appeared to be. Thus Seuator Mun, Republican,
pointed out that the following provisions In section 10
of the act authorizing the sale Of liquor Ion or on
tho premises licensed. would permit the retail dealer
to sell liquor in quantities up TO five gallons:
lconse to the keeper or keepers OF saloG G per
wine ale or beer. to be drunk on or of the licensed
Sense and for which the fee shall BE- if such
shall be In city, not less thsn go nor NOR 'na ma,
$3.50, and II such premises shall be In town, not
less than go nor more than Sl0O.
Mr.. Mulln moved that the words "or on be
stricken ont Of the BILL but he was beaten by vote
Of 10 TO L. all the Democratic Senators opposing the
amendment.
Senator Smith. Republican, moved that the pro-
vision be stricken ont fobiddns druggists to sell liquor
except upon q physicians prescription. lie argued
that this was provision in the interest Of the retail
liquor dealers.
81 have examined this BILL said senator oConnor.
Republican, with great care. ard have come TO the
opinion that 1t is n saloon keepers bill. pure and
simple. 1t gives monopoly Of the liquor business TO
the retail liquor dealers. Why this restitution upon
the druggists Why, the drugstores are frequently
converted into temporary hospitals, and their pro
prieors should be permitted 10 give liquor To SICK men
who thus suddenly into their care. Again, !
repeat this Is bill to encourage the saloon Industry
STILL understand the important obligations The ma
iory under 10 the snloonkeepers Of the state and
therefore do not wonder much that this bill Is to DO
passed.
senator Smiths amendment was then defeated by
vote OF 10 to 49, lie al once moved To strike out
liquor stores to sell liquor all night long THIS amend
ment was rejected by vote of IA 10 -. Not dis
couraged he moved that grJcers be forbidden TO sell
liquor. This was rejected by vote Of II TO L.
Senator Edwards offered an amendment providing
that no one man should hold more than one license.
Surely that is right he said and the sena" viii
agree with me that man should be permitted to do
q retail liquor business wholesale scale But
the Senate rejected the amendment by vote Of IA to
IL 1t then rejected amendment offered by Senator
OConnor. providing that violation Of the Excise law
shall revoke license.
Senator Erwin pointed out TINT street surface rail
roads could sell liquor In their cars under the bill.
"That will add 10 the comfort Of going 10 COncy
Island,n said Senator Plunldtt.
Senator Hunter expressed the opinion that the
"local option clause OF present laws abolished
By the following section Of the bill:
Nothing herein, except Section 81, shall In any
manner apply 10 any town where the majority ~
have'vOtcd for hereafter vote for local pro
hbltion, until such town shall reverse by vote such
local prohibition.
AS / read this section," said senator Hunter "as
fast as town becomes 'nolccnse it vote for local
prohibition. But we never have voted for prohbi
ton. We have simply elected Excise Commissioner,