The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-07-02
BACCHANALIAN REFELs.
Wild Scenes Attend the Closing of the
Saloons In Columbia.

Nlld scenes attend the Closing or the
Saloons In Columbia.
COLUMBIA, S. c., July 1.-The incep-
tion Of the operations of the dispensary
law was attended last night in Columbia
with wild and Bacchanalian revels This
law is an innovation and an experiment
Of the most novel sort. Under il the State
takes entire charge Of the selling Of in
toxicating beverages. The State has a big
central dispensary in Columbia where
whisky, beer and wine and other liquors
are put I'm bottles and kegs. This dis
pensary furnishes liquors TO the county
dispensaries, which are established upon
a petition Of the majority Of the free
holders OF n town. Nearly every bar has
made phenomenal sales this week. many
people buying enough 10 last for months.
The Columbia bars kept open house until
u o'clock last night. Their sales were inn
mense. As a consequence there was much
tumult in the streets 4 double guard
was on duty at the State dispensary, as
threats Of burning II up had been made.
The bars all closed to-day. and the
town is dry, no county dispensary hay-
ing yet been established here. The State
employs a large force OF constables.
whose names are not known 10 the tigers.
The possession OF United States revenue
license is prima facie evidence Of inten-
tlon 10 violate the law. The failure 10
obtain license will put the United States
revenue force as well as the state con-
stables on the track Of vioatOrs. The
barkeepers will obey the law. A test
case has been made 10 try the consttu-
tlonality OF the law I'm the United States
Court The District United States Court
and the State Supreme Court have already
decided that the law is valid. A new case
will be made for trial in the United
States Supreme Court.
This has been quiet day throughout
the State, and up 10 this evening no dis
turbances have been reported IL was
ascertained to-day that Governor Till
man had the Executive Mansion guarded
by penitentiary guards last night. claim
ing that there were rumors OF some
threats, none OF which, however, can be
traced down. An old negro preacher
passing the mansion was challenged by
one OF the guards.
Attorney General Townsend visited a
wine company I'm the city yesterday and
laid in supply for home consumption.
At least one railroad in the State will
handle liquor that is consigned by par
ties outside OF the State 10 persons In
the State. The Richmond and Danville
authorities here to-day received instruc-
tlons from headquarters 10 that effect.
The board OF control recently decided
that such shipments could be received.
provided the roads notified them, giving
names and places. The Richmond and
Danville authorities have instructed their
men that nobody's leave is 10 be asked
In this city all but five liquor dealers
closed their saloons. There is no re-
cord OF any sales. In several OF these
open saloons liquors are displayed on the
shelves. This was called To the attention
OF the Governor. and he stated that IL
was "A distinct violation OF section six
teen OF the dlspensary law. the bottles
and labels being an indication that liquors
were there for sale. The Governor stated
tha. something would be done in these
eases within the next few days. The
Governor will In few days be after the
druggists with a sharp stick for a viola
ion OF the law which requires that on |
he opening OF the dispensary they shall |
ipply for blanks, whereon they shall /
state the amount Of liquor they have
on hand and after that to make a