Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-07-17
CHARLESTON ANGRY.
"A Liquor Raid Under the State
0ispensary Law.
The First Of Forty or Fifty Planned
BY Gov. Tillman.
Peiics Refuse b Oispssss The crowds-Situa.
ton Criiical-Asmsd Citizens.

CHAsLEsrox. July i0.-Gov. Tillman
pressed the button Saturday morning which
set in motion the machinery of the dispen.
ssry liquor Law, which is intended TO crush
out the liquor business in this state. He
succeeded in stirring up in Charleston, l3o
miles away, sensation.
Proceedings were begun before the single
soldier who gsrrisons Fort Sumpter had
hois,ed the Stars and stripes. and although
the first victim selected to vindicate the
majesty of the Evans dispenssry law was
an humble citizen, the news spread like
wihfre, and in shor time the whole city
was astir uttering bitter denunciation of the
summary measures.
Vincent Chico, an Italian who KEGS po-
ssds in Market street, was arrested shortly
after O'Clock in the morning. Gov. Till
mans henchmen were armed with revol-
vers, a warrant for Chicos arrest, issued
by trial justice. and paper called an in
junction issued by Circuit Judge Iselar,
which latter gave them the power to seize
and coniscate everything on the premises,
and loaded with Chico's possessions. The
constable searched the premises, and even
entered the bedroom of Chicos wife, who
was sick in bed, in their search for contra
band goods. In reply to the remonstrance
of Chico against the proceeding, they re-
piled with oxths that they would take every
thing in the house except his wife and chill
dren. The goods were hurried of to the
sherif's office, but subsequently, under the
advice, it is thought, of the assistant attor-
ney- general of the state, who is on the
scene directing the raid, a number of boxes
of macaroni and spaghetti were returned to
the house, of which the raiders still had
possession.
In the meantime crowds of citizens had
gathered around the scene of the raid, and
things began to looksquaily for the raiders.
A lieutenant and squad of policemen came
up. GaIllard, the chief of the raiders, or
dered the lieutenant in a premptory manner
to clear the mob. The police were evident
ly in sympathy with the crowd, and the
lieutenant replied very tsrtly that he knew
his business and would conduct it in his
own way.
Several photographers arrived on the
scene with their kodaks and were at once
vociferously urged to photograph the spies.
They succeeded in taking snap shots of the
constabulary, and these will be distributed
broadcast through the city.
Chico had been taken to the trial justice 6
office, where he was followed by dozen
prominet business npsn who offered bail to
any amount. A preliminary hearing was
entered upon and Chico was bailed. His
goods are still in the possession of the
sheriff and his premises in the custody of
the constabulary.
This is only the first of some IS or 80
cases which have been prepared to be exc
cuted in Charleston. The constabulary
claim that under the law they can, upon in
formation and belief, enter any premises
and. upon finding bottle of whiskey, can
confi-cate the contents of the entire estab-
lshment without any further process Of
law.
The excitement and Indignation here are
intense and pervade all classes of the com
munity. The scene in the trial justice 3
office during the examination was dramatic.
Angry men rushed up to get look at the
spies and left denouncing them and breath
ing threats of vengeance.
During the examination, Pepper, one Of
the constables, lugged out his revolver and
threatened to shoot the defendant, who had
been cursing him. Officers interfered.
The situation Saturday night was very
critical. Many citizens were arming them
selves, and avowing openly that they
would shoot any constable or spy who
attempts to enter their premises.
After the hubbub of the mornings arrest
had Gained down somewhat the rarlers en-
tered the restaurants of r. Mollenhaur, on
King street, and A. Ainspach, on Meeting
street and barroom on Market street. In
each place the premises were searched
from roof to cellar, but no contraband
goods were found. In spite of this, the
o~ners were arrested and placed under
bonds in the sum of $500 each. The con-
stabulary was followed on their rounds by
a large crowd.