The morning call., 1893-05-06
A NEW LIQUOR LAW.
Governor Tiliman Tells What 1t Is and
What Is Expected From 1t.

Richmond Dispatch.
Governor Tillman was asked to give his
views about the recent liquor law passed by
the South Carolina Legislature, which has
so revolutioniZed the liquor traffic in the Pal
metto State.
"At this time" said the Govern or, "whisky
is sold in the State under the license sys-
TEN only in incorporated towns. The pro-
hibition element in South Carolina has, with
varying results. made several fights in the mu-
nicipal CORPORATIONS by means of what are
called wet and dry tickets, but there have
from time to time been strenuous efforts
made to pass prohibition law for the whole
state. and prohibition actually exists In six
counties In other words, no saloons are
licensed. but whisky is brought to these
counties by express companies and rail-
roads, while druggists are allowed to sell 1t
upon certificates from physicians. as is the
case in the other s0-called prohibition COM
munities.
Year before last the House of Repre-
sentatives passed strict prohibition bill,
which was killed by the Senate. and the
agitation resulting therefrom caused the
question of prohibition or no prohibition
to be submitted at the Democratic primary
last August. Prohibition prevailed by
10000 majority. but it did not obtain ma
Jorlty of the votes cast great many not
having voted in that box or on the question
cemDer. however. the House again passed a
strict prohibition bill. This was amended
In the Senate by striking out the prOhbi-
tory features and leaving the machinery
which had been provided to enforce pro-
hlbltion as means of dispensing liquors.
Ibis machinery Is very complex and strin-
gent. Provisions were Incorporated in the
bill looking somewhat to a monopoly by the
State Government of the whisky traffic in
the purpose of policing it.
Aay fha, L.,
nor Tillman, (which goes into effect July
10. there will be no barrooms in the State.
Whisky Will be dispensed or sold to con-
sinners only by bonded officers in the differ
ent counties in sealed packages ranging
from half pint TO four gallons. No pack
age will be permitted to be opened on the
premises. The only requirement for any
citizen to obtain whisky or other stimu-
iants is that he shall sign an order or re-
quest stating the amount or kind wanted.
Liquor is not to be sold to minors or habit
ual Grunkards. Beer and wine are also
Included under the provisions of the law.
The local officers obtain their liquors from
State Commissioner, who purchases all
the liquors sold in the State and puts them
into sealed packages for distri button. All
of the goods purchased must be anayZed
by the State Chemist, and their purity guar
anteed before sale.
The maximum profit allowed under the
law is so per cent to the State and 80 per
cent at the local dlSpenShry, one-Daf oil
which goes into the county treasury and the
other into the treasury of the municipality.
The local option remains, as it requires a
majority Of the freehold votes to sign a
petition before local dispenser can be ap-
pointed"
Governor Tillman saio that the liquor
dealers were. of course, opposed to the law.
as were also the more rabid Pr0hibiti0nists,
but, n0twith standing this, the measure will
he source of great revenue to the State
In few years it will reduce taxation Just
one-haf and will go far toward paying the
expenses of the entire government of South
Carolina.