The morning call., 1893-06-05

teach the world that San Francisco is
pu' e city, and the cry oil its decent citizens
Is, 'Ihe dives shall close forever Well
never trail the fig of the Citizens League
IN me dns,. Victory we shall have"
hey. George Montgomery was intro
duced by MI Flood. who remarked be
needed no Introduction. The truth of the
remark was only too evident, for Father
Montgomery was given an inspiring recep-
ton.
THE idea of our being here implies two
or three things" said he. "We are united
on this one question, which we have in
view; we never succumbed, and we are
here this afternoon. irrespective of beliefs
or poll ical parties, to thank the people.
our city authorities and the press of San
Francisco.
1T must impress those in authority,
whether officials or attorneys In this case,
that they should be very careful in at
tempting TO nullify the validity of law
which has the undivided support of all de-
cent people in the city.
The only objection against the ordi-
nance. was clause Init that stood in the
way of afew fellows who have been con-
victed of crime. The best authorities tell
us that 70 per cent Of the crimes committed
are due to intemperance. TIE ordinance
dbnes a license to eX-cOnvicts. Now, is it
reforming these poor OWLS to put them
back in the surroundings that caused them
to fal?"
The point of his remark poor divils"
was lost TO a large number of his hearers.
But II Will be appreciated when known
that Supervisor Ryan, the only one to fight
the Objectionable clause, had spoken feel
ingly Of ex-coD vets as such.
An objection on the ground of the law
being unconstitutional because it discrimi-
mates against women, Father Montgomery
held to be absurd.
lone half the world" said he, sis dis
franchised because that half happens to be
women" This was spoken with great
emphasis, and the house responded splen-
dolly.
But do not believe" he continued in
still more emphatic strain. there is a
woman any place worthy of the sacred
name OF woman who would consider it
unjust discrimination to prevent her sex
from being degraded. Therefore we say
test the law. l do feel there is better
future for San Francisco.
" He that gives quickly gives twice is
true saying, and most asSnredly the ready
manner IN which Mayor Ebert and the
Supervisors responded 10 our appeal makes
this ordinance double gift 10 San Fran
cisco. Now comes the time for Us TO help
them and the other city officers to enforce
the law"
Rev. j. Q. A. Henry said amen to what
his predecessors had stated, and he was
accorded no end of applause.
Il am still deeply concerned in the sup
preston of the dives he said ut is
impossible TO disguise the fact that, while
we represent one-fourth the population of
the state. San Francisco represents three
fourtnS OF the crime commit ed in Califor-
MA. There's public conscience, sense
OF decency and citizenship, in Los Angeles
which Is not in San Francisco If it were
here the dives would be swept out in Sixty
days. There are more dives to-day in San
Francisco than churches, more dive-keep-
ers than clergymen. The fact is, we have
here the rag-tag and bob-tail of civilization.
ana unless citizenship in San Francisco
can be projected in future it were better
Almighty God sent tidal wave to sweep
the city away. l have statistics that can
not be refuted that San Francisco is the
worst city in the United States.
THANK God there is decent element to
offset this. 1t has been dormant, but it
arose that these places of damnation might
be closed. God have mercy on us if this
S the only city in the United States
where an injunction can be served on
law that we can't be decent. and pure, and
holy, as Father Montg emery said
1T means war to the knife knife to the
hllt! That's what it means. And the
dives must go under. 1t is our duty to
support the officers of the law in the en-
tOrcement of this ordinance. The public
Of San Francisco is saying amen to the
movement"
After the meeting adjourned Attorney
Gear was requested to appear before the
Supreme Court to defend the ordinance
against the dlveBeeperS' assaults.