The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-06-25

used for an extensive drink. There were
three rooms, horribly drenched with the
| fumes of beer, few chairs, one or two
| tables, and in the middle room, a refriR-
orator. Beer glasses were standing
around The proprietor had a type
written constitution of the club, which
he read aloud. Among other articles of
| the constitution was one making the
! price of mem bership 81 to join, and 90
| cents a month for dues. Another article
stated that under circumstances would
whisky be allowed on the premises. The
| objects of this club were stated to be the
social benefits to be derived by compan-
| iOnship, and assistance of those mem bers
who might be disabled by sickness or
misfortune SIS week being stated
| the sum allowed a member in such
| cases. There was no mention made in
| the constitution of beer drinking as the
principal social feature, although great
emphasis was laid upon the exclusion of
whisky. The proprietor also made the
statement that he expected to run res
taurant and sleeping rooms in connection
with the other social features. l was
asked to have a glass of beer, and in re-
| ply TO question about buying Il glass,
the answer was, that one might do SO if
| he would become member OF the club
in the regular manner. The proprietor
volunteered the Information that he had
purchased the entire stock of beer on
hand, himself, and given away all that
had been drank the premises that
evening. He also said that the constitu-
ton of the club was not fully determined
on yet. This place was indescribably
dreary and horrible.
81 do not need to say to the members of
my church and the people of this city,
that it is plainly evident we face a con-
ditiOn of affairs that is serious and de-
mOralizing. Even if these places have
been told to close up, what is to prevent
new ones starting any time! Without
describing any more, the basis of
what we know from these facts, let
look at the situation thoughtfully.
@These clubs are saloons and that is all
there is to it, with the addition of the
gam bling that goes on in some of them
In some there Is an attempt to keep up
appearances with newspapers and bill
lizards, but in many there is sign of
cards or games. 1t is the plain intent of
these clubs to evade the prohlbitory law
on technically. 1t is absurd to think
that these places, empty of everything
except bare floors, tables, chairs, glasses
and beer. are intended for anything ex-
cept the drinking of liquor on the prem
ises.
ANY young man in town can get all
the beer he wants by joining one of
these clubs. But they claim to abide by
the technically which the court sustain
ed in its decision in the Topeka club
case.
1T is exceedingly discouraging that
other clubs with features OF genuine
social nature should keep liquor their
premises at all. 1t will be better for the
sake of example if the club OF such in
fiuence would forbid anything of the
kind There is but one fixed likeness
and that is the determination to have
their drinks, and have them technically"
In speaking of the drug store feature
of the evil, Mr.. Sheldon called attention
to the fact that 5,1S0 sales were reported
in May. He ridiculed the idea that $3.50
TOpekans needed spirits during the
month for illness, or use in the fine arts.
He continued: Yesterday l went into
two drug stores on Kansas avenue and
saw man in each store buy a pint Of
whisky and walk out. without signing
his name TO anything, or being asked
any questions as to the use of the liquor.
am ready to swear to this statement
with another citizen who was with me. l
have the whisky ready to produce in evil
dence any time the county attorney
wants it.
81 went with friend to another store
and said, Il want some beer
"fHoW much?
"sI'Il take three bottles
''The clerk pushed forward the blank
book and asked my friend to sign at the
place indicated.
"'Oh, L don't want to sign that he
said
"'Wen, it's form, that's all'
Shall | sign my own name?'
well, sign a name
''AIy friend signed his name and he got
his beer. He was not ordered to swear
to the statement
~ went with a friend into another
store on Kansas avenue and stood by him
when he asked for beer, saying he
wanted something to cool him off. The
proprietor simply pointed to the blank
form in his medical series and the man
signed his name He was an entire
stranger in the store. No questions
were asked, the blanks was not filled out
at all, aud the beer was sold the sup
position that it was wanted for drinking
purposes"
In conclusion the pastor dwelt on the
subject of lax public sentiment and urged
those interested in morality to work up
some of the old-tiIne enthusiasm. He
said, "There is no question that the
present calls for action. Lives are being
ruined every night. Young men from
the best homes in the city can be
found in these resorts All of US
regardless of personal or political differ
minded and loving endeavor to make
this city famous for its obedience to law
and order and filled with the best of all
things that crowns human society; IA
home life delivered from the vice and
degradation, which bring death and
ang uish to the soul that tastes its bitter
ness. And the extent of our ability is
not to be measured by mans wisdom
power. For except the Lord keep the
city the Waterman wax eth in vain"
The sermon was listened to by Police
Yount, who congratulated the pastor
after the service.
The committee having in charge the
details of the new DrODOSed tomDerauc0