New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-17
THE EXCISE PROBLEM.

Ever since the present Democratic excise law,
made in the interest of Matchmaking and poll
Tics was put TO the test of honest enforcement
in this city II has been evident that there must
no q revision Of the statute before any salts
factory method Of dealing with the liquor traffic
can be achieved The present law was devised
not TO control the liquor traffic. but to control
the liouor-dealers; not to promote temperance
but 10 enrich politicians; not TO protect the peo-
ME in the enjoyment Of quiet Sunday. but TO
give opportunity for police extortion. II has
admirably served its purpose in the hands OF
those who made H. In the hands OF all others
II has proved itself unsatisfactory. Different
peOpe have different objections TO II, Dut us
honest enforcement wherever tried appears TO
cause trouble, for the simple reason that II con-
taips provisions which were never meant 10
he honestly enforced 1t Is absolutely necessary
that there be honest enforcement II our attempt
70 do away with the reign of municipal corrp
ton is not TO fail utterly, and this course, be-
sides restoring the disntcgrated fibre OF our
public morals. may also show us wherein our
statutes need changing TO make them generally
satisfactory. not as dead letters, but as living
laws
II is not TO be expected that a perfect sou
ton of this problem will be reached in the next
LEGISLATURE The liquor question has been be-
fore the people Of many States for many years,
and no State yet has settled 1t. Appetites pas
sons. preiudices race traditions. public moral
ity. private greed fanatcism religious scnti-
ment personal rights all have their interest in
the conclusion. and are too antagonisic to make
opinions readily harmonious. Yet something
NAV be done If the questions presented are met
boldly and frankly discussed with fair ap-
probation Of the different points Of view ana
with a common sense determination TO draft a
law suited TO the average sentiment OF the peo-
pie calculated to lift up rather than 10 degrade
them al the same time that ii restricts private
freedom only where necessary for the public
good There can be but opinion among good
citizens concerning the obligation TO obey law.
but there is broad field for discussion as TO
what the law should be. and this is a good time
for that discussion TO begin
1t is gratifying to note that work is already
being done at drafting new excise bills, and
that free discussion Of all their provisions
is likely to begin early enough in the season
to give the Legislature some ground for judging
publlc sentiment and Of understanding what Is
likely 10 be the effect Of any proposed enact
ment. First in the field with plan Is the Ex-
else Reform Association. 10 which belong such
men as Dorman Il. Eaton John Clafiin, ok
Mayor Hewitt and the Rev. DR.. Rainsford. The
association has Just now in hand two measures
One is intended 10 take the Excise Boards ont of
politics by destroying their discretionary power
of refusing licenses 10 enemies and DestOWlng
them on friends. II IS proposed to have hlgh
license fee. 10 preserve the present method OF DIS
posing Of license moneys for charities. 10 reduce
the number Of saloons. to compel shades TO De
raised when places are closed, 10 permit police
men 70 enter saloons when open. TO retain the
restrictions against the sale OF liquor near
churches 10 stop dealers from transferring free
ly their licenses. thus breaking the power Of
the wholesale over the retail dealers, and TO put
all citizens on an equal footing by giving appli-
cants their licenses in the order Of priority up
TO the limit fixed for the number Of saloons.
The second bill contains provision for special
election, at which the question OF Sunday sell
ing shall be submitted TO a vote OF the people
without being complicated with other issues.
The question proposed Is Shall wine. aes and
beer be sold on Sunday The sale Of spirits
is not contemplated, it being the belief Of those
who make this plan that with the lighter drinks
the evil Of Sunday selling would be minimized,
II not removed.
These bills serve useful purpose in that they
go directly TO the root OF the subject, and give
fair basis for intelligent thought. II other
propositions can be brought forward with equal
dehnieness and with an equally candid avowal
Of the ends they are meant to accomplish. q
long frs, step will have been taken in the direc-
ton Of excise laws which will far answer the
of law IA laay nj.
eratey free TO face governmental problems with
out undertaking the primary task Of teaching
large classes Of the free citizens OF republic
the simple duty Of giving ready obedience to
law.