The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1895-09-25
FIGHTING THE EXCISE LAW
PLANK IN DElrOCRITIo CONVEN-
TION CAUSES MUCH DEB4TE.

Shepard Men Fought Strenuously Against
the Passage of Law for the sale of
Liquor on Sunday-Colc mel Fellows Made
% Ringing Spe ch in Favor of Liberal
Excise Laws-one Clause Agreed Upon.
Syracuse, Sept 24,-Democrats found
a clear sky cool atmosphere and big
crowd when they turned out this morn
ing. The situation was about the same
as last night. The Tammany head
quarters banner swung across the street
from the Vanderbilt house and the lob
bies of the principal hotels were plac-
each candidates headquarters were To-
Gated. Flags were displayed liberaiy
from housetops and quite number of
buildings showed decorations. Alham-
bra hall, in which the convention met,
was one mass of bunting inside. The
number of chairs in the hall was in
creased to 1900.
1t was evident this morning from the
manner in which the New York County
Democracy men hustled about that they
We're here for fight. The leaders held
frequent consultations among them
selves and were also actively work
ing among the upstate democrats. The
fact that Senator Hill was champion
ing their cause greatly stimulated them
and gave them renewed hopes of sue
cess.
At 1927 Chairman James W. Hinckley
of the state committee called the con-
vention to order. Senator Hill had not
arrived Prayer was offered by the Rev.
A. H. Van Staat.
Chairman Hinckley announced that
he was directed by the state committee
to say that the regular and Shepard
delegates in Kings county were to be
placed on the roll, the regulars to have
two-thirds vote and the shepardites one
third vote
Chairman Hinckley then announced
as the choice of the state committee for
temporary chairman the Hon. Perry
Belmont, who was greeted with ap-
plause.
Mr.. Belmont began long speech by
eulogizing Senator Hill for his unf1inch-
ing devotion to party interests during
the last campaign. He strongly advo-
Gated reform of the excise law and said
what democrats seek is legislation bas-
ed on facts, experience and common
sense.
The preachers and the churches, the
brewers and the saloons, should act to-
gether, formulate, vote for and enforce
a reasonable excise law. Sobriety is
very important, but not more important
than is personal freedom for sober men
to buy, eat, drink and do what pleases
them, if it does not infringe on the
rights Of others.
Mr.. Belmont then discussed the sill
Yer question at length, showing that
the position of the New York democracy
had been vindicated by recent history.
When Mr.. Cleveland's name was
mentioned the applause lasted fully a
minute. Hills name drew out another
burst of applause, as did that of Ros-
well P. Flower.
Secretary DeFreest began the read
ing of the temporary roll-call imme-
diately after Mr.. Belmont's speech
Contrary to expectations, when the
New York district was reached there
WAS no pubic HOllCe OL d cODlGSl GlLll
the clerk had read the entire Tammany
delegation. During the reading the
Tammany men looked at each other
as if amazed, but the amazement was
tempered when, just as the clerk start
ed calling Niagara county, ex-Secre-
tary Fairchild arose and said
'I present the contest for thirty five
seats held by the New York delegat tion,
just read
There was burst of applause which
lasted for some minutes, and then the
chairman said: Referred to the COM
mittee on contested seats, when ap-
pointed"
In Queens county ex-Mayor Gleason
made notice of a contest, and when
Richmond was called a delegate said
that contesting delegations there had
agreed upon the same representation
as had been agreed upon in Kings coun-
ty, and they desired their names on
the roll. This was referred to the COM
mittee on credentials. These were all
the contests noted.
Mr.. Sulzer moved that the rules Of
the last assembly govern the conven-
tion, and the motion was adopted.
The usual resolutions were offered in
relation to the appointments of com
mittees. James D. Bell of Kings was
made chairman of the committee on
credentials, and ex-Secretary of State
Frank Rice of the committee on plat
/. form.
Ex+Mayor Gilroy moved that when
the convention adjourn it be until 10
a. m. tomorrow. There were cries of
NO" NO" from the back part of the
hail. but the resolution was declared
carried Some delay followed while the
committees were filled.
After the appointment of the usual
committees Dr. Edward Storck of Buff
falo presented the following proposed
excise plank and it was referred to the
committee on platform:
We ask of the state legislature to pass
uniform, reasonable license law, with
a proviso for local option. The rev.
enues of such licenses granted shall go
to the local poor funds of the cities and
the towns in the state We further ask
that the legislature amend and modify
the Sunday laws now upon the statute
books in such form that the enforce
ment thereof will not be oppressive or
obnoxious to any class of our people
and not prove destructive to any busi-
ness interest in our state Such laws