The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-09-18
STATE LIQUOR LEAGUE
MAYOR EXTENDS FREEDOM OF CITY
TO THE SALOON KEEPERS.
In Organization Alone Can They
Down Fanaticism, Says He-A New
''DeclaratiOn of Independence"


The State Liquor League met yesterday
afternoon at the English Hotel behind
closed doors The chief topic of discussion
was the leagues old enemy, the Nicholson
law and D. F. Callen, secretary of the ex-
ecutive committee, presented a report
claiming that the law had closed up about
700 saloons throughout the State, thus
greatly diminishing the school revenues
and causing shorter school terms in some
districts The league was much disturbed
over the fact that the successful enforce
ment of the law in cities like Indianapolis
Terre Haute and Fort Wayne has caused
a general effort toward a stricter enforce
ment in the smaller cities. Madison has
been for years known as a wtde-open town.
but a lot of indictments were secured
against saloon keepers, there last week by
saloons have been under very, close surveil
lance since last Saturday night. New AL
bany. Jeffersonville, South Bend and a few
other towns are also enforcing it with con-
siderably more stringency than of yore.
The league resolved to make a tremen-
dous effort from now on to increase its
membership and influences and then if the
Democrats should carry the Legislature,
strong effort will be made TO accomplish
the campaign pretty thoroughly mapped
out, and the members present yesterday
CANNED TO nave a large number or lseglS-
lative nominees pledged to the repeal. The
league will exert all the influence it can
and expend all the money it can gather to
assist in the election of the pledged men.
MAYOR TAGGART'S ADDRESS,
Thomas Taggart. Mayor Of this city, de-
livered an address of welcome before the
league went into the executive session.
Il desire as Mayor" said Mr.. Taggart
ito extend to you a hearty welcome. Per-
nit me to say that you are accorded the
freedom of the city, and the only password
reeded is the white badge you wear. You
are legitmately engaged in all the cities of
our State, and we must recognize that fact
notwithsta nding there are fanatics in every
city who may dispute it, In organization
alone can you make change in this senti-
ment Business men and manufacturers
engage in trusts and combinations and
you are privileged to do the same to pro-
tect your interests"
Letters of regret were received from Hon.
r. c. Bell, of Fort Wayne. cfairInan of the
Democratic. State eonYenfieifr4 John, Nor
rissey, president of the National Liquor
Dealers Association, and other equally dis
tnguIshed citizens. constitution was re-
ported by q committee composed of MessrS
Aapf, Bennett, Goetz and Hellenkamp, and
was adopted after considerable discussion.
me committee on resolutions. composed of
Messrs. Jackson, Beatty and Klein, sub
m1tted the following. which We're adopted
Whereas. The liquor dealers of the State
or Indiana, in convention assembled, rec
ognizing the right of alln,persons aer1ga ged
in business pursuits recognized by law as
legitimate, to band themselves together for
mutual protection, and, viewing with alarm
the introduction of intolerance, in society
| and politics, which undermine, degrade
and abrogate the liberties of a free people
declare the following truths to bo self-evi-
| dent and just: sac
THAT we denounce the law known as
| the Nicholson bill as a travesty on justice
| and an imposition upon the liberties of the
| American people; and. believing that it
has and is, injuring the general prosper
| ity of the State by driving from our cities
| capital seeking legitimate investment, and
! depriving our common schools of large
burdened with excessive taxes in certain
| localities where fanaticism controls the
politics and conduct of the leading ele-
mentS of society. we ask all fair minded
/ patriotic citizens to join us in a demand
/ for just legislation whereby the liquor traf-
| fic may be restricted and controlled by just
| and economic laws.
Resolved, That we having abiding faith
! in the patriotism and loyalty of a large
majority of American citizens; and we
fully believe that they will rebuke the
! band of bigots who style themselves good
| citizens, but whose real object is to rob
the American citizen of the liberties which
are guaranteed TO him by the Constitution
of the United States; be it further
principles of personal liberty. believing that
the. people should. not be trammeled in
utes, but should be left to- develop their
moral and social habits under the infll-
denounce as unwise and impracticable the
theory of advancing and elevating the
moral status OF EiIlze1S Dy enacted law >
Resolved That the cause OF temperance
is impaired by the curtailment of educa-
tional facilities, and by the. shifting of
moral culture of moral citizens to that Of
| legal coercion.
tResolved That all patriotic and liberty
| loving people should give their votes and
| influence in favor of candidates TO the
| State Legislature who favor the greatest
! liberty of all lawabidng citizens, consist
| ent with safe government and good NOR
.Resolved That we indorse and appreci-
ta+a tNo x-nplxn f hn off nf hta
| national association in their protection
| and advancement of our interests.
Resolved That we look with alarm
| upon the causes which controlled the opin-
| ion of the Supreme Court of Indiana, in
| which they have abandoned the noble prin-
| ciples of liberty heretofore enunciated by
| Judges of unquesticned ability and integ-
| rfty by denying to the citizens of the
| State the inherent rights guaranteed them
| nv the Constitution of the United States,
of maintaining life and liberty against UNI
reasonable search and seizure without ie-
| gal process
1t was decided to hold the next meeting
/ at Anderson next September. The follow
/ ing officers were elected:
| President-George Teepei Anderson.
/ Vice President-Phi' ip Zapf. Indianapolis
| treasurer. H. Gruenert, Indianapolis.
/ Secretary-J F. Caien Indianapolis.
| Delegates to National AsSocia toni F.
! Callen Philip Zapf and II. Klein. Ham
/ mond.
! was authorized to appoint Legislative
committee with fun power to attend to the
affairs of the liquor dealers in the next
| Legislature and draw from the funds of the
/ league for whatever 1t might need fol
| lobby purposes.