New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-22
FATE OF THE RAINES BILL.
THE GOVERNOR WILL ANNOUNCE HIS DE-
CIsION TOMORROW.

-,,r,r &c EVERY INDICATION THAT HE WILL.
SIGN Ir-THEN THE ALE-AND-BEER TAX
WILL, BE REDUCED oNE-HALF
tpy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuNEl
Albany March H-Governor Morton VIII act OH
the Raines Liquor Tax bill on MONDAY a Wv
are many indications that he intehus u app. ~
Among these signs Is the fact that ne wiz an.'ou"e
ri. decision ON Monday. when he has until Weohes
day under the Constitution. TO cohsoer INC o
,rh penuhlican State Convention VIII meet OH
Tuesday and therefore II the Governor "ishes ~
have resolutions passed by that body In support
b,s no.,cy OF signing the bill he must sign II vi
Monday .. -, ,ha
anxiety of the men who are now engaged III oiai'
t. ,ha convention platform to learn what inc!
can saw about the Ranes bill. Undoubtedly ais" ne
has been told that the Hessian contingent ia '"e
conyention-and Mr. Platt has an Unusually io'e
number of these soldiers Of fortune IN lhe pouy
which will meet on Tuesday in New-York-wouid
gree, with tremendous enthusiasm declaration
in favor of the Raines bill. the old nag appropfa
tions and a legion of offices
II Mr. Morton intended TO veto the Dill ne "ouiu
reserve his decision until the return OF the Lesis
lature on Wednesday. and file his veto message WIN
the Senate in which the bill originated. The Senate
will not be in session Monday. Mr. Morton de-
csion TO make known his opinion OF the Dill on
Monday u.s. therefore a clear intimaton that he
intends to sign it.
Republican politicians say that the moment 'he
Raines Liquor Tax bill becomes law Ihomas -
Platt will direct his agents In the Legislature "
pass a bill lowering the tax on ale ana peer ueaie's
one-half Having secured his gigantic whisKey ma
chine by the passage of the Raines BILL II VIII theh
be to his interest to have many liquor as
possible in business. A high tax on ale and peer
would drive thousands Of men out OF business MI
Tlatt would rather have 10000 men keeping saloons
than 1000 His State Excise Commissioner would
have more political power. with larger IMAM WIN
a smaller body of dealers. Every iquor-deaer is
centre of political influence. - , r., -
The only embarrassment Mr.. Plat would feel IN
Governors signature would be dry upon II wouid
he his consciousness of having gulled various al
yocates of high license, who have been supporting
the bill because of its higher taxation OF liquor,
dealers If the ale and beer dealers tax is reduced
One-half as proposed, most of the virtue OF the
Raines bill as a high-iice measure Will VANISH
and nothing will be left of ii but device Tor the
the money of the saloonkeepers. What Will then
become of Senator Rainess elaborate arguments
that the high tax will bring great revenue 10 the
State treasury? What will become OF his plea that
~ tho ale and dealers license should be lowered
all kinds of liquor would be sold surreputlousIy
Mr. Plat It is said will endeavor to conceal his
Elemental bills deprving the Raines Dill OF what
ever scant merit IL now possesses d! posing as te
victm of Governor Morton's determined spirit lie
will assert that the Governor compelled him 10
promise to pass these supplemental bills before ne
would consent to sign the Ranes BILL