New-York tribune., 1896-01-20

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cred may not be unin.eresting
A difference Of opinion to the probable action
OF the Republican majority excise questions ex-
lists. \ prominent Assemb.yman said to-day that
no excise bill OF Importance would be framed at
The present session.
MR. RA1NES'S LIQUOR TAX BILL.
But this judgment is not spared by others who
are in a position to know the temper OF the Leg
isature They say that the member in question
docs not understand *e real opinions held by lead
ing Republicans. and that the Raines Liquor Tax
bill will probably be passed as party measure
The latter view is probably the correct one. the
reason for 1t being obvious. Namely, the dencH
in the state Treasury. This bill represents the re-
suits of months OF labor. and Is one OF the most
complete excise measures ever presented Its
most serious defect in the eyes Of city Republicans
is the absence of any reference to sunday open
ing But this is no defect In the eyes OF fur"i
Republicans. One OF the most conclusive reasohH
pointing to its passage. is that 10 In accord with
the Republican policy OF raising revenue other
than By direct taxation. and Il may prove the
easiest solution of tn perpicxing problem OF iow-
ering the tax rate, to which the RepuDican party
stands pledged. Senator Raines Is coniident OF
the passage Of the BILL and is equally confident
that should it be put in operation for one year.
both parties would re unanimous in preserving u
as the excise law of this State
The Raines bill. which has been so fully publisheo
is essentially a measure of taxation rather than or
By provisions excise
abolished and a Liquor Tax Department is estah-
lshed with the State Controller at its head. VINO Is
10 appoini fifteen special agents TO that the pro-
visions of the law obeyed in their various as
tricts. Taxes payable TO the county treasurer.
One half the goes to the locality IN which II is
collected and the remaining half TO the state
iiquor-dealers certificate costs anywhere from SSo
in New-York City TO 500 year In places smaller
than incorporated villages. Local option Is to be
extended 10 wards. These the important pro-
visions of the measure.
MANY SOLUTIONS OF A vEXED PROBLEM.
The fact that this measure is probably TO be the
surviving one of the many has not discouraged
others from formulating of their own with
which 10 solve the liquor question. Mr.. Kern. or
Madison. has again presented his modification OF the
Ohio Liquor Tax law. which failed TO receive action
last year. Although the two measures are not
similar the essential point of difference is tha; the
Kern bill does not, by its provisions. abolish excise
boards.
One OF the first Excise bills 10 be introduced into
the Assembly was that of Mr.. Hoffman. Of New
York. This was presented January g. 1t proiides
that Boards of Aldermen. Boards of Common Coun-
Gil Supervisors, such boards OF ofhcers or
officials exercising authority of law in the
State shall from time time provide establish and
enact laws and ordinances governing the sale or
non-sae of liquors on Sunday. This was promptly
referred TO the Committee on Cities from which II
will probably be reported
A few days after The Hoffman bill had been re-
ceived Assemblyman French put in the Roosevelt
Murray Excise measure. This bill would probably
with more favor among brewers and liquor
dealers than the Raincs bill. the rates In first
class cities somewhat lower The retail license
city of the frs; class is placed at $500. and In
towns from s75 TO 800. Small hotel propretors
would not be satisfied with this measure, as 10 get
hotel-keepers license twenty bedrooms must be
constantly ready for the reception OF guests. The
Ranes bill requires only ten bedrooms 10 constitute
Il hotel. Clubmen would also oppose the Murray
uill. it brings clubs within the provisions Of the
statute and makes them Fable TO Sunday raid
This bill referred to the Committee on Excise.
and is expected to receive attention this week
OTTO KEMPNER's RESOLUTION.
on the day following the introduction of the
Murray bill. Otto Kempner, of New York, who made
a prediction pledge put through Sunday open
ing bill, introduced a resolution providing for the
appointment of joint committee of the Senate and
Assembly for the investigation OF the excise ques-
ton the committee 20 hold sessions in NewYork.
Brooklyn. Buffalo and Albany for the purpose of
nent Ssst as to SUNDAY policy The
Tssre little e Chance Of Us Being repored
Nj haas der had nG S cd
which IS indorsed by the German American Reform
tion 1t provides that in cities Of the first and sec
Snd class the propreor Of restaprans d,, who has has
tween the hours Of and 10 p. m, but not at or in
front Of the bar Beer ale and mineral waters tiers 10
Sunday from l2 to clock In the afternoon and
as "a place where and cold meals served
on every day of the week. and where at least six
accommmodaton of the guests" The Committee on
Ess sns,dr hs his bill d to into the
act to prohibit the granting of licenses to sell
This sppIies % 20 cies having ~ popGlatIon Of over
York.
LOCAL OPTION PROVISIONS.
A bill submitting to electors in cities of the first
class the question Shall spir;uous liquors. wines.
ale and beer be sold Sunday between the hours
OF o'clock in the afternoon and 10 o'clock in the
evening" was introduced in the Senate by Senator
Ford The reference OF this Measure to the Com
mittee on Taxation ard Retrenchment met with
heved 10 be hostile TO the measure. Mr., Butts in
trGdueed similar bin in the Assem- Assembly
Mr. Aids, chairman of the Assembly Excise Com
eoneernnS the cerses e now in operston ana the
revenue obtaine@ from them in & the various c;s e.
the Assembly Such a resolution was adopted. tn.
Information to be ,at to the House by the various
County Clerks within ten days
The opposition Of the euor-dealers e the recent
efsO Of the GGnrt pf Appeals bs e. the s,s eS
iished within 200 fee, OF church or school house
daced ds Bin sfoe aourH
Tn Tnury & % eyenp6g mp Wdo%s % ana npas pnans
counsel for t tie Excise Board Of &ew-York. sena,
decision of the 1t permits the transfer Of
license OF saloon within 20) feet OF school or
church to some locality outside the limit.
AN "UP-THE-STATE' COMMITTEE.
These are the measures which. unless otherwise
referred. vail receive the attention OF the joint
committee What chance of being favoraby
ported the Sunday opening bills have may be sur
missed from glance at the personnel OF the two
committees. Both committees decidedly up
the-State" committees 1t has been shown that
of tho nine members of the Senate Com
mittee Taxation and Retrenchment live In
towns whose total population is less than 2d,oO).
Chairman Higgins lives in the mos. populous vii
lage OF the Jeven-Olean. the population OF which
Is about 600. Two Of the committee live In VII
lagos of 5000 population, and four others live in
Will ing 70