New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-16
PLATT on THE RA1NES BILL.
SOME ARGUMENTS REHEARsED CONCERNING ITS
ALLEGED BENEFIcENcE.

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Thomas c. Plat, issued another OF lls interviews
at the Fifth Avenue Hotel yesterday. The object
of the latest manifesto was defend the Raines
LIQUOR Tax b, now In the hands OF the Gov
crnor and to give reasons which. TO Mr.. Paus
mind ought to secure its acceptance by the people
OF the State. but especially by Republicans.
Mr. Platt's excuse FOR reappearing again IN an
interview that there has been so much per
sis,ent and malicious misrepresentation OF the
bill" He then goes on with long list o, argii-
ments on the subject. Of which
The reduction OF the number OF saloons by ~ per
cent In the State IL promised. with the disappear
ance OF between 600 and 300 OF these drinking
places.
Mr. Plat Furthermore promises relief to the tax
payers OF the State and says that the States
share in the benefits arising from the bill will not
be less than s2.75Oooo a year. while the different
towns and counties Will gain not less than s 10000
annually.
He alleges that the bill does much 10 take the
liquor business out Of politics and will wipe out
forever In New-York City Tammany Halls power
the liquor-sellers releasing them from ts con-
troll over their purses" Mr.. Plat denies that the
bill takes money from the charitable institutions
and calls the assertion to that effect ian impudent
falsehood." He denies also that the bill IL In the
interest Of dives He shows that no saloon can
be opened within 200 feet OF a dwelling house with
out the OF two-hrds OF the property-owners
and that churches and schools are as safe under
the present law.
The Raines BILL" no says. makes the liquor
dealer a self-respecting citizen SO long he OBJ
serves the law his vested rights cannot be nfringed
He need not worry Tammany Halls exactions
IN New-York or the demands OF the head OF the Ring
in Troy From the day the bill becomes a law he
walks forth free man, and after he has discharged
his obligations to the State no man can make him
afraid 1t Is in the very widest and best a
bill to secure the liberty OF the subject.
at is the most distinct advance to higher plane
of government in State affairs. and In local affairs
as we'll that New-York has ever known. 1t serves
the very highest interests OF true temperance
form while II IL In sense sumptuary law. 1t
strive to regulate any mans drinking. 1t Is bill
to reduce the amount OF poverty ana crime through
out the State, and to greatly increase the sum Of
human happiness among Its citizens. II In no FASH
mens OF the people, while It endeavors TO carefully
preserve the welfare Of every citizen against those
who would engage In the liquor business with a
reckless and criminal disregard or the rights OF
others as well the best interests of the State
large" 49, 49,
Mr. Platt closes with this prediction: "As time
advances and the higher purposes OF the act are
better Understood, the clamor against II VIII surely
cease II Is impossible to deceive the people for
| long as TO the merits OF proper laws and 1t IL
sent the motives OF those who. in framing and
passing the bill. have only sought 10 comply In a
| practical way with what has been for years the
| best sentiment Of the State. by passing an act
which promotes good morals. which reduces taxa
| ton, which prevents the levying Of backmail.
| one general act thus simplifying the work OF tie
courts and which does II all at 1.-THE OF tho ex-
| pense OF the present excise system. And the
| Raincs bill will do all these things"