The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-03-24
RAINES BILL SIGNED.
Something New in the Way Of Reg
ulating Liquor Traffic.

ALBANY, March 24-Governor Morton
has signed the Raines excise bill. In u
memorandum of his reasons he reviews
the excise situation at the present time,
and the manner in which il will be
benefited by the new law. He upholds
the constitutionality of the bill. and makes
no suggestion as TO supplemental legisla-
tion, rs was expected. In closing, he says:
1t has been suggested that the bin in
some OF its features, especially in some OF
its administrative details, should DO
amended. Experience will probably sug-
gest other amendments. While the bill is
not free from objections in some of its de-
tails, have no hesitation in commend
ing the measure as u whole.
Absolute prohibition Is probably not
obtainable, aud we can only hope for legis-
lation embodying such reasonable regula-
tions as may tend TO repress, 50 far as
practicable, the inherent evils connected
with the liquor traffic. The bill is an at
tempt to accomplish this result, and for
the first time the state assumes control Of
the subject
'In doing this the state is amply justified
by the consideration that the effects of the
use OF Intoxicating liquors are not local,
but are widespread and far-reaching, and
that the state itself is subjected to large
expenses in the creation and maintenance
OF institutions for the care of unfortunates
who suffer directly or Indirectly from the
effects of the use OF intoxicating liquors"
The Results.
Following is a summary of the results
which follow upon the Raines bill becom.
inc a N Hxac A rut far Hrst c1ao
licenses for saloons, clubs and hotels at
$500 in New York and $3.50 in Brooklyn.
Prohibits all-night licenses and the sale Of
liquor on Sunday, except in hotels with
meals or In rooms occupied by guests, and
affects clubs likewise. Forbids free lunches
being served with drinks. Prohibits
drug stores from selling liquor except on
prescriptions. Terminates all licenses now
in existence, whether renewed or not, on
June 30, and gives the holder OF license
extending beyond that time the right TO
recover from the city such proportion 4
the tax paid by him as is represented
by the time his license Is curtailed.
Gives one-third of the net revenues
collected to the state and two-thirds TO the
city. Will allow no saloon within 200 feet
of church of school. Compels posting OF
HquCl llccDseslh tnc WinuoWs Vi sdioOuS.
Abolishes all excise boards. Creates an ex-
else commissioner at Albany at u salary OF
$500, deputy Mt $1,000, secretary and fnan-
ciai clerk and necessary clerical assistants.
Allows the appointment Of n deputy com
missioner ut New York at a salary of $1,000,
ana one for Brooklyn aU S2JJo. Requires
every dealer 10 give bond for twice the
amount of the license fec. Fine for viola
tion Of the law not less than twice .he
amount of license.
The effect OF the bill in New York city
would be to wipe out 1000 licensed places.
Itwill Immediately throw out of employ
ment 1000 barkcepers employed in places
that will remain In business. IL will
affect directly 5000 employees in the brew.
cries There will be thousands of suits az
law in this city instituted by Iquor deal.
ers who have vested rights.