The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1897-06-09
THE DISPENSARY BUSINESS.
The State will Compete for the Liquor
Business In South Carolina.

Of course nothing else is being talk
ed of in official, political and other
circles at the State capital just at pres
emit, but the decision Of Judge Simon
ton in the matter Of the dispensary
law. Everybody hereabouts is speou-
lating as to what course the State will
pursue. Yesterday the State officials
seemed to have somewhat recovered
from the first severe shock, and ap-
peared to have considered the situa-
ton calmly overnight. They were
therefore in somewhat better condi-
ton to talk of the situation yesterday
than they were the preceding day.
From what could be gathered after
hearing all suggestions made it seems
practically settled that the policy Of
the State will be about as follows !:
An appeal from Judge Simonton's de-
cision will be:msde. but it is extreme
~ unlikely that any effort will be made
towards having the Judge vacate his
order Of injunction pending that ap-
peal. Judge Simonton could hardly
be expected to grant such a request,
inasmuch as his decision is so sweep
ing in ita character and SO unqualified
in it's terms. In the meantime it
seems to be the general purpose to
continue the operation Of the dispen-
saries, putting down the prices of the
liquor TO the lowest possible figure,
and entering the field of competition
with the whiskey houses outside the
State, who can only ship in original
packages for sale. It is contended
that the d~ispensary can meet all com
petition successfully because it can
reduce expenses considerably, and be-
sides the profits at present are about
100 per cent. This can be cut down
very easily, and there is plenty Of
margin. The FIRST big looping off Of
expenses, it is understood, will be the
doing away with the constabulary
force. This now costs the State be-
tween $40, 900 and $50, 900 annually.
It is ascertained that already Gov.
Ellerbe has issued instructions to all
the constables to cease all seizures,
and ordered the chief constables to
report here today for counsel with him.
In lieu Of the constabulary, it is said,
the several cities Of the State will be
notified that they will be expected to
instruct their police forces to look out
for all sales of liquors in other than
original packages. It is broadly in
simated, but not from the Governor,
that in ease this is not done the me-
tropolitan police law will be applied
to the city that fails to do so.
It is also contended that the dispen-
sary will have an advantage over all
competitors in that it will be able to
purchase whiskey in bulk and bottle
it, while all others will be obliged to
make their purchases in original pack
ages, being able to sell only in such.
Another contention is that outside
parties cannot purchase, say 100 half
pints original packages in one box and
sell them separately, but must sell the
box and it's contents. What there is
in either of these positions remains to
be seen.
It is practically settled that there
will be no extra session of the Gene
raj Assembly. It is held that this
will be a great and useless expense.
1t is held that in case the Legislature
comes here now it will be TOTALLY un.
prepared to pass any kind of an Act
to relieve the situation, and what is
more each man will have his own ideas
about it, and the result will be that
about six weeks will be consumed in
debate at a heavy cost to the State.
Gov. Ellerbe was o little non-com.
nittal yesterday. He, seemed to have
made up his mind, having recovered
from the shock, Of the preceding day.
He stated that today he would make
a brief statement covering the atti,
tude Of the State in regard to the
present situation.
Gov. Ellerbe has conferred with the