The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1897-06-09
STATE WILL COMPETE
FOR THE LIQUOR BUSINESS IN SOUTH
CAROLINA.

General ssys-Board Of Control.
CT course nothing else is being talk
ed of in official, political and other
circles at the State capital Just at pres
ent, but the decision of Judge Simon
ton in the matter OF the dispensary
law. Everybody hereabouts is specu.
lating as to what course the State will
pursue. Tuesday the State officials
seemed to have somewhat recovered
from the first severe shock and ap-
peared to have considered the situation
calmly overnight. They were there
fore in somewhat better condition to
talk of the situation Tuesday 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 Sinonton's decis-
ion will be made. but it is extremely
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 its character ano so unqualified
in It's terms. In the meantime 1t seems
to be the general purpose to continue
the operation of the dispensaries, put
ting down the prices of the liquor to
the lowest possible figure and enter
ing the field of competition with the
Whiskey houses outside the State who
caa only ship in original packages. for
sale. It is contended that the dispen-
sary can meet all competition SUCCESS
fully because it can reduce expenses
considerably and besides 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 under
stood, will be the doing away with
the constabulary force. This now
costs the State between $40, 900 and
$50, 900 annually. It is ascertained
that already Governor Ellerbe has is
sued instructions to all the constables
to cease all seizures and ordered the
chief constables to report in Colum-
bia Wednesday for council 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 pack
ages. It is broadly intimsted, but not
from the governor, that in case this
is not done the metropolitan 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 sdch.
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 its contents. What
there is in either of these positions re-
mains 10 be seen.
It is practically settled that there
will be no extra session of the general
assembly. It is held that this will be
great and useless expense. It is held
that in case the legislature goes
to Columbia now it will be to.
tally unpepared 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 bs that about six weeks
will be consumed in debate at very
heavy cost to the State.
Governor Ellberbe was little non
committal Tuesday. He seemed to
have made up his mind, having re-
covered from the shock OF the preced-
ing day. He stated to representative
of The State that Wednesday he would
make brief statement covering the
attitude of the State IN regard to the
present situation.
Governor Ellerbe has conferred with
the members of his cabinet and with
the attorney general and has also con-
ferred with the members OF the State
board of control.
Attorney General Barber returned
to the city Tuesday at 1 o'clock. he
vas seen shortly afterwards by several
representatives OF the press to whom
he made the following statement:
Il don't know what course the gov
ernor will pursue. So far as the lega
aspect of the case is concerned, you
may say that this Office has not deter
mined at this early hour after the rem
dition of the judgment just what steps
will be taken. This is temporary
order OF injunction and under the
United States statute an appeal from
it may be taken to the circuit court OF
appeals. This course may be adopted.
In the meantime the answer OF the
defendants will be fled on Or before
next Monday as required by the sub
poena and if final order can be had
at a sufficiently early date 1t is posi-.
bic that we may wait for that and II
it is against US take an appeal from 1t
directly to the supreme court OF the
United States. In any event it seems
to me that the question involved will
finally have to De decided by the su'
prene court"
How about the running Of the dis
pensary and the sales Of liquor in the
meantimel"
well, as to the running OF the dis:
pensary that is for the State board OF
control to say, and as to the seizure
of liOsors that is g matter for the gov
ernor, rut OF course presume his ex-
cslIency will strictly obey the order
Of the court. And | have never ad.
vissd the disragarding of any jldg.
ment and would not advise any such
thing in this case.
Mr.. Barber, continuing, said that
he could only speak OF the legal as
oect of the situation. The State dis
pensary is going aaead shipping out
large orders of liquors
,i- ~,