The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1897-07-15
The SeYentv-Six Wins.
they Save the Son0oi Fund and the
State Normal Schools.
BOSSES BEATEN EVERY TINE.

Story OF How They Defeated the Ma
chine and Forced the Tax ON beer.
.From Our Own Correspondent.)
Harrisburg. July 6-The legislature
Of 1897 adjourned without day on
Thursday. July l. and Is now a thing of
the past. In many respects 1t was the
most remarkable body that ever sat in
Harrisburg. Its record cannot be
judged by what appears upon the Leg
islative Record or in the bills that have
gone to the governor for signature. It's
record rather lies Ia what II did not
do, and 1t did not do a great many
things because the Wanamaker men,
known as the "Seventy-six," prevented
II.
All that has been predicted In these
letters concerning this legislature has
been verified. 1t was said weeks ago
that an attempt would be made to cut
the school appropriation; it was also
stated that an attempt, persistent and
vigorous. was to be made to protect
the notorious beer trust of the state
and that to do this crowded insane
asylums. hospitals where inmates were
compelled to lie upon the floor for
want Of beds. and all OF the many char
tiles OF the state were to be made to
suffer. because Mr.. Quay's lieutenants
would refuse to place a tax upon beer
1t was also stated in these letters
that no tax would be placed upon beer
unless an overwhelming public senti-
ment compelled the legislature to do
1t. Among other things predicted was
that an attempt would be made to in
corporate distilleriss, thereby creating
new source Of campaign contribu-
ton for the bosses.
All these things have come to pass
just as predicted. At the last moment
on last Wednesday. when the general
appropriation bill was called up in the
senate. 1t was discovered that a million
dollars had been Topped of the school
appropriation. II was also discovered
that the $3.50. 900 for normal schools was
to be killed. and all for the purpose OF
saving the beer trust. A bitter fight
was made, however. In the senate
against cutting the appropriation. 1t
was led by Senator Kaufman, Of Ian
caster. and with the assistance Of 9TH
ers the scheme was defeated.
In the last ten days Of the session
the force Of public opinion. In the shape
OF dsnunciations from newspapers Of
every shade Of opinion in the state. In
the form OF Thousands Of letters from
indignant constituents. and voiced in
hundreds OF telegraph messages, be-
came 20 strong that even Senator Quay
and his agents could not Withstand the
pressure. and orders were given to
form Q graded license law for brew
cries and distillsries. The object sought
by the trainers Of this law was to tax
the little fellows" and let the big
fish escape. II was also sought to in
crease the tax on retail licenses, and
thus sAvs the breweries. The object OF
this win be apparent when 1t Is known
that some Of the big machine politi-
clans N the state have organised a beer
trust. the object Of which is to con-
solidate the beer interests. Increase
prices. increase production, and ulti-
mately to drive out Of the trade all Of
the smaller concerns.
wanamaker Men Active.
But the Wanamaker men were active
and visilant. No finer example OF po-
litieal harmony and unity Of purpose
has ever been seen than has been dis
played by the "seventy-six" In this
legislature from beginning to end. They
knew what was intended to be ac-
In the beer tax bill, and 80
when the measure was brought out an
instant fight was made upon II.
This fight upon what Is known as the
pose OF defeating it. because all along
the anti Quay. or Wanamaker men,
have insisted that the revenue neces-
sary to run the state government for
the ensuing two years, to make up the
existing deficit. should come from beer.
They therefore fought the bill because
It did not impose heavy enough tax.
The Beer Tax scheme.
As the bill was presented 1t simply
taxed the smaller breweries. and let
the big fellows, the great brewery con-
escape scot free. The reason for this
Is that the big breweries, and not the
little ones, have been liberal contribu-
tors to Mr.. Quay's campaigns There
fore all the more necessity for protect
'ng them. The fight was continued bit
terly. and the house refused to agree
In the senate amendments to the bill
This beer tax bin originally passed the
house known as one of the Bliss beer
bills, but the senate amended II as de-
scribed. AS a result of the refusal Of
the house to agree. the bill was sent
back to the senate, and a conference
was appointed. This com
nittee brought out some new amend
nents which slightly increased the tax
IN breweries: still this did not satisfy
the valiant "Seventy-six." They de-
manded that an adequate tax be
placed on beer. and not a mere make
.hift.
II was now the last day Of the session.
The telephone line between Harrisburg
and Washington was kept hot with mes
sages between Senator Quay and his
leaders. Word was conveyed to the
senior senator that the "Seventy-six"
could not be whipped. and unless the
beer bill was amended or some agree
ment was reached the state would lose
u. SOC. 900 Of revenue, and the Republi-
can party would be irretrievably
ruined by reason of its attitude in
the public schools and opening