The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-11-11
COUNCIL DONE WITH SALOONS.
RECENT CHARGES WILL PROBABLY
NOT BE AGAIN CONSIDERED.

Mayor Meldrim Says His Custom Has
Been to Refer Sunday saloon Com
plants to Chief of PoIice-The Sa-
Policy of the Adn,inistration-Mu-
nicipaI Candidates VIII Probably
BE in the Arena in a Few Weeks.
The City Councils action on the report
Of Mayor Meldrim in reference to the cor
respohdence concerning the charges that
Sunday liquor selling had been going on
unnoticed in Savannah, will probably bury
the question for while, as far as the
aldermen are concerned. The Mayors ac-
ton was generally commented upon yes
terday, many persons freely expressing
their opinions.
There is large element inclined to re-
gard the sincerity of the positions taken
by some members of the Council with more
or less doubt. The administration, they
say, takes the position of a defendant in a
lawsuit, against whom proof must first
be adduced before conviction. The May
or's attitude, 1t is asserted, Is that the
burGen of proof is on those who make
charges, and that evidence should be pro-
duced before the authorities are called
Upon to act. To write the police commits
sion a general letter that saloons were
running open is not deemed sufficient by
the Mayor, who thinks he should have a
specific complaint to make in this connec-
ton
While the McGillis charges were under
consideration, Mayor Meldrim was asked
what kind of proof he expected the citi-
zens TO make before he would officially
call the attention of the police authorities
to violations of the Sunday laws.
1T is my purpose TO see that all city
laws are enforced" said Mayor Meldrim,
and where there are violations, if it is
within the knowledge Of any citizen, ii is
his duty to specify such violation to the
Mayor or other proper authority. When
this is done, the complaint will undoubted-
ly receive attention.
with reference 10 violations of the Sun
day laws" continued the Mayor, sit has
been my custom to refer such matters to
the chief of police. There have been COM
plants sent to me during my administra-
ton. But the persons have specified the
liquor is being Sold possibly on account
of crowds congregating on the streets. and
l have referred them to the chief of po-
lice, with the request the nuisance be
abated. There is never a second request
made, the authorities always having at
tended to the case in question.
Take the evil of gambling" said Mayor
Meldrim. There is scarcely town of any
size in the country where it does not ex-
list. 1t is impossible to extirpate it entire
ly. But where there is reason to believe
1t Is being carried on, the authorities can
stop it If il is within their knowledge.
Where men congregate Sundays, and are
seen TO go In and out an suspicious num-
bers, the authorities should be notified,
when not aware of the fact and there is
no doubt the complaint will be given dutl-
full attention"
Speaking of the alleged violations a Do
lice officer called attention to the fact il
is not just to assume the officials zee all
evils that exist. He insisted those who vio-
lated the law are always on the alert for
officers, and when they neared the vicn-
ity of place where liquor was being sod.
Tor instance, every precaution was used
to keep him from even suspicioning there
was law breaking. He insisted the public
was better able 10 detect these wrongs. and
If what the people saw was communicat led
to the proper officials, immediate action
would be taken. He thought the officials
should be told about violations, and If not,
then the public should hold its peace.
Just let this town squeeze down on the
saloons and see what the result will be-
saba saloon keeper. 1T must be remem-
bered that saloons pay big portion of the
city taxes, and if they are hampered down,
so that many of them are compelled to go
Ollt of -h1sinpcS tho result will ba tho b,,c
mess men and property owners will have
larger burdens to bear. And talk about
crime, why, there was less of IL during the
past four years that there has ever been.
1t used to be said the only thing necessary
to commit suicide was to come to Savan-
nah. But that is mol the case now, and 1
think the methods of the past two admin
istrations have been in accord with good
government, and the people seem to have
been pretty well satisfied. 1 know we peo-
pie have had no room to kick. When
questions of this kind come before us for
consideration, 1 believe in digging up tire
records and making comparisons as they
should be made. When the people are sat
isfied, it seems to me the policies followed
are well enough to continue. Stick to the
bridge that carries you over that's my
ticket"
The recent agitation has given rise TO
much political talk, and the names of pros
pective candidates are freely discussed in
some quarters. 1t is very probable that To-
cal affairs will begin to assume tangible
shape within the next two weeks, or as
soon as it is seen what the legislature is
intending TO do with reference to matters
pertaining to local legisla ton.
-S-o-s-
WILLINK MAY STAY IN.