The daily morning Alaskan., 1899-05-26
Question Soon to Be Put in
 Skagway.
PETITION OR ELECTION
Junenu To Deciding the Matter To- day by an Eleciion-whut Gov. ernor Brady Says on the Subject Judge Johnson Advises one of Two Methods.

Juneau will today decide by popular vote question in which Skagway Is to- day equally as deeply interested, namely, the licensing Of saloons under the new law which Is to go into effect JulyI. The mode of procedure seems hedged around with so many difficulties as to make 1t ap- pear as if the law was intended to be pro- hlbitory. Such, however, Is not the case. Governor Brady was written to for some light on the subject, by the editor of the DAILY ALASKAN, and his answer received yesterday is as follows:
 "Yours of the I3th received. Judge Johnson has given the new law much thought and care. The people will find that he will act with common sense and settle the things that are apparently in. harmonious in a sensible way. Everyone should do his best to comply as nearly as possible with the provisions of the law.
 "l am glad to see that you advocate sueh a course in the editorial columns of your paper. Undoubtedly congress will make the necessary corrections al it's next session."
 Since the foregoing was written Judge Day, of this city, yesterday received word from his partner, Mr. Church, who Is in Juneau, to the effect that Judge Johnson had acted in the matter and thlt through United States District Attorney Robert A. Friedrich had decided to let every eommu. nitv settle the question for itself bv re- course to one of the two following methods, namely: Either get up one general peti- tion asking for the licensing of saloons to be signed by majority of the white males and females, within radius of two miles; or, hold d general election at which every ApsEiSap elllzzsp elllzzp ve eeYel,tRsags Qfs'. ss on tn. question of local option. lf the people de- eide in favor of an election and local option should carry then that will hold for one year a..d all applicants for licenses will then have to do to secure it will be to show that they are otherwise qualified in accord with the provisions of the new law. Should the election go against local option then the saloon man can still have recourse to the petition, and if he can secure ma iorty of the people to sign it he can get the license.
 Juneau Is today settling the question on the election basis and the result will be anxously awaited. -
 The citizens of Skagway, either for or against local option, should arouse them selves to the importance of the situation because Judge Johnson, few days ago In Juneau, declared that on the first day of July every liquor house which has not got license will be closed up anl that the law will be rlgidlv enforced, and that any transgressor upon the new law will Dc punished. In speaking of 1t to a reporter of the Juneau Dispatch, Judge Johnson saiG:
 "I believe that the city will poll over 500 votes, but should 1t fall below this mark then the license will be lower. But must be given proof that the vote was all out and not held back. l have lived in this city long enough to form an opinion as to the total vote. but will not go to the expense of taking a house to house can vaSS."