The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-05-08
new SUNDAY LAW
WORKED WELL
Only Three Arrests Made Dur
ing the Day.
CLUBS WERE ALL CLOSED
Richardson Was the First Violator-
McClanahan and Buck Were Found
During the Afternoon and
Forced to Give Bond.

The new Sunday law was rigidly enforced
Yesterday, and sorrow reigned supreme
among the topers. Not semblance of
drink could be procured and. many an
owner of a carmen-hued nose went pain
fully sober until the clocks tol1ed the mid
night hour. A rush was then made for the
saloons and revelry reigned as the sons of
old Bacchus related tales of the misfor-
tunes and hardships of the previous day.
AS rule the saloon men made no at
tempt to violate the law and one even
went SO far as to get poetical over the sit
uation. The following lines were conspic-
uously posted in his window while the
doors were almost Theoretically sealed'
"This bar is closed en- Sunday now,
Ye lovers of fine wine 4
Can seek your drinks at other stores,
I'm sure you can't get mine. IL
Then when you've read this little sign X
Don't around this window sit aEll.
And chew tobacco all day long ,,.AhlkL.
And on the sidewalk spit" y Nj
Three Arrests Were Made
Some of the barkeepers were not so con-
scientious, however, and were caught
mapping. The first arrest made was that of
William D. Richardson in Twentieth street.
About 2 O'Clock a. M, one of the officers
while walking that beat discovered some
kind of business going on in the saloon,
but the curtains were tightly drawn and he
could see within.
The matter was reported and Captain
Weir and officers Leach and Cunningham
got in the saloon and found large crowd
around the bar Mr.. Richardson was
raonirpd TO give
bond. -.
The next arrest was made by officer
Kirkley. The door of a saloon in First ave-
nue. was discovered unlocked and the officer
went in and found two or three men wait
ing to be served. T. P. McClanahan, one of
the attaches of the saloon, had just stepped
in the rear minute, and when he returned
he was escorted to the police station where
he was required to make bond and appear
at court this morning.
About 4:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon it
was reported thas whisky was being sold
at little saloon in Twenty-fourth street
between Avenues and B. Officers Nc
Collum, Whaley and Hamilton repaired to
the scene and found regular little stream
of those who indulge going in and out Of
the saloon. When the officers reached the
inside of the door there were sixteen men
In the place. r. A. Buck, the proprietor,
was also forced to leave his lucrative posi-
ton behind the bar and sign up bond for
his appearance before Judge Feagin.s
All of the clubs complied strictly with
the Sunday law and drinks were served
at those places. Several club members said
yesterday that they would not in any way
attempt to violate the law. There is
some question as to whether we are privi-
legged to serve drinks under the law one
said, "but until we know that we are right
no drinks will be sold.'
When it was discovered that these places
had been open during the day numerous
sots who had been suffering for a drink
were making requests that somebody kick
them for not having known it. The fun
was all over, however, and until IL o'clock
they patiently sat and awaited their turn,
as all things come to him who waits, they
were finally made happy.
AS yet none of the gambling dens have
been raided 1t was stated yesterday that
the men had become frightened over the
position taken by Chief Austin and shut up
shop.
Chief Compliments His Men t..
Chief Austin said yesterday afternoon
that his men were doing fine work, espec-
tally in enforcing the new Sunday law and
he believed that violations hereafter would
be scarce. He said that he feared an err
roneous impression had gone out in regard
to what he said about the city prison.
1.-THE place is in a deplorable condition."
he said, but no blame can be attached to
the wardens. as they are doing the very
best they can, under the circumstances
The sewerage of the place is bad and fire.
quently allowes an overflow of water. This
possibly accounts for the bad smell in the
prison. We need new city prison or
some improvements on the old one."