New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-12
THE WISCONSIN SENATORSHIP
AN UNwARRANTEp ATTACK MADE ON MIR.
BABCOCK.

BABCOCK.
Washington Jan. II (SpeciaD-The Senatorial
contest In Wisconsin continues TO excite much In
terest here, only among members OF the House
OF Representatives. but also among the residents
OF the District Of Columbia. Mr.. Babcock. who
is Of the leading candidates. is chairman Of
the Republican Congressional Committee as well
Of the Committee the District OF Columbia,
and therefore the interest IN his candidacy is
era and natural. II appears that the Prohibition
lists. or that element known the Anti-Saloon
League. are taking active part In the contest
and using their influence to defeat Mr.. Babcock on
the ground that he IL friend Of the saloons and
billard-rooms and has used his influence against
proper legislation FOR the protection Of society and
the public morals.
Among other means employed against him is a
confidential circular accompanied by extracts from
q speech delivered by Mr. Morse, Of Massachusetts,,
who was formerly chairman OF the House Com
mittee Alcoholic Liquor Traffic, two years ago.
in which he criticised Mr.. Blbcock's attitude tow
ard the saloons. billiard-r10ms and various other
agencies affecting the morals OF the people Of
Washington. OF course sllusion Is made TO Mr..
Bahcocks reply which both fun and salts
factory.
The attack on him has been the subject Of let
ter from r. H Warner. one Of the leading and
most highly respected business Of Washing
ton and active friend OF temperance and social
order, 10 the Commissioners of the District to
Commissioners say:
The occasion OF this criticism on the part OF Mr..
Morse seems to have been objection entered by
Mr.. Babcock 10 tho immediate consideration OF
H. r. 1855 ito further amend act entitled An
Act Regulating the Sale Of intoxicating Liquors H.
the District OF Columbia" approved March 3.
1898, Mr.. Babcock's objection 10 the consideration
OF this measure then was. the record shows.
based upon his allegation that the bill had been
considered by the Committee on The District OF Co
lumba, OF which he was chairman, and also for the
reason that no report upon The measure had been
/ commissioners of the District Of Columbia. 1t GER
iainly had been the practice prior TO the day named
for all such receive the consideration of
the Committee on the District Of Columbia, after
Ii report by the Commissioners OF the said District.
The Commissioners records show that they w-re
~ 1896 TO report upon this bin TIER Zee
ords also show that the Excise BOARD reported OF
this bill 10 the Commissioners December II. and
that the said Commissioners, tie said date prob
ably late in the day, transmitted their report tc
Mr.. BaOcocks committee. IT could not Therefore
have been received by Mr.. Bsbcock at the time O.
The objection which he interposcd to the immedi-
ate consideration % this bill. representing, as he
had right TO insistN upon. the interests Of the
District. was under the circumstances. natura
hinderine proper excise legislation The fac, IS
that the law Of 1888 then IN force, excellent
excise .aw, which could, Of course be Improved IN
some matters OF detail II was virtually 4 loca
| option law. which gave TO the residents ana prop
! erty-owners OF the vicinity "here proposed sa'
| loon to be instituted the right 70 vote upon
inc questoli. ana 10 Sa'VUn vOuM ur lrinI,i,cu
| Of the majority of the property-owucrs and resi-
dents upon the side OF the street where the saloon
was 10 be located and upon the Side fronting tn,
/
The Commissioners have had occasion to scan
most thoroughly and TO know ccurntey tho
attitude Of Mr. Babcock with regard - all cues
| lions affecting the moral and material condition
! OF affairs in the District Of Columbia
| The statement Of Mr.. Morse: quoted n
! the paper referred TO. that Mr.. Babcoch
| held an improper relation toward the saloon. bin.
! iard-rooms and various other agencies and things
affecting the morals Of the people of this city
would 10 have been entirely UnwarTanted
by the facts within their knowledge. They believe
I this statement. but Just who has been active
and vigilant In protecting and iurtherins the best
/ interests Of tho District of Columbia.