The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-10

It will be very dry today for clubmen,
AMI all because the Attorney for the DIS
trict has given his opinion that a special
permit is essential before liquor can be
dispensed at any of the various bars of
the clubs. After midnight, until o'clock
yesterday morning, and at midnight last
night the tern.s OF the warning being
practically formal notice of the law. were
religiously observed by the clubs. and
many thirsty ores met disappointment in
their quest for intoxiCants. 1t is not be-
iieved the law has been violated in a sin
gle instance, but the clubs are expected
to take action TO secure the necessary
permit early this week
The action of the police Friday after
noon in serving notice OF the opinion of
the Attorney for the District, thereby
causing clubs generally to close their bars
at midnight, came as q thunderbolt TO
many belated Individuals, who usually
drop into one or more clubs for night
cap" before going home. At the doors Of
several of the clubs. notably the Jolly
Fat Mems and the Home Club early yes
terday morning there gathered an aDx-
ious crowd which was doomed to disap-
pointment. Besides these belated indi-
viduals whose calling compels late hours,
there were in evidence many sports" of
the town and some who had no homes. if
keeping late hours night after night with
no apparent reason is significant of such
condition in life 1t was cold, but there
was nothing to be had in the way of liquid
cheer, so the crowd dispersed to argue out
the problem with the policeman the
beat.
1t now seems likely that liquor will not
flow today, for many clubs are yet wi h
out license to open their bars to mem
bers and guests. In many instances. more
over. clubs have yet to obtain licenses be-
sides the wished-for permit, but in near
ly every case, 1t is said, application for
license has been filed months ago and is
now awaiting approval by the Excise
Board. 1t was the Excise Board that
brought about the present condition of
affairs. according to current report
Weeks ago a brief was filed by the Anti
Saloon League, asking certain construction
of the law as to liquor licenses, and this
was referred by the Commissioners TO the
Attorney for the District for his opinion
This opinion was given several days ago,
and finally reached the Chief of Police
who sent copy TO the managers of every
club in the city.
Last night it was said at the Jolly Fat
Mems Club that the law will be obeyed.
Manager Fry says his bar will be closed
promptly at midnight and today, but steps
will likely be taken soon by the club of
ficials to secure relief under the law. 1t
is thought application for a permit will
be made by the club tomorrow. The bar
a the Home Club was closed at midnight
last night and will be shut tight today.
This action resulted from a meeting of
the board of managers held late Friday
afternoon, at which it was determined to
observe the law, but to make every effort
to get a permit for the sale Of liquors
after the midnight hour
Major Sylvester, Chief OF Police told a
reporter last night that he had directed
the police to serve every club with copy
of the opinion of the Attorney for the
District relating to the sale of liquors
after hours. This law he said he pre-
sumed would be obeyed. Major Sylvester
stated that the opinion had been sent him
Friday morning by the Excise Board and
he presented it promptly 20 the various
clubs.