New-York tribune., 1901-11-13
ATTITUDE OF A ASSEMBLI-HEN
FUSION AND REPUBLICAN MEMbEh9
ALL OPPOSED TO THE HOTEL
FEATURE.

The Assemblynen from this city who were
elected on the fusion and Republican tickets
are almost unanimously outspoken in their con-
demnation of the hotel feature of the present
excise law, but, in regard TO the advisabiiity
of having saloons open a part of the day
Sunday, they appear TO be somewhat DIVIDED
Many are unwilling to be quoted at present on
the latter feature of the problem. believing 1t
best to learn more fully the sentiment of their
constituents before expressing their opinions.
Assemblyman John A. Weekes. jr-, who has
attained considerable prominence in the Assem-
bly, because of his capa ability in putting through
such reform measures the Anti-Pohcy law,
was frank in his condemnation of the present
law and particularly in respect TO its hotel pro-
vision, He said;
There can be no doubt but that the Raines
law hotel has come to be curse upon this
city It should be abolished. The manner OF
its effacement however. is another question,
and involves a great deal of careful study OF the
excise law.
whether saloons should be kept open on Sun
dav is a question which | think should be
sidered carefully and conservatively- 1t is
question which has two sides. some men that
have met have said that if the saloons were Ieil
open on Sunday, many a man, who now onIv
drinks Saturday night and thus spenos par
of his wages. would instead spend them all py
lying around some saloon as much as he cou!d
on Sunday. Thus II is beileNed uTuhheHic"0
would be encouraged.
Nevertheless, ! do not think IL any more imam
r;gbt n this nresent discussion shows that there
is p large part of the population which wants
open saloons Sunday, that the city shouio
have the opportunity to determine the question
at the polls next fall. If the present la" Is
amended for example, so that saloons are per
nitted to remain open during other hours IMAM
those of religious service, with referendum,
that would bring the question De1ore the ieopie
at the next election, l do not see why the up
state legislators should object or fear that the
laws for other cities than those of New 1ork
oao rorrli he in
cation. open saloons part OF sunday would
of themselves do away with the Raines ia" no
tells Saloonkeepers would not continue the ek-
pense of maintaining number of rooms II II
were possible to sell liquor on Sunday without
them a..
AssernbIyrnan Gherardi Davis said. The pres
ent statute that makes ii possible for their eN-
istence should be amended Just "hat cilanEe
should be made l am not able to say at this
time The subject will doubtless be breughtsu up
before the legislature. and constitute one OF the
most important questions which WIZ nave 70 Og
dealt with. AS to open saloons on SUNDAY /
am not prepared TO give my opinion one way OF
another at the present time.
A member of the Republican State Committee
who happened to be in the corridor OF the Fifth
Avenue Hotel last night said that he did not oe-
ieve that If the subject of open saloons on sun
day was put to a vote of the people OF this
city they would vote for II. The sentiment
against an open Sunday saloon is TREMENDOUS
among the women" he said. They would 1eel
that their husbands sons or brothers wouid
spend their time in the saloons. instead of at
home with them. The women have a great In
fuence on an election. as has been evidenced at
the last election in this city. The issue OF i'm
morality on the East Side. which was raised by
the fusionists. who attributed II to the corrupt
rule OF the Tannany police, did much to elect
Mr. Low and the fusion ticket.
Then. the upstate people fear that when
more liberal laws have been passed for the first
class cities of New-York and Buffalo. the
second class cities of Albany, Rochester, SYRIA
cuse and the rest would come to Albany for
the same kind Of legislation. l know for a fact
that many Assrmbymen would never be re-
elected If they voted for more liberal Sunday
laws. BY so doing they would commit political
suicide"
Republican leaders do not disguise the fact
that because there is State election next fall,
at which the Governor, Senate, and Assembly
VIII be elected. the question is most dangerous
one to handle. Many of them feel that If the
passage of open saloon legislation teven If only
affecting the cities of New-York and Buffalo
would perhaps teopardize the country vote, upon
which the Republicans chiefly depend.
The next Assembly will consist of III Repub-
licans and 30 Democrats. The members of the
excise committees will not be chosen until the
beginning of the legislative session. but they
will In any case consist chiefly of upstate mem
bers. with upstate chairmen. Thus 1t appears
that the passage of any amendments to the
excise law depends altogether the will Of the
country members and their constituents