New-York tribune., 1901-03-25
YORK INSTITUTES REFOR-N
SrNnAY LAWS ENFORCED IN BROOKLYN
WITH SOME THOROUGHNESS.

Prooklvn experienced a wave OF reform Yesterday
as far as the violation the law by dance halls
and saloons concerned, hut the keepers Of the
various resorts called il just temporary incon-
venence. as they have before been through these
spasmodic efforts the part of the police TO
hoodwnk the public into believing that the law was
being enforced. There really did seem TO be a con-
sistent effort yesterday temper the most fagrant
and open cases of law breaking and many places
We're closed which have not been closed before in
months.
Deputy Commissioner York gave his orders on Sat
urday and their effect was seen midnight. when
policemen went the rounds Of the saloon and dance
halls all the borough and insisted that they
be closed. OF course, they missed many odtme
stands, but enough Of them were shut down to
indicate clearly that something had happened
Mr.. York's orders affected the German halls in
the Eastern District. and the dance halls in Coney
Island particularly. All the dances in the Eastern
District were closed promptly at midnight and from
cided that il would be better TO attempt keep
open yesterday At Turn Hail. In Meserole-st., the
Williamsburg Turn Verein had scheduled ath-
letic entertalnment That was postponed Military
Han, al Scholes and Leonard SITS. and Teutonia
Hall, at Harrson-ave and Bartett-st. were also
Was aIlowed In Arion Han. Arion Place, near
Broadway, a concert for the benefit of the German
erbocker aves., performance of the Clk Dramatic
| Society; were allowed TO proceed
shut up tight according to the way the police
lo9k at it, hut nobody went thirsty. Down in the
and all. except few throughout the night About
$3.50 o'clock Captain Dunn received word that sew
eral OF the saloons were wide open. that is. were
running with brilliant lights and with attempt
az concealment A roundsman with squad OF men
wEs Immediately sent out, and in fifteen minutes
those places were in darkness. Every body was
driven into the and proprietors were ordered
TO shut up at once No arrests made Two
hours later. however, anyone who knew the ropes
could get drink any Of the places that had
been closed. but there was no display about It.
AT Coney Island a grandstand play was made
Inspector Campbell who is in charge Of the dis
trict, went down early in the afternoon with
Inv nd hn yt.ac
thoroughly canvassed The proprietor Of every
dance hah othe~ resort received strict orders
about the observance Of the law. Dancing was
allowed, but drinks could be served the dance
floor. Many Of tta proprietors screened off a por-
tiOn Of their floor and sold beer and other drinks
with this temporary shelter.
The activity Of the police taken philOsophi-
cally in all parts Of the borough by the saloon
keepers and other proprietors, who looked upon II
as nothing more than the usual annual bluff.
Only two arrests for violation Of the Excise law
were reported At Police Headquarters up mid
night but il was said that others had been made
which would be reported this morning.
Mr. York went 10 Brooklyn police headquarters
little before last midnight and told the men that
he pleased with the hearty way In which they
had seen that his orders had been carried out.