Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-10-09
PART OF WISDOM TO LAY LOW.
Recent Events Would Tend to so1idi
y Opposition to the Liquor
to D1scre
of Boycott Against Crenshnw.

There was general tendency among
the saloon men yesterday to discredlt any
reported purpose on their part to make
any fight of boycott nature against Mt.
Crenshaw, the author of the 81, $50 saloon
license now before the Finance Committee
Of the Council. Mr.. Crenshaw had little
further to say in regard to the matter,
and the insurance officials seem to regard
the affair as closed.
The real work in behalf of the Cren-
shaw ordinance. however. has just begun,
and noses are being counted in the Coun-
ell to ascertain the strength OF the mea-
sure. Mr.. Crenshaw believes that the
Finance Committee will be soiidly fer mis-
plan, and with the weight OF their recon-
rnendatio with such changes as may be
necessary to adapt the measure TO this
city, he thinks that his scheme will be
accepted by the council. although II
will not be without a bitter struggle
DR. HAWTHORNE'S VIEW.
DR.. J. B. Hawthorne expressed himself
yesterday as being opposed to opening up
the liquor question at the present time as
it would tend to turn the public's atten-
ton from matters lat he believes SHOULD
be reached before the liquor question is
taken up.
DR.. C. II. Crawford, of the Anti-Saloon
League said he was heartily in favor Of
Mr. Crenshaw's plan, and while it did not
entirely express the sentiment Of the
league in the matter OF prohibition, still
it was step in that direction. and would
receive the support of the league IN what
ever way it could be given.
OPPOSE THE INCREASE.
Among the saloon men there is a gen
TO he IN he
license While it is known that many Of
the proprietors of the more prominent
saloons would not object to seeing high
license on the ground that it would re-
move their smaller competitors from the
field, at the same time there is q sort
of community of interest existing among
the saloon men that makes them stand
together against any measure that has
for its object either directly or Indirectly
an attack upon their business. For this
reason, it is believed that they will re-
sist Mr.. Crenshaw's measure before the
Council with every means at their dis
posal. and as many of them are connected
with politics in the city, their influence
upon certain members of the city Iegisia-
ture will be used to defeat the proposed
high license.
A STILL HUNT.
Most of the work will be of the still,
hunt KIND, as the saloon men are not de-
sirous of bringing the question to an open
issue if it can be avoided, especially in
view Of the recent crusade against gam
bling, and the publicity that has been
given to it In the court. The recent stir
in police circles, the Council bribery scan
dal. and the disposition of certain in
fuential elements in the city to probe the
conduct Of municipal affairs to the bot
tom have all aided in creating and awak
ening sentiment that would be exerted
against the saloon in a contest for local
option should an election be held.
It is thought by those who are friendly
to the Crenshaw ordinance that these fac
tors will prevent any strong opposition
to change in the saloon license. and
they, together with the necessity of find
Ing some source for additional revenue
for the city for the water improvements
will be employed by the supporters of tbe
Crenshaw ordinance to force its passage
in the Council