Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-10-23
TELEPHONES.
TIE HIGH LICENSE ISSUE.

At the meeting OF the Finance Commit
ice of the City Council hcld Tuesday even
ing the consideration of the Crenshaw
high license ordinance was deferred until
7cxt week. The fact that only a few
liquor dealers were present to argue the
question or to observe the proceedings
was noted and commented upon.
IT was stated yesterday rumor that
the liquor dealers, or some of them. were
of the opinion that it was useless to
appear before the Finance Committee.
that they were satisfied that the ordi-
nance would be favorably reported and
that they would make their fight before
the City Council. Statements were also
published going to show that
there is some feeling among liquor
dealers against the Democratic party here
on account of the proposed high license
ordinance.
The Dispatch. wishes to see high
license ordinance adopted and hopes that
il will have the effect Of reducing the
number Of bar-roouls in the city. but we
are OF the opinion that the liquor dealers
would better send a committee of their
members to represent them oefore the
Councils Finance Committee. Let the
issue be fairly presented; let both sides
he fully heard: let The facts in the case
be made public.
We all want to know if the license tax
suggested by Mr. Crenshaw is too high
liza n 10
formed as 10 rates and regulations which
prevail in other places where the high
license system prevails
Without doubt sensible committee Of
saloon men would be pleasantly received
by the councilnlen and their views given
due consideration.
We know Of no purpose upon the part
of friends and supporters Of high license
to cut off argument or to pursue an unjust
course towards baT-kcepers. At the
same time we must say it seems to us
that the community is satisfied that our
city should receive. more revenue than
it is now receiving from saloons and that
it would be in the interest of temper
ance and morality TO have a less num-
Der OF saloons.
The man who obtains a license under
The high-licensc system has a valuable
privilege. Ii represents morey-mucll
+. mcncy-and therefore it is TO be expected
Of him that he will be careful in observing
he law. lest his license. lie. revoked. Such
man will not be easily tempted to keep
10 col 10
minors. or to allow mis- place TO become
The resort Of rowdies.
AS TO the suggestion that the Demo-
cratic party viii suffer if high license
he rcsortcG TO. we take that to be the
out-glving of an irritable and nl-advised
man. It is In keeping with the threat
Cnade by unauthorized persons) that Mr.
,renshaw's business would be boycotted
We don't hold the rGuor-dealers, as a
aody. responsible for any such thought
css, foolish, and hurtful utterances No
indeed. On the contrary we give them
:ood advice-tllat me way for them to
leaf with this question is as we have
mggested-i. e.. appoint a committee Of
calm and sensible men; arm them with
the facts and send them to the Finance
Committee to argue and explain: 10 COY
rect erroneous impressions, and to place
before committeeman the real state of the
case.
We do not hold out the hope that such
committee could stay the popular de-
nand for a high license system, bur we
DO plieve by the exercise of prudence
ind judgment 1t could influence the
Finance Committee in deciding upon rates
and regulations