Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-10-08
against TIE welfare of the saloon inter.

against tie welfare of the saloon inter-
lists.
Doesn't Know His Motives.
This view of the situation was not gen
sral, however. Mr.. William Rueger, VINO
pays one Of the largest saloon license
taxes, said last night that he would not
care to place any of his insurance busl-
hess in the hands of the company. If he
thought tI,ay Mr.. Crenshaw was seeking
TO drive the saloon men out OF business,
but as he was not aware that this was
Mr.. Crenshaw's purpose, he would be dis
posed to settle the question Of high license
on its merits before the Council. He did
not imply that he would cancel any poll
Giles with any company for the purpose of
boycotting it, but would not take out ad-
nitional policies in the company # he was
convinced that Mr.. Crenshaw was trying
to in1iict hardships upon {: business in
which he, Mr.. Rueger, was financially in
terested.
The opinion of the saloon men vilo were
seen yesterday was very conservative
on this matter 1t is believed that not
few of them are in favor of a high license
and would support such a measure rather
than bring the question to the issue of
local option. especially just at this time
when there is known to be a Sentim ent
In favor of such a move.
Committee Favors 1t.
Mr.. Crenshaw has sounded many of his
confreres in the Council on his measure,
and said yesterday: 1T will certainly get
through the Finance Committee OF
course. we expect fight in the Council.
II the saloon people think that they are
going to coerce me by the indirect method
of cancellnG policies in a life insurance
company with which am connected. they
have made a mistake. l was elected to
the Council by the voters of Clay Ward,
Rnd not by the Virginia State Life Insur-
ance Company" Mr.. Crenshaw has been
Investigating the matter of high license
for some time. and has gathered together
some strong facts in its favor.
II became interested in this subject
through my connection with the Finance
Committee of the Council. knowing that
Ge would have to provide means to put
through our proposed clear water plans.
I have interested myself TO look around
for the place to get the money from.
Richmond; other Cities.
LET me show YOU something and it's
worth thinking about There are SlS sa-
looms in Richmond. The total annual Ii
cense tax derived from them is sl6,67S 15
from other license taxes the annual rev
tnue is about $4,000. Now consider Low
jation as Richmond. The saloon license
there is $1,000 per year. Lowell has ninety
laloons, and the revenue derived by the
city from them it $685. l46. about ten times
as much as our city government gets
rom the saloons here. And again. the
tevenue from other license taxes in Low
Ell Is only s2.42S. Don't these figures show
that the saloons Of this city pay relative
ly small license in comparison with
other business enterprises
Mr.. Crenshaw then cited the case of
Bridgeport. Conn, which has a license of
$3.50 year. The revenue to that city
from the saloon tax is sl99.lo7, and the
revenue from the licenses for other bust
ness enterprises is only s5.s24 And
Bridgeport, with a population of Il 900.
has only fifty-three policemen added Mr.
Crenshaw.
Mr.. Crenshaw has prepared a list of
many cities with populations the same as
Richmond. which showed that the liquor
license ranged from $1,000 to $3.50 a year,
bringing in large revenue to the cities
with corresponding decrease in taxa
ton on other enterprises, and a mucl,
smaller police force relatively. THE insu-
rance companies here pay $500 a year
Tor licenses. or about one half as much as
all the saloons together, and not more
than seVenty-five persons are connected
with these companies. We haven't go,
IN equitable system OF taxation, and ]
10 not think the license called for in my
measure is excessive"
Moral Object he Defeated.
aome Of the saloon men declared yes
esrday that II the measure passed the
Council and was approved by the Mayor,
seaaeys would have TO go ont OF business. as
hdE btstnass did not jsstify the payment