New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-03
TO CHANGE LIQUOR LAW.
Local Option and Sunday afternoon
Closing 1dUOcdted.

To discuss the excise question with regard TO
Sunday opening and to try to arrive at a prac
teal solution of the present difficulties, many
well known men met at the Citizens Union
headquarters yesterday afternoon. This meet
ing which was called by Secretary Murphy, Of
the union. was in great measure a result of the
prominent part the Sunday opening controversy
played in the recent election.
Two distinct ways OF changing the excise law
were advanced yesterday; one by the introduc-
tion OF local option; the other, by legalzing the
opening of saloons for a certain time on Sun
days. with certain restrictions. Notable in their
advocacy Of the latter idea We're District Attor-
ney Jerome and Herman Ridder who had a
schedule drawn up TO show how it would work
DR.. Lyman Abbott was in favor Of local option.
Since the TWO frctions could not agree as to the
better plan committees to represent the adher-
snts of each plan were appointed. They will re-
port to the general committee in week.
There were present at the meeting DR.. Lyman
Abbott who was chairman; the Rev. Dr. w B
Rainsford, Or. Felix Adler, He " Batterman,
DR.. David Blaustein. Of the Educational Ali
Rnoe; Henry George. Police Commissioner
Greene. District Attorney jerome, Frederic w.
Hinricns Edward J. MCGUIRE and c. L. Sulz-
berger, r. V. Ingersoll, S. Stanwood Mel4ken,
r. J. Mosenthal, Herman Ridder, T. A Ringler,
JSznes b. Reynolds, Charles Sprague Smith, r.
Fulton Cutting, Fielding L. Marshall and H. w.
Schmtz Most of those present spoke, and
each one was strong in the advocacy Of his own
Idea
DR.. Abbott declared for local option at the
start. In the rural districts of the State each
town had the right 10 say whether it should
have saloons. and whether those saloons should
sell on Sunday. Why should not the various
parts OF this city have the same right, he asked.
Let the people understand how the affair stood,
he urged; then let them decide for themselves
what they would have. If the majority wanted
n Sunday opening. there would be an end Of the
present sham and hypocrisy about the closed
saloons; while If the majority wanted dry Sun
day its desires should be obeyed.
District Attorney Jerome advocated having
the saloons open from noon on Sunday, and de-
clared that II this legaliZed, the saloon
men would value the privilege enough to guard
Il by compliance with the laws. Herman Ridder
also suggested allowing saloons to TO sell liquor
after noon. if their doors and windows were
passersby. Hotels and restaurants were not 10
be allowed TO sell all day. at present. but to
be under the same restriction as the saloons.
This proposition he wanted TO have submitted
for the vote Of each borough. TO be in force in
whatever borOughs accepted it.
Arguments these schemes followed thick
Hnd fast, until the two committees We're ap-
pointed TO collect ard codify the various ideas
The committee for direct legislative relief COM
prised Mr.. Cutting, District Attorney Jerome
and Henry Batterman, while that in favor of
local option made Up Of Charles Sprague
Smith, Z. j. MCGUIRE and r. W. IngersoIl.