Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-03
THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.
Conditions in Washington the Topic OF
Illustrated Lecture

In the presence of an audience of Chris
ton Endeavorers, wives and mothers and
fathers interested in the crusade on drink
that filed Assembly Presbyterian Church
to its capacity Mr.. Hermon C. Metcalf
representing the Anti-Saloon League of the
District of Columbia, delivered last even
ing an illustrated lecture on THE Liquor
Traffic in Washington" The talk en-
bodied many timely suggestions for the
crusaders. Mr.. Metcalf used his stereopti-
con views to a great advantage, presenting
to his auditors photographically the exact
situation of the traffic in the city. These
pictures presented views Of the interior and
exterior of number of the drinking es-
adjustments, from the lowest to the high
est class, and including disreputable and
reputable resorts.
The address of Mr.. Metcalf was greatly
appreciated by the vast assemblage, and
was continuously applauded. The speaker
explained that he regarded as dreamers
the advocates of the abolition of the sa-
loon, but added that their dreams might
become reality by the adoption of prac-
teal methods. 1t was apparent from his
remarks that the averge saloonkeeper does
not conform with the prevailing Idea of
such a man. The speaker said he has no
objection to the saloonkeeper, personally,
but to the business with which he is iden-
tilted.
Mr.. Metcalf said the cause of the society
had never been advanced by hurting oppro-
BRUINS at the men engaged in the liquor
business. On the whole, they are homer
able in their business dealings. faithful
and true to their friends and affs ,tionIte
In their relations with their families. For
such attributes they may be justified to
conduct drinking establishments in the eyes
OF their fellowmen, but they do not appear
in the proper light before God. Liquor,
declared the speaker, is resp onsible fer
the majority of crimes. 1t is a menace TO
the community and to health, II danger to
the home and a curse to loved ones
Much could be said, declared he speak
er, concerning the circumstances incident
to the granting of many of the licenses fer
saloons. AT this juncture he announced
that 1t Is not his purpose to l. .ap abuse
upon the heads of public officials. Neither
does he believe persons should u1sparlng-
ly condemn and berate the man vino be-
comes victim of drink, as he is victim
or disease-a disease Of body and mir
and soul.
Mr.. Metcalf noted with evident pride the
Improvement in the conditions In the last
twelve years. In 1892 there were issued
LOO licenses, while this year the licenses
number less than $50, a net reduction OF
about 40. Allowing twenty feet of from.
to each licensed place, which would be a
conservative estimate, the LOO in 1892
would, II placed side by side. make a row
over four miles long-half the distance from
Washington to Alexandria. The 627 H.
censed places, over 500 of which are in
full blast tonight, would line Pennsylvania
avenue solidly on both sides, and withou,
leaving openings for cross streets, between
the Peace monument and the treasury, and
there would still remain ninety-nine sa-
| looms with which to decorate some other
thoroughfare.