New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-22

the Gothenburg system ought 20 be introduced
and the profits OF the liquor trade devoted ex-
clusively TO public objects. The boldest and
most progressive municipality has not ventured
TO recommend this drastic plan, and only one
town corporation, Glasgow. has taken pains to
investigate the practical operation Of the Swed-
ISL system. Municipal ownership is entirely
defensible when tramways. gas and electric
power are converted into efficient local services
and remuner2tivc Investments; but town Coun--
ellis shrink from the responsibility Of conduct
Ing saloons as municipal institutions. Even IN
Gothenburg where the oldtirne publicans have
disappeared. the exclusive privilege Of selling
spirits has been confeyed upon respectable
licensing companies, which distribute DIVIDENDS
Of 8 per cent among their shareholders after
turning over large sums into the State and local
treasures This policy has been followed BY
the Public House Trust which has been apply
ing for licenses in Glasgow and other towns with
the understanding that the profits Of conducting
model saloons. where drinking on credit or
pawnticlets viii he prohibited and intemperance
discouraged. shall be expended for public puT-
poses after 4 per cent has been reserved for
stockholders. While influential meetings have
been held by the leaders Of this movement n the
leading towns Of England and Scotland. they
have not received much practical encourage
r1ent from either magistrates or town councils.
must be no participation, either by town coun-
ellis or by respectable investors, in foul trade
which ought TO be prohibited by law and not
countenanced as a reformed institution. In
Scotch towns the sincere and strenuous reform
ers have not been willing to make any com
promise with the drink traffic. They have con-
sidered il inconsistent to promote sobriety by
decent management Of the retail liquor traffic;
and have concentrated their efforts upon Sc
curing a reduction Of the number Of saloons and
also Of the number Of hours Of traffic. Not con-
tent with prohibiting the opening OF saloons on
Sunday In the large towns. they have recently
compelled the owners Of ell drinking places to
close their doors an hour earlier every night-a
most effective temperance measure.
Mr.. Balfour Will be exposed to destructive
criticism from moderate men as well tenn
perauce fanatics as soon he raises his hand
against the licensing justices or protects those
whose business is heavily taxed and who have
invested their money in purchasing licenses and
the goodwill OF saloon owners The lawyers can
readily work up a case for compensation. when
4 business IS rated locally and taxed by the
supervisors Of internal revenue at a great ad-
vance upon the value CT building and stock, and
when the cancellation of a license by a capt!ous
or critical magistrate baukrupts and impoveT-
ishes the ealoonkeeper. Mr.. Balfour himself
can make an Ingenious plea for natural equities
OF the trade which has existed as a licensed
occupation and has come 10 have rights and
privileges which cannot be eXtingUished at a
moments notice without fragrant injustice. He
must be. however, 4 master Of dexterity II he
succeeds in overcoming the popular prejudice
aaginst any method Of compensation for the
losses Of the liquor trade. Local taxation may
be relieved 10 a large extent by revenues drawn
from the liquor traffic; but there is no gratitude
in reserve for the salOOnkeepers. They must
take their chances when they ask TO have their
licenses renewed: and the losses VIII be theirs.
Il their applications are rejected II the nlagis
trates consider that there are too many drink
ing places in the town and that public morality
viii be promoted by shutting Up some OF them
I -. +.