Evening journal., 1904-12-17
SALOON MEN WILL
GIVE TO CHARITY
Instead of Making Presents
This Year, They Will Help
Hospitals
.OVEa Sl,0sa TO Be REALIZED

Instead of following the custom which
has been in vogue in this city for at least
hfteen years among saloon men Of giving
customers Christmas presents, the money
expended by-them for such purposes this
year will be devoted TO charitable insti-
tutions In nearly every saloon in the city
the following notice bearing on the sub
ject was displayed today:
"The liquor dealers of Delaware have
Nabolshed the custom of giving presents
during the holidays and have decided to
spend the amount usually devoted TO that
purpose for charity We hope our GUS
toners will appreciate our action in this
i matter as we believe our charitable insti-
tutions are deserving Of our greatest con-
sideration.
Delaware State Liquor League.
Much Money Expended.
Few persons beyond those who are ac-
\ customed to receive the usual Christmas
present from saloonkeepers whose places
I OF business they frequent during the year
realize what this means and the amount
of money that is expended annually Tor
gifts to patrons. In Wilmington there are
nearly 225 saloons and each one lays out
yearly in the neighborhood of $50 for
gifts to their patrons Some give more
extensive presents than others and the
list includes souvenirs in the shape oi
pocket knives, miniature pocket dressing
cases, emblematic pocket match safes
card cases. purses and key rings, besides
innumerable souvenir" bottles of whis-
key and wines and boxes of cigars. The
I entire outlay of money for such amounts
TO over $1,000 and as early as August
agents for firms manufacturing such spec
alties call upon saloon men and solicit
their trade.
At 6 recent meeting of the Liquor Deal
ers League the question of giving Christ
Il mas presents TO customers was discussed
and the proposition of doing away will
the custom ond giving the money ex-
pended to charitable institutions was un'
animously carried.
Iiet With Objections.
Accordingly a committee of two mem
bers of the league for each district in thu
city was appointed whose duty it was e
call on saloon men and present the prop
osition At first some opposition wa
met with on the part of certain keeper
of public houses on the grounds that
was but a game Of graft" and that tn
money contributed would not be applied
as stated. This point was overcome, how
ever. by the announcement that al
acknowledgement would be required from
each institution receiving money as T.
the amount received and this would b.
submitted at a proper time to the leagu
officials. AS a consequence, nearly ever.
saloon man in the city has agreed to con
tribute to the proper parties sum o
not less than So, making an aggregate o
about s14O0 for the hospitals.
In Wilmington there are number o
charitable institutions whose chief objec
IS 70 alleviate pain and suffering amon
the poorer class Of people. At the hea
Of shis list stands the Homeopathic an
Delaware Hospitals and it has been decid
ed practically that they shall receive tn
chief benefits from this years contribu
tions, each receiving about $500. In year
to follow the league will distribute tn
money collected to other institutions O
the city in accordance with the magnitud
of the charitable work done and each wi
receive a portion of the annual sum.