The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-07
SALOONS ID CLOSE
 UNTIL WEDNESDAY
Effect of Three Days of AbSti-
 hence Discussed
POLITICIANS AND HEELERS
There Will Be a Lul In the Municipal Campaign Until After Tuesdays Elections-The Mayoralty
 Candidates.


 As the hands on Birmingham's official watch reached the hour of 12 Saturday night there began to be a vacuum oc- casioned by the absence of booze-spirit- uous and malt liquors-which within the last twenty-four hours has grown to enormous dimensions, and by Wednesday morning this campaign-ridden city will have passed through a stage of total abstinence, so far as barroom drinking goes.
 The law which compels the closing of saloons on Sunday. also the twenty-four hours preceding the election, and on the day of election was framed before the or ganization of the Ancient Order of Ward Heelers and Scientific Grafters Other wise 1t is probable that no such law would exist.
 Experts say that persons not familiar with the art of drinking and the pleasure of gathering in the "workingman's club" as Bishop Potter has seen fit to call the saloon, cannot appreciate the appalling occasioned by three days of total abstinance in a city full of politicians. To some, it is said, that beer and booze are food as well as drink, and, as a Mississippi statesman once said, raiment too
 Bartenders Exclaimed.
 Promptly at 12 o'clock on Saturday ,.rrtt oil bor dt4fxr of tinna exclaimed to those assembled: "This is the last one before Wednesday morning, so you had better step lively" From all quarters a great rush was made to lean against the mahogany" and the clink- ing of the glasses was both merry and sad. It was several minutes before the true and tried could realize the extent of the blow which had befallen them. In a vague way they finally understood that there would be nothing doing" until early Wednesday morning. and many went home with mysterious bundles "Handle with care"
 Notwithstanding the fact that this ca lamity occurs every year or two, the tip piers always forget 1t and the blow Is Just as severe, or possibly a little worse, as time progresses.
 Next Wednesday.
 It is understood the bartenders are making extensive preparations to handle the expected rush on Wednesday morn ing. Guards will be stationed at the en- trance before daylight and will keep the dry ones" going so as to prevent a It Is further understood that on that day there will be no increase in the price.
 An indignation meeting was held by the Association of Heelers and Scientific irafters early yesterday morning, and 1t was decided unanimously to demand of he President and congress that no more elections be held on Tuesday. It seemed 0 be the general sentiment that the as- 'ociation as a compromise would be will ng to stand for Wednesday, or even Mon lay. as that would cause but a short break in the period of prohibition. A was also started to establish in Birmingham. These dis oensaries. however. are to be used only when the saloons are closed. The asso- ,iation also made arrangements to relieve the sufferers as much as possible by placing cidee on sale at various soft drink stands around town.
 Mayoralty Candidates.
 While they will keep open their head quarters and do little buttonhoing, just to keep the hang of 1t. the candidates for mayor in Birmingham will practically postpone operations for the next two days out of respect to the national elec- tion which will hold the boards tomorrow.
 Birmingham has given lltle attention to the national election so far in view of the exciting municipal contest in pro- gross just at this time. For this reason 1t has been decided that 1t would be noth- ing more than proper to allow the people two days in which to talk about President Roosevelt and Judge Parker. This conces- sion on the part of the candidates is re- garded as a very graceful act and will no doubt draw many needed votes.
 On the night of the election an operator and a telegraph instrument will be sta toned in the Simmons headquarters and persons who do go to the newspaper offices and other places where the re- turns are received can find comfortable place there to sit and hear the big re- turns reeled off while they wait.
 Municipal Primary.
 The municipal primary is now just two weeks off and after the national cam oaign has been disposed of the mayoralty candidates will get down to business and begin a renewed attack on the people of 
 Another graceful thing which has been lone by the candidates of Birmingham is he elimination of 'vox populi," "a sub criber" pro bono publico" and other uch distinguished writers from the public ,ress. It will be noticed that none of these ime honored scribes who sign their names to articles have been at work of ate. 'Pro and con" as firm are also nut of the campaign, though it is said hat "Con" is doing considerable work in- 
 The candidates have decided not to be- in making claims and giving out 'con- ervative estimates until next week. rour days before the election this bridle will have been removed and every candi- late will have a right to claim just as