Sistersville daily oil review. [volume] (Sistersville, W. Va.) 1902-1905, 1905-01-06
ObedinCe In
sisted Upon
Snecial TO The Oil Review.

Charleston, w. Va, Jan. g.
Proceedings have been instituted
by Tax Commissioner G. W. Dill
lon to recover back license money
from the domestic and foreign
breweries and distilleries doing
business in West Virginia. This
action, which will naturally pro-
woke the biggest sensation known
in the liquor business in this
State for years, is based on the
recent Supreme court decision
which held that a manufacturers
license for the county in which
the brewery or distillery was 10
Gated, did not imply the right to
maintain cold storage houses, sub
stations or distributing agencies
in quantities large and small.
Furthermore, where, it is alleged,
the agencies of these breweries
have sold beer in retail lots, or
agencies of distilleries sold whls-
key the same way, they are liable
also for the failure to take out
retailers licenses in the several
counties in which such business
was engaged in.
The somewhat astounding reve-
lation discloses also that the IL
uuor manufacturers are held liza
bic for five years back. The ag-
gregate amount of money they are
obligated to pay may reach $780,
900. and of this sum the Wheel
ING breweries, from information
on hand. may have to contribute
at least $4,000.
The situation, which was
brought to focus by the SUI
preme court decision in the case
Of the State VS.. the Schmulbach
Brewing company, originating IN
Wood county, affects not only the
West Virginia concerns, but those
in Cincinnati and other cities
which maintain agencies in this
State and have taken OUT only a
wholesalers license for the coun-
ty in which the agency was To-
Gated, regardless Of the other
counties to which they catered.
For instance, one Of the Wheeling
breweries, with only one whole
salers' license for Ohio county,
operates a dozen or more dlstrlb-
uting agencies at as many points
in the State, and not only has not
been taking out a wholesalers IL
cense for each separate agency,
but in many cases has been selling
at retail, which Provokes the dou-
bic obligation of wholesale and
retail licenses. Still another I'M
portant phase is the fact that the
derelict breweries and distillerieS
have been selling their product IN
local option or Prohibition cOun-
ties through these distributing
agencies, partaking Of the speak
easy feature.
Tax Commissioner Dillon today
stated the conduct of the States
case against the violators had
been turned over to Attorney S.
G. Smith of Wheeling, by the di-
rection of Gov. White and him
self and with the knowledge and
consent of the Auditor, all these
officials being interested in the
enforcement Of tax laws.
"The matter has been fully con-
sidered," said Mr.. Dillon, land
the laws of the State must be
observed. Right now the viola
tons are in progress in view OF
the clear-cut exposition laid down
by the Court of Appeals. All the
liuuor manufacturers must take
ont wholesalers licenses for this
year for each county in which
they do business. The manufac-
trlrers' license merely gives them
the right to brew or distill. TO
conduct the business Of wholesale
liquor dealers in the various
counties a wholesale license is re-
CURED. For their failure to do
this we can proceed against them
g. tLo e,,o y-oors ,orooodiup 1908