The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-06-30
RABBIT FOOT DIVE
 IS IN QUESTION
Mayor Ward Writes About It
 to Police Commission
HE TALKS VERY PLAINLY
It Is Charged That Policemen Who Go to This Saloon on Duty Are lntim- dated and Threatened With
 Commissions DsfaVor.

The Rabbit Foot Saloon" at the corner of Morris avenue and Twenty-fourth street is again in the eye of the police and executive departments of the city.
 In letter to Thomas F. Parker chair man of the Board of Police Commissioners yesterday morning Mayor Ward makes some rather sensational charges against the proprietors of this place, one of whom is said to be George c. Phillips, mem- ber of the Board of Police Commissioners.
 It is charged in the Mayors letter to Chairman Parker that police officers in the discharge of their duty have been intimidated and given to understand that the displeasure of the police commission will be incurred if they interfere with the management of the saloon which is described by the Mayor as 'the most disreputable dive in the city of Bir- mingham."
 The police have had trouble with this saloon before, it is alleged, and the Mayor seems desirous of either forcing it to the strict observance of the citys ordinances or having the license revoked
 Some weeks ago. after the police force had been instructed to enforce the law against the playing of all musical in- struments in saloons Lieutenant Eagan discovered a piano in stable adjoining the Rabbit Foot Saloon arranged in such a manner that the music reached the saloon and yet was not located in the saloon This was ruled by Judge Feagin to be clear attempt to evade the law and the police were ordered to arrest the proprietor of the place and the person playing the instrument if 1t was re- peated.
 It is also stated that Alderman Heidt also called upon George Phillips and not flied him that if such attempts to evade the law were not stopped his license would be revoked. It is said that Mr. Phillips promised to comply with the law and the orders of the police department Following is the letter addressed to Chairman Thomas F. Parker, from the Mayors office yesterday;
 June 2S 1905 Hon. Thomas F. Parker, Chalrmah To- lice Commission. City,
 "Dear Sir:-You attention is respectful ly called to the Rabbit Foot saloon on the corner of Morris avenue and Twenty fourth street. 1t is partly owned by Po- lice Commissioner George c. Philips and evidently operated under his pro- lection.
 q am informed that policemen on this beat, and others sent there on special missions from time to time, are harassed intimidated and given to understand that the displeasure of the police commission will be incurred if they do not Keep away. The appearance of an officer seems to spread consternation among the cus- toners.
 "I trust that you will set an inyesti- gation on foot and bring out the facts in the case both for the protection of .he policemen who do their duty, and still wish to keep their positions, and for the of the board when determin- ing whether or not the license of this sa- loon should be revoked.
 q feel sure that the police commission will be glad of an opportunity to divest itself of any connection with what is rapidly becoming known as the most dis reputable dive in the city of Brming- ham.
 "Trusting this matter will have prompt attention, l am very truly,
 GEORGE B. WARD,
 Mayor" A special meeting of the board of police commissioners has been called for Monday evening, July 3, and this letter will prob ably be considered.