The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-12-19
XMAS CLOSING
THRESHED OUT

Chairman William II. Luther and Col
Harold ]. Gress. the two governing mem
bers OF the police commission. after
public hearing yesterday afternoon on the
question of closing the city's liquor sa-
looms on Christmas day, reserved their de-
cision, possibly until they hear from Com
missioner Lewis j. Pierce, who did not at
tend the meeting.
The only opposition expressed to the
closing movement came from the Retail
Liquor Dealers association, which repre-
sents less than half of the licensed sa-
looms
Phlip Agnew. business agent OF the
Bartenders' union, said that IL seemed to
the bartenders that Christmas day, or all
days i'm the. year, should be the one on
which the bartenders ought TO be allowed
TO be at home with their families. The
Liquor Dealers association controlled
hardly half the trade. and consequently IL
they were to grant the request for closing
they could not legisate regarding the sa-
looms outside OF the association.
George Il. Brady, president OF the Cen
trail Trades and Labor union. also made a
pointed address i'm favor OF the movement.
Mr.. Luther asked II the bartendcrs ex-
pected TO get pay for Christmas day III the
saloons were closed
mo, sir" answered Mr.. Agnew.
Speaking for the liquor dealers William
l.. Names said: "lf this closing movement
were To be a benefit TO the community. |
don't question but what 90 per cent OF our
members would close, whether ordered by
the commissioners or not II is a fact,
however, that II the people can't get their
Iauor I'm saloons here they will go TO the
drug stores. where they can get all they
want they'll go to unlicensed places and
they'll go TO East Providence and Paw
tucket"
f. Il. Corbett. who represented the Ed
mands Prohibition alliance, said: 1T
seems TO be a question Of money only.
when the liquor dealers deplore the fact
that their trade will go over To Pawtuck-
ct and East Providence"
That's what we pay for" broke in Mr.
Maines
Col. Gross: Il think the board mast rule
that there zoe no interruptions"
I'VE are not here to discuss the moral
question OF the saloon said William F..
Doyle Of the Retail Liquor Dealers COM
mittee. The Prohibltionists would close
us the year round IL they want law
that will be just let them go to tho legis-
lature. We are licensed by this board to
operate our saloons and we are here sim
ply TO oppose the closing OF them on
day when IL means much To US TO have
them remain open"
Mr.. Doyle added that he and his col
leagues represented only the Retail
Liquor Dealers association, and not the
outside dealers.
w H. Johnson. speaking for the Central
Trades and Labor union. made a strong
appeal 10 the board 20 order the saloons
closed and to the liquor dealers to join
IN the movement
Rev. George w Kent OF tho Rhode Is.
land Temperance league said he was not
one OF those for a moment who would ad-
vocate closing the saloons and not provid.
ing n suitable place for tho workingman
who NAV not have the happiest of home
surroundings THE movement Is grow
ing he said. "aud must win In the end
"Why not give way now" addressing
the liauor dealers directlyD. why not
abroepte a little In this movement that
draws MS all together and makes Ne all
kin ] believe YOU. gentlemen, will have
60 lose some Of your gains by this step.
bat what " you do7 Every storekeeper
loces trade nv keeping his place closel
Christmas day / expect the bsrtcnders
will want 90 get their salaries and | ex-
pect the liquor dealers will give them
the money as a sort of Christmas box"
Peter T. Bowen OF the Bartenders' union
said that the movement was tho result of
a general vote by tho union at a very
large meeting
John r Hayes Of tho Bsrtenders' union
said hc hoped that friendly spirit would
prevail and 10 hard feelings would be
George A. Tart. speaking for tho deal
crg said. I'D be willing 10 he' that all