Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1907-04-26
THE REFORMATION OF THE
SALOON.

necessity Tor reformation or the saloon
il it is to still live and have an exist
ence in the face of the widespread and
successful opposition now being waged
against the business in this country.
"The Reformation OF the Saloon" is an
interesting question. There are plenty
of people who think that the saloon
business could not possibly be reform
ed, that is, made respectable under any
circumstances. This is an extreme
view, and it never pays TO take extreme
positions on any question. The truth
generally lies between extremes. The
Anti-Saloon League has accomplished
great things by it's careful avoidance
OF extreme measures. Certain reforms
in the conduct of the saloon business
are possible and practicable, which if
adopted would go far towards remov-
ing the odium attached to the business.
Here are few plain suggestions:
The Liquor Dealers Association
should have higher standard of
morality and qualifications for those
who engage in the business. As in all
other vacations so in this, there are
men OF no character or principle at the
head OF the business. who have no
regard for decency, There are nota-
bis exceptions, and where these
exceptions are found the business is
considered in different light. The
charge has been frequently made that
there are no gentlemen or honest men
in the business. This is extreme and
fanatical. 1t is true, however, that
the saloon business has in it far too
many men who are INSCRIPTIONS, and
whose sole object seems TO be to get
all they can at whatever cost. A
reform" is needed and practical here.
Again if it is desirable to remove.the
odium ifpossible, it would help matters
considerably to refuse to allow crowds
to assemble in bar rooms. One OF the
chief sources of danger, disgrace and
crime attending the sale of liquor is
due to the size as well as the character
-~of the crowds allowed to congregate
there. All colors and characters
crowd in, treat and tank up, until often
the saloon is ver1table bedlam.
Noise, oaths, pistols and fights are
often the result. Quiet, temperate
men, who feel the need, perhaps, of a
stimulant, and who can control them
selves, shun these bar rooms often
because they do not care or are afraid
to, mix up with the crowds they will
find there. No business can ever
be made respectable OF reformed" in
which ladies cannot engage or FIRE.
quent, and until the character of the
crowds which congregate in saloons
are materially altered and reformed
the business will lack a long way OF
being as respectable as a large mum
Der of people no think it might be
The law now prohibits women anC
children from going into saloons.
Pool tables and bar rooms should be
separated. The two seem to go to
gether. From the bar to the poo
table and back again is short dis
tance. Between the two money j.
wasted; and worse than wasted
Young men are influenced and enticed
and here often start on the road tina
leads to ruin and the account is chang
ed up to the saloon.
Please understand: We are no
contending that the saloon business
can, might, could, would or Shout,
ever become entirely respectable, il
the usual acceptance Of the term. Blu
If this great and widespread bushes
is to continue to exist under the law
then 1t should be made as unobjec
tionable as possible.
Early closing hours, prescribed il
different cities, will help to reduce tn
evils Of the business.
A stricter police regulation, all cuI
tains and screens removed, and