Elk City mining news. (Elk City, Idaho) 1903-1913, 1907-03-23
IDAHO'S NEW LIQUOR LAW.

1t is matter to be regretted by all
thoughtful citizens of the state that the
legislature that has just adjourned was
not able to agree upon liquor law that
would be a benefit to Idaho, rather than
detriment, after all the time and eff
fort that was devoted to the matter.
The proceedings of the lawmakers show
that there were members who were
willing to profit by the experiences of
other states in their endeavors to legis-
late the liquor evil out of existence, but
it appears the wise ones were enough in
the minority that the wish of the re-
formers was accomplished.
The principal provision of the bill is a
a straight license of $3.50 for every sa-
loon, of whatever grade, in the state.
Heretofore there has been a graduated
system, from 500 to $500, and then to
$500. The bill was at one time passed
with a graduated scale, providing $500
license for precincts or subdivisions
under $50 voters; $500 up to 400 voters,
and $3.50 above 400 voters. At the time
this amendment was agreed to-which
was after the bill had been recommend
ed to the house from the committee of
the whole, with a straight license fee
of $750-another amendment was made
requiring the county commissioners to
refuse to grant license in precincts
where majority of the voters petit
toned against it. Later, this amended
bill was returned to the committee of
the whole, the petition provision was
stricken out, and the straight license
fee restored. Some amending was done
in the senate, but nothing affecting the
general provisions of the bill.
Besides the license fee, the measure
requires bond of $4,000 before license
can be issued. This bond may be col
lected in case of p ose ii ms arising
out of misconduct or illegal selling of
liquor. The commissioners may refuse
to grant license with or without cause,
wherever in their judgment it shall not
serve the best interests of the people of
the community. The old law did not
make it optional with the commission
ers, who were obliged to issue the
license if accompanied by the money.
Licenses may be revoked upon sufficient
complaint against the hcensee of keep
ing disorderly house.
An emergency clause was attached to
the original bill, making it effective i'm
mediately upon the governors sigma
ture, but this was stricken off, and the
bill will now have GO days after his
signature before it becomes law.
Idaho win require little experience
in liquor laws before it will learn that a
moderate state license with the privi-
lege of the communities to estai fish
the saloon and regulate it according to
existing conditions is the best method
to date in contro Ing the liquor traffic
Some of the members of the Idaho
legislature are familiar with the laws
in other states, which have proven gooc,
but it appears Idaho in spite of their
counsel, is TO suffer from new expert
ment.
Under the new law prohibition VIII be
established at all roao houses and in the
small places in the mountains. Hotels
will either have to go out of business
entirely or conduct 'cold water joints. -
If these road houses go out of business
it viii retard the settling up of the ir.-
terror of the state. The new laws
tendency is to centralize business in the
rger communities, as similar laws
lave done in Maine, Iowa and Kansas.
Mere liquor will be consumed than be-
fore, because drinkers living in towns