The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-12-03

!. @zxS g 6Qzf $ ,1ZZzzz2z2sI.
inent that this element was endeavor-
ing to gain control of the city govern
ment was denied. Agitation OF the
/ liquor question generally is deplored
and the absence Of crime here is used
as all argument that there is no demand
| for Interference. The statement fol-
lows:
TO tic Citizens of Richmond.
TN view OF the recent attacks by
the Anti-saloon League in particular.
and by some of their converts, OH the
citizens OF Richmond who are engaged
In the sale of spirituons and malt H.
quors the liquor dealers. OF Richmond
/ feel that 1t Is only fair to let the
public. understand their position in re-
gard to the recent agitation affecting
their business.
We have lad nc, desire to enter
or otherwise but 1t now seems that we
are compelled to take some notice OF
/ the unfair and untruthful statements
which are being used against us; we
shall not be drawn into n discussion
OF the local option or prohibition move
ments, but we do wish as briefly as
possible to take notice OF the recent
statement which has becnS sent out
by some OF the clergy Of this city
to the effect that the liquor dealers
are trying to get control of the mu-
nicipal government. 1t is positively q
fact, and some OF our newspapers bear
us out in this assertion. that the liquor
years have absolutely taken no part in
the politics OF this city; on the con-
trary. they have been exceedingly
quiet. only , saersising their right Of
and as long as there was no direct
agitation which threatened to wipe
them ont OF existence they have re-
ained quiet
1T is perfectly natural. however. to;
all fair thinking people that the liquor
dealers would naturally be interested
at this particular moment in the pres
CREATION Of their business. which means
their livelihood etc.
The contemplated law as embodied
In the Umlauf and Dabney ordinances
specincally sets forth that no citizen
can be granted a li>uor license unless
he is voter. IT matters not whether
residential section of the city or not.
unless h has paid his poll taxes lie
cannot be granted a license for the
condct OF this business.
Again 1t goes further and says that
ne cannot employ any one as his bar
tender. or any person In any other ca
pacity, to serve liquors, who has not
paid his poll taxes to the city and
"In view of the above facts Is q
at all surprising that the liquor deal
ers and those men employed by them
should realize the necessity OF paving
pom taxes? Whether either the Dab
ney or Umauf ordinances become
law CT not these people are only do
ms what all good citizens have from
time to time been urged by the press
ana others TO do. and we respectfully
sE3n.it that we cannot see that in
doing this the liquor dealers should
Dc criticized and accused ~ tc
get control nf the city government.
Such an argument is like many tina,
arc advanced by the anti-saloon PEG.
used to unjustiy prejudice people
against those who are erga ged in the
liquor business.
we regret TO see that politics are
being 50 mixed with the church, but
The liquor dealers have always been
and are now a Godfearins and law.
aiding people: many OF them are
tainly ali Of them have the Highest hes
regard for religion and the welfare OF
the community.
1T is NOT our intention at this time
20 argue either the Dabney or Cmlauf
proposed ordinances but We feel that
citizens Of Richmond that the Anti
:. .oon League, " hich Is more or less
back Of these agitations against the
liquor business, is managed by saa-
ried r1en' who are well paid to con.
we dare say that IL they were not SO
Well recompensed they would not be
SO aggressive. Surely the liquor deal.
ers OF Richmond are making their plea
not through any paid party or par
ties.
ANY person who viii stop long
enough to think will agree that any
agitation which affects any branch OF
business Is III advised at this time. The
country at large Is Just In the midst.
| i, might be said. OF a financial panic,
and above all things this Is the time
| FOR all citizens to help one another
rather than disrupt any branch or
| busiress.
This agitation against the liquor
( business is. Very far-reaching; it puts
Eout Of business some Of the most re-
spected citizens CT this community,
| FOR lifetime. many having succeeded
! to tho business left them by their faith
ers, and y, therefore, dcprives families
of the means OF support 1t is a WELL
IN any one line Of business fifteen or
twenty years is practically unfit to
take up a new business at the age
| or life Of many who wouldS be denied
! license on account OF this sort OF legls.
jlation.
Would Suffer Greatly.
Again, every wholesaler doing bust.
Ness in this community would suffer
greatly in loss OF accounts that We're
/ made in the belief that they We're and
i would bf properly and fairly consider
ed By the community at large. The
| people Of Rirhmcnd should think So
ibefly. and fairly over any Legislation
which would .vltally affect her tax
paying citizens. The laws of this State
| nre recognized far and near as throw
4 Ing every safeguard around the regu-
lation Of the liquor traffic. and as these
avs now stand the police OF this city
land the citiz.ns OF any community
thave 1t In their power to close any
/ liquor establishment that is conducted
7 In disorderly manner or not wanted
in such q community.
Oar Judge of the Hastings Cont
it,ts i titilsd q dsnr license to Al,
ts3cc on ctla9ns, ii such opposition wus
4 bnsed on good reasons.
I've snbmii tliq above 10 tins con-
35sllerauan Of the conservative people
afat,f m N,h Il,