The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-08-28
SALOONS MUST CLOSE
PART OF LABOR DAY

The saloons In this city Will be closed
on Labor Day until o'clock. and may be
opened after that hour at the option OF
the proprietors, the police commissioners
decided after a lively hearing held on the
question OF all-day closing yesterday af-
ternoon-
The hearing was on the petition Of the
Central Trades and Labor Union that the
board order the saloons to be closed all
day. and their petition was warmly ad-
vocated by Business Agent Thomas F.
kearney.
The liquor men were represented by
George Taft and w. F. Names, who pre-
sented a petition signed by 70 per cent
Of the Bartenders' union, certifying to
willingness to work all day on Labor
Day. countering Mr.. Kearneys petition
for closing, and assailed Mr.. Kearney' s
sincerity in advocating closing as a BEN
eft to- the cause of organized labor. Mr..
TO Mr.. Maines' petition scrutinized. chal-
lenging their genuineness.
Mr.. Maines said that the signatures
were not obtained by intimidation.
The liquor dealers representatives
showed the board that IL the saloons
were closed on Labor Day the profits OF
one of the best business days of the
whole year would be lost, and the deal
ers would be inconvenienced to a large
degree.
Thomas r. Kearney, representing the
Central Trades Union,. the Providence
Building Trades council and the Rartend-
ers' union, read statement in which
was presented the reason why the police
commissioners should direct that the IL
censed liquor saloons be closed all day on
Labor Day.
John II. Cook advocated closing the sa-
looms as representative of the Provi-
dence Building Trades council.
Mr.. Names fatty questioned Mr.. Kear-
ney's sincerity. asserting that as a MEM
hnlqp q N n Mr
Kearney had been most active in attempt
Ing to obtain the enactment of such legis-
lation as would be detrimental to the in
terests OF the liquor dealers. He remem-
bered. he said, when Mr.. Cook spoke upon
the same platform with Emma Goldman,
whom the police drove from the city.
IT am proud OF it." said Mr.. Cook
Mr. Kearney denied that he had been
over-active in obtaining legislation op-
pressive to the liquor business and said
that II was hopeful sign when the bars
OF this city were run as union shops, with
union men, hours and wages. II this con-
dition could be found with a myth, then
the signs were indeed propitious.
Mr.. Kearney said that about $4,000 was
expended every year In making the ar
rangements for the observance OF Labor
day a success and II was the desire of all
the labor organizations that the members
OF the Bartenders union should turn out
with them.
Mr. Kearney told the members of the
board TO scrutinize the signatures on the
petition presented by Mr.. Names, alleg-
ing that considerable number of the
signers were not residents OF Providence.
Mr. Names declared that every man
signing the petition he had presented was
q bona fide resident OF and employed In
this city. He asserted that the Barten-
ders' union had not held a meeting in the
last six months, hence there was no sub
stantial backing OF the counter petition
for all-day closing.
Mr.. Kearney said that the Bartenders'
union held n melting on Aug. IL, at which
action was taken favoring the all-day
closing movement.
Chairman Luther, acting upon sug-
gestion by Mr.. Kearney. sent Patrolman
Feeley to the Labor Temple, 90 procure
the books OF the secretary OF the Barten-
ders union whose business agent, Mr..
Agnew, returned with the officer and
Mr.. Agnew said that the secretary was
not In the building, but from personal
knowledge he stated that the meeting re-
ferred 10 by Mr.. Kearney was actually
held on Aug. II and II was attended by at
least 80 members, who voted unanimously