The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-02-16

en- up II the Order 4calleo LOT ny ME-.
Helmick, and his amendments were
adopted and the bills favorably report
ed without opposition.
Talk Of Open Saloons.
Open saloons under a state "mulct'
toxicating liquors is in any way legal
tax Is the extraordinary plan proposed
IN bill introduced in the house OF
w. Nj. Chatter, representative from
Barton county.
Mr.. Chattens county is able to
hand out $500 majority against pro-
hibition any time it is wanted, and SO
Chatten is justified in presenting bill
Of this kind
The evident purpose of the bill is to
PROVIDE for a very strict licensed sa-
loon system in those cities of Kansas
which desire saloons.
1t is provided in. the bill that all re-
Iaiiers OF Intoxicating liquor must pay
$500 year as a ''mulct" tax. The
names Of saloons are collected by the
county assessors, and the "mulct" is
paid quarterly to the county treasurer.
One-half of the "mulcr' goes into the
general county fund; the other half
goes to the township or municipality
paid to township tTeasurers is to be
used for improving the roads.
There is nothing in the law to in
dictate what chance the law would
the prohibitory amendment is in the
constitution, though this provision is
contained in the bill:
Nothing contained in this chapter
SO far as it relates to the mulct tax
shall be in any way. construed to mean
that the business of the sale of in
lied, nor as a license. nor shall the
assessment or payment of any tax for
the sale of liquors as aforesaid protect
the wrong coer from any penalty now
provided by law except as provided in
the next section.
In any city, including cities acting
under special charters. of 5000 or
more Inhabitants, no proceeding shall
pc maintained against any person who
has paid the last preceding quarterly
assessment of mulct tax. nor against
any premises as a nuisance on account
of the selling or keeping for sale
therein or thereon, by such person. of
such liquors, provided the following
conditions are complied with; In any
city of over 1900 and less than 5000
inhabitants, when a written statement
of consent that Intoxicating liquors
may be sold in such city, signed by 80
per cent of the voters residing in such
city, voting therein at the last pre-
ceding election, as shown by the poll
list of said election, shall have been
filed with the county clerk, and shall
by the board of county commissioners
at a regular meeting have been held
sufficient. and its finding entered OF
record, which statement when thus
found sufficient shall be effectual for
the purpose herein contemplated"
The section goes on to state that the
person paying the tax must present
resolution of consent from the city
council and a consent from persons
living within fifty feet of the place
where the saloon is to be located. The
bill prohibits running a saloon within
800 feet of any church, school house
or cemetery or within half mile OF
any agricultural fair. He must also
file bond for $4,000. The bar must
be in plain sight, with no screens.
III. ,,.,s,,
or dancing; no obscene decorations,
no women. nor shall the place be
open between 10 p. m. and p. M, nor
on Sundays or legal holidays.
No liquor can be sold to a drunkard
or intoxicated person, or to any one
who has ever taken a socalled cure
for. drunkenness, Nor can any sales
be made to any person whose wife.
husband, parent, child, brother sister,
guardian, ward over Ia years of age,
or employer, shalFsby written notice
forbid such sales. ~ 1858. =
1t is provided that whenever any of
the conditions are violated, or VIII en-
ever the council may so direct, or
whenever a majority of the voters
shall sign a petition the saloons must
go. D.
1t is provided further that the as
sessment and taxation of the mulct
tax shall not be used as evidence
against anybody for violation of the
prohibitory law.
Mr.. Chatter says the bill was writ
ten by Barton county parties and sent
to him, and that he introduced it SIM
ply for what it is worth.