Los Angeles herald., 1908-09-18
CLUBS UNITING
TO SHOW FIGHT
ONLY UNION LEAGUE CLOSES
BUFFET
EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO HAVE
LAW CHANGED
Joseph Scott Makes Statement Re-
garding Stand Taken by organiza-
tions in Controversy with
Prosecutor
tcoptlnued from pare one,

responsibility of bearing the expense of
this entire litigation, and 1t was ex-
pected on both sides that the case
would be appealed, whether the judg-
ment was in favor of the club or not
consequently, when Judge Rose
rendered the decision in favor of the
clubs position. it did not interfere with
the prosecution of the Gunner suit,
which was ably presented to the SUI
perior court, as is evidenced by the de-
cision of Judge Ewing. L still main
tain that was the fairest and most rea-
sonable solution of the question. II any
criminal proceeding had to be institute
ed the prosecuting attorney had his
remedy in bringing criminal proceed
ings against the club as a corporation,
similarly to the suits being instituted
in federal courts against railroad COM
panies and others.
HE has, however, preferred the
course of arresting the officers of the
California and Jonathan clubs. If he
is correctly quoted in this mornings
paper. he is now viewing with some
complacency the thought of making
raids and other maneuvers' to divert
us from our determination to try this
case purely and squarely on the merits
before the supreme court, but we shall
try and reach the highest tribunal in
this state in spite of such distractions,
feeling sure that with such competent
and capable attorneys representing both
sides of this controversy, we can at
least obtain a speedy and definite de-
cision."
Secretary Gregory's View
Secretary Gregory of the Union
League club said:
Immediately upon reading the de-
s-i1 Il hAly fne hn
social clubs fall within the meaning of
the ordinance against the sale of
liquors, called a meeting of the board
of directors of the Union League and
we unanimously decided to close our
buffet until the question of our legal
status shall be finally determined by
the courts. We do not concede that we
are violating the law. On the contrary
we believe that IL the question is car
ried to the supreme court of the United
States, as of course 1t will be, the de-
cision will be that social clubs are not
included in the inhibition of the law.
Personally, have always contended
that the courts should inquire into the
intent or purpose of bona fide social
clubs in providing liquors for their
members, and if it be found that such
organizations are acting in good faith
and are not being conducted as a means
of evading the law against conducting
the business of selling liquor without
a license, they, the courts, should de-
clare the immunity of such organiza-
tions from the operation of such laws.
But the construction placed upon the
law by Judge Ewing holds otherwise,
and until his decision is reversed we
must accept his views as the law of
our city, and submit to the same with
such degree of cheerfulnesS as we can
command, if we are not to subject our
selves to the charge of wilfully violat-
ing or evading the law, and this the
members of the Union League do not
intend to do.
1--WE fully realize the necessity for all
patriotic citizens to obey the laws-all
the laws-Whether or not it is pleasant
to do so, until the judicial branch of
our government, created for that pur-
pose, shall determine whether we are
exempt from their operation.
1--WE have therefore closed our buffet
so far as the sale of intoxicating liquors
is concerned, though we shall still dis
pense soft drinks and Notwithstanding
beverages to such of our members as
want them"
Hewitt Cites Decision
City Attorney Leslie R. Hewitt said
last night:
In twenty-five states supreme courts
have rendered decisions in harmony
with what has just been handed down
in California.
Hence we feel no uneasiness over
the results in Los Angeles.
"If the city council wishes now to
pass a law granting special club Ii
censes, that is the privilege of the
councilmen. We have dealt with the
law only
Mayor A. c. Harper said last night:
"As / understand it, we now have
conflicting opinions from high courts.
II suppose the case VIII be carried
higher but I do not know.
Il notice the Union League club has
decided to abolish its buffet, but
have not heard directly from the prose-
cutting attorneys office lately"