New-York tribune., 1909-07-01
TENNESSEE GOES DRY
Liquor Passes at Midnight Am'd
ReUeIry-LegaL Test Begun.

Memphis June 90-BelIs in church and town clock
steeples tolling the midnight hour tonight
marked the passing of saloons in Tennessee for al
that hour the Holiday statewide prohibition law
went into effect
This law makes it Illegal to sell alcoholic bev-
erages within four miles of any schoolhouse In the
state. Only two places are left in all Tennessee.
Both within twelve miles Of Memphis. near
the Mississipp state line. The nearest school
house is six miles from both of these points. but
steps have already been taken by prohibitionsts TO
have the Shelby County Board Of Education erect
schoolhouse within the distance prescribed by the
Holiday law. so that there will he no Mecca in the
entire state for thirsty pilgrims Thousands Of men
thrown out of employment and barkeepers are
seeking better irrigated fields
The passing Of the saloon in Memphis and in
other cities throughout the state. according to ad-
vices received tonight Is marked by scenes Of
unusual hilarity The celebration started early to-
day and lasted until the moment Of closing. when
there was a rush TO buy one last farewell drink
the bar
Grogshops were crowded with lively jewellers
Extra police precautions were taken in Memphis
Mayor Maloney instructing the Chief of Police to
detail patrolman to every block wherein sit
uated a saloon. But II was, the main. a good
natured throng that indulged in a farewell rev
elry.
While this good fellowship Of tippers was in
progress prohibitionists held meetings Of reioic-
ing. Prayers were offered and hymns were sung
in the homes of the leading teetotalers
Many were or the opinion, and StlIl that
with the passing of the open saloon will come
reign Of blind tigers and social clubs where it
will be possible to assuage alcoholic thirst. but
Mayor Malone declared his intention of enforcing
the law throughout the city. and state officers
they will do the same IN every county.
In the preliminary skIrnlish of a legal battle
which It is declared IS destined for the highest
court in the land for final adjudication those Who
favor the continuance of the manufacture and sale
Of alcoholic beverages in Tennessee gained the ad-
vantage in the Issuance OF order by Chancellor
H. Dent Mentor tonight. which restralns tempo
rarily the enforcement Of the manufacture and
sales Of the recent Legislature, the latter of
which into effect midnight tonight, so far
it will interfere with the operation Of the Ten
nessee Brewing Companvs plant and business in
this city
The order Of the Chancellor came in answer 70
petition of the majority stockholders Of the brew
ing COMPANY. which seeks 10 enjoin permanently
state and county officials from the enforcement Of
the law because they declare II is unconstitutional
and would cause irreparable loss in profits
President Schorr Of the company IS made party
70 the suit because ot his expressed determination
10 discontinue TO manufacture beverages that con
tain any alcohol The restraining order vii he IN
effect until July 5. when arguments as "a the per
rlanent Injunction viii be heard
While the stockholders Of the local company
alone appear plaintiffs 70 the suit the issue, It
IS understood will he made test of the prohihi-
tlon law generally
The law m prohibit the manufacture Of liquors
does not become operative until January l. six
months more time having heen given the brewers
and distiers than was sven the retailers by the
legislators
In Chattanooga and Memphis. f. is understood.
suits will he brought by retail dealers as wei
as by manufacturers and wholesalers
General Jefferson McCarr. Attorney General OF
Davidson County takes the position that liquors
cannot ba sold n Tennessee after midnight to-
night either ar wholesale OF retail. He saws that
his once will vigorously prosecute all violators-