The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1909-02-18
RESOLUTION NO JOKE
SAYS Mr.. CURTIS
TELLS SALOON MEN LAWS
MUST BE LIVED UP TO
STRICTLY.

Editor Astorian:--
Considerable comment has been
made relative to the resolution intro
duced by myself requesting the Chief
Of Police and the police officers to
enforce the laws relative to keeping
saloons open on Sunday and sup
pressing gambling, with the intima-
ton, that il was only joke. II the
resolution had cmanated from any
other member Of the council pre-
sumo It would be taken to mean what
Il imuplies. Permit me 70 say, that
the resolution was introduced with
honest motives and the best inten-
tions, with a determination on the
part Of myself and the Common
Council to insist that its provisions
be strictly enforced
While have been the attorney for
many saloon men in Astoria and
have often been successful with their
cases il does not signify that ! am
in duty bound to uphold every infrac.
ton Of the law by the saloon men. II
is true, | have been their friend, when
employed. but not TO the extent Of
condoning any overt acts committed
by them. The object OF the resoiu.
ton was for the benefit OF the men
engaged in the saloon business, 10 the
end, that ceaseless agitation over
selling liquors contrary to law might
be obyiated and the gentlemen en-
gagged in the business brought to a
realizing sense Of their obligations to
observe all the laws of the State and
ordinances Of the city. The saloon
business, to a certain extent. can be
made as honorable as any other busi-
ness. and il is up to the saloon men
to see that il is.
The trouble is, that heretofore sa-
loon men have been granted too
many privileges and concessions, ow-
ing to lax enforcement of the laws,
In no other city on the coast is the
license as low as in Astoria. Up to a
short time ago, the city was wide
open" The saloon men were grant
ed certain concessions not warranted
by the laws or ordinances, until they
believed they were immune. If the
saloon men OF Astoria will strictly
observe the laws and ordinances
there will never be any danger OF any
local option election. All law-abiding
citizens desire is, that the saloon men
observe the laws. This they are in
duty bound to do without the pass
age of any resolutions or ordinances
by the common council
IT. however, the saloon men refuse
10 close their places Of business on
Sunday, and if gambling is permitted
to be carried on, it is up to the com
mon council to enact necessary legis-
lation TO prohibit it, believe every
member of the police force will carry
out the instructions Of the common
council, 1t is not the desire to take
away any Of the powers OF the police
commission, which is composed Of
honorable gentlemen, but there is a
general desire on the part of a large
majority Of the citizens that the laws
be enforced. If the police officers re-
fuse to carry out the exposed will
of the common council, then, either
the police officers or the saloon men
must suffer
If the saloon men refuse to obey
the laws, then it is within the prov
ince Of the common council to in
crease the liquor license from $400
per year to $500 per year or more,
and this will be the inevitable result,
1t is not the desire Of any member Of
the council to impose unjust restric-
tions upon the sale Of Intoxicating
liquors, but as they are the represen-
tative governing body Of the people,
it is their duty to see that the laws
Fine Bill At The Grand.