The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-02-12
FOR DISPENSARY INQUIRY.
Prohibitionists Want County Dispen-
sary Shops Neutrality-suspicious.
Resolution Introduced.

Columbia, February 3.-The intro
duction of tine bill to provide for the
investigation of the several county
dispensalies has been discussed gener
ally this afternoon among the mem
bers of the house and senate. That
it was partly aimed at Charleston was
the impression gathered from a read
ing of the bill. In this connection
Senator Otis this evening gave out an
interview on the situation. Mr.. Otis
said: "But for the publication as to
the Charleston beer purchases 1t is
probable that the bills would not have
been presented until after the vote on
Statewide prohibition and referen-
dunn bills. The bill is not aimed at
the Charleston situation exclusively.
There are Other counties in which
there will be more startling develop
ments than the Charleston beer situa-
tom
In Saying this Senator Otis remark
ed: II do mott think the explanation
of Chairman Rutledge explains any
thing, but rather it seems to me to be
confession without being all avoid
ance.'
It was suggested that certain se!la-
tors would take the position, that
these dispensaries were now county
institutions, and the State had no
right 10 interfere, or investigate them.
Senator Otis replied: "That argu-
eent may do to base "a 'fillbuster'
upon, but it is both against the law
and the facts. The Carey- Cothran Act
expressly licensed the county dispen-
saries. They are also subject to in
spection by the dispensary auditor,
and are the creations of the General
assembly. If any of them have not
violated the law the Investigations can
not injure them. But on the other
hand. after such an investigation the
dispensaries Will have clean bill Of
health, if they have obeyed the law.
I realize that those who propose such
AN investigation must make 1t good.
IF not it wall be a backSet for the
cause of prohibition. The prohlbl-
tioaiAts for this reason had to be sure
of their grounds. I hope the bills can
be passed this week, and that the
present session of the general assem-
bly, WILL have the benefit Of some facts
which canbe laid before ut in a few
DAYS, but I realize that this is hard
ly possible, amless we remain in ses-
sion beyond the forty-day limit.
$50 far as I ann concerned / shall
vote against any adjournment until
the important bills relating to insur-
ance, compulsory education, Lien law
and prohibition are acted upon There
may be politicians who would be glad
to see nothing done this session so far
as the liquor question IS concerned.
This would leave it to them as a hob
by in the next campaign. I am op-
posed to such a lodging of response
bility, as well as to leaving it for an
issue. If this general assembly will
not assume the responsibility of
adopting Statewide prohibition,
which I shall insist upon. they can
not do less than submit it to the vot-
ers at a special election next August.
This would be- cutting the ground
from under the feet of the politicians,
who, it seems to me, are trying to save
ut for an issue in 1910. The State
prohihtionists, who are for action at
this session, are not open to the
charge. y
The statement Of Senator Otis rs
very interesting, as it at once states
the position of the prohibtionists on
this matter, and also seems to lndl-
cate that the investigation will bring
forth some starthng revelations IN re-
gand to the county dispensaries.
The bill is as follows, introduced In
the senate by Senator Otis, and in the
house by AA.. Nicholson, of Green
wood,
- The Bill.
A bill TO provide for the inveStlga-
ion of the several county dispensar-
-es, and the business of all persons,
firms and corporations licensed to
bottle OF manufacture beverages con-
tanning alcohol.
Section l. That JOINT committee,
consisting Of two sen:itors and iouW
members o. the house of representa-
tives be appointed by the presiding