New-York tribune., 1909-08-31

Long Island Preacher Principal
Speaker at annual Convention.

The Rev w. A. WATSON. of Riverhead Long
Island was one of the principal speakers at the
twenty-seyenth annual convention of the Wine.
Liquor and Beer Dealers Association, which
opened yesterday at the Lexington Opera House,
ssth street, near Third avenue. Mr.. Wasson main
tained that prohibition is not true temperance
He said he believed in liberal excise law, and
that the keeper OF respectable saloon VINO
refuses 70 sell TO the drunkard wEs or material
value In establishing real temperance Men who
are conducting a legitimate liquor business he
said, ought TO be on the same commercial footing
the grocer drygoods dealer. Mr.. Wasson ad-
vocated the Joint action OF the clergy and the
liquor dealers in wiping out vicious places
Acting Mayor MCGOWAN welcomed the six hun
dred delegates. and aroused considerable enthusi-
asn by asserting that there were no dives I'm New
York City.
Addresses were also made by C. ]. Reilly. presi-
dent OF the central association: NJ f. Farley. state
president; William Foster. general solicitor of the
Brewers Association and T. McDonoush. presi-
dent OF the National Liquor League All the
speakers favored a rigid enforcement OF the law
and asked that the members OF the association aid
the police. clergymen. brewers and wholesalers In
stamping vice in the retail liquor trade
Mr. McDonough, In his remarks. confessed to the
convention that no had violated the excise law In
his town. Cleveland. He told how he started ou:
in the liquor business by closing every Sunday.
but was compelled to open after a year because
the business men in his neighbor hood demanded 1t.
Anti-saloon Leagu In the West and OF the havoc
II was causing in the trade. He said that SO per
cent OF the members Of that organization were
honest, right minded men and women who were
doing good The other per cent. however. he de-
nounced as grafters. who had Joined the organiza-
ton for financial consideration. This class. Mr.
McDonough said. composed of lawyers and
preachers who made failures in their professions.
feature OF the convention which attracted
much attention a reproduction OF the liquor
license Issued to William f. Berry and Abraham
Lincoln on March g. 1893. TO run tavern in New
Salem. Sansanon County. ILL., The license 'or-
dered" that william +. Berry. In the name OF
Berry Lincoln have license 10 keep a tavern
in New Salem, TO continue twelve months from
date Ind that he pay 81 in addition to Sc hereto
fore paid per treasury receipt. The license also
stated at what prices the liquors should be sold.
Some OF the prices listed were: French brandy. 2
cents a pint: peach brandy 1sL cents: Holland
gin. lsa cents wine, % cents and whskey, 12li
cents. Breakfast dinner supper could be had
for 25 cents. and lodging for the night r l2ii
cents
At the convention letter was read from r. ].
Schaefer. president OF the New York State Brewers
Association. in which the liquor dealers were urged
10 do all In their power TO place their business on
a clean basis. II these recommendations were car
red out, Il Mr. sohaefer's opinion that those
in the liquor business could be assured that no
harm would come to their legitimate interests from
unwarranted attacks.
At the close OF yesterdays session the delegates
marched In a body behind Usher's Band TO the
Central Brewery. where. after Inspection OF the
plant, luncheon was served.