Arizona republican., 1911-04-01
LOCAL OFTEN FIGHT INCREASES IN HEAT
OPPOSING COMMITTEES SIREN.
 UoUSLY AT WORK.
A Meeting and Organization of Busi.
 ness Men Against Prohibition.

The local option fight yesterday reached the highest recorded temper ature of the campaign but the indi- cations are that it will go still higher A large committee of the Anti Saloon league canvassed the streets and busi- ness houses for signatures to state ment declaring in favor of prohibit tion. This move was decided upon at d mems meeting held the night be- fore. When the business men who are opposing prohibition heard of it d meeting was called to be held at the Commercial hotel at one o'clock. It was attended by merchants and busi- ness men representing a large major ity of the stores in the city and it was stated at the meeting that many others had been detained but were in sympathy with the object of the meeting
 The situation was discussed fully and there was a general agreement that prohibition at this time would be disadvantageous to Phoenix.
 Two general propositions were vot- ed on though others were considered and unanimity of sentiment regarding them was developed The first prop ositiOn was a resolution against the signature of any prohibition petition.
 That was carried unanimously. The main one though was the following statement: We. the undersigned business men and tax payers. while favoring the stringent regulation of the liquor traffic. believe it mad visable, under existing conditions. to close the licensed saloons in the city of Phoenix" There was a unanimous vote in favor of the statement which was then signed by all present, sev~ enty- six, representing every line in the city and said to represent about one half the taxable wealth of the city.
 IL was stated that the list of sig natures would be greatly increased. first by men actually engaged in busi- ness and after that by all who are interested in the growth of Phoenix.
 George Hahn was chairman of the meeting and Sidney Goldman was secretary. It was announced that an other meeting would be called in q day or two.
 Another accomplishment of the meeting was the organization of a Business Mems Association. for the consideration from time tn time. Of the needs of Phoenix, such as were brought in the course of various speeches.
 Through all these speeches. ran an expression of regret at the change that had come over the community in the last three or four years. Previous to that time strangers. coming to Phoenix were impressed by the spirit of harmony which prevailed, a work ing together for a greater Phoenix. a mutual helpfulness which seemed to be based on a recognition that what was for the advantage of one was for the advantage of all.
 Within the last three years there had come a spirit Of contention. growing out of constant and foolish agitation which had set the town by the ears. so that the stranger on his arrival hears first of the cussedness of this man or the other. and very little of the greatness of Phoenix.
 It was believed that if the business men could get together they could put down this agitation and restore the healthful sentiment which for merly prevailed when Phoenix really began to grow.