Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-06-07
BILL HELD DRASTIC
East Washington Citizens Op-
pose Liquor Measure.
SEE CHANCE OF MONOPOLY
Nearly All Speakers, However,
Favor Reduction in
Saloons.
SEE CHANCE OF MONOPOLY

Works liquor bill for the District of Co
lumbia was participated in last night by
members of the East Washington Citi-
Zens' Association at a special meeting
held at Donohoes Hall. 314 Pennsylvania
avenue southeast. The consensus of opin-
ion was that the bill is too drastic. The
association by vote of IL to 10 went on
record as opposing the measure.
During the discussion practically every
members expressed approval of the elimi-
nation of many saloons. 1t was contended
that the law as it passed the Senate is
makes q monopoly Of the liquor trade.
throwing the large bulk Of the business to
the hotels having fifty or more rooms and
the clubs.
Says House VIII Not Act.
Charles S. Shields moved the adoption
OF the report of the executive committee,
which favored the passage OF the bill.
James L. Parsons seconded the motion.
Before debate had gone far James NJ.
Wood. former superintendent of the Ms
trict street sweeping department, created
a surprise by saying the House will not
act upon the measure at this session.
There will be no quorum at the meet
ing of the House District committee to-
morrow" declared Mr.. Wood There
will be no quorum one week from to-
morrow. two weeks from tomorrow,
three weeks from tomorrow and SO on. I
know this positively, absolutely, and I
would suggest that the discussion of the
merits of the bill be postponed until next
fall"
M. 1. Weller said he thought the adopt
ion OF the Jones-Works bill would merely
be the means of creating monopoly in
the liquor traffic; that 1t would throw
the business to the hotels and a few
would follow it's enactment would be
equaled only by the time the blue laws
were enforced long ago.
Mr.. Weller pointed out conditions In
some prohibition states, saying he had
seen more drunkenness In one small
town in Maine in a day than he ever
had seen in this city in a week. There are
some excellent features in the Jones'
Works measure. he stated, and there are
some deplorable conditions in this city,
which should be remedied.
Graft Is Predicted.
Mr.. Weller said the excise board pro-
vided for in the bill probably would
mean graft, graft, graft" No three COM
petent men would come here and per-
form the duties for the compensation
PROVIDED, ne Thought.
James L. Parsons favored the bill. He
denied that 1t was prohibition measure
in any sense. declaring 1t to be COM
prehensive and definite. and one does not
have to be q fanatic or moralist to favor
it. The bill, he thought, would correct
a good many conditions which need cor
recting 1t will rid residential sections of
saloons. making 1t possible for children
to be reared where they will not be in
close proximity to drinking places.
The Jones' Works bill. he said, will elm
mate the purchasing of signatures to APP
plications for licenses. He thought a new
excise board would be properly const-
tuted and that it's work would remedy ex-
listing evils.
A. L. Schulties Endorsed the views of
Mr.. Weller, saying he believed the adop-
ton of the measure would create mo-
nopoly. Under its provisions, he stated, 1t
would be possible to close every saloon in
the city.
T. B. Delcher denounced the measure.
1.-The present excise law is good
enough" declared Mr.. Delscher. IF OFF,
Gals do their duty 1 don't see how any
body with the good of the taxpayers at
heart can favor the BILL
Reform Held Necessary.
Capt Potter declared that conditions in
Washington are in such shape that re-
form is demanded. The Jones-Works
bill, he said, is not a prohibitive bill. but
it is merely for redistribution of a small
number of saloons and locates such places
in business sections.
TT will abolish the alley corner sa-
looms" he said, where razors are so fire.
quently used. We want them abolished.
and so does everybody else. but the bill
probably viii be so amended that it's orig
inal authors will not recognize it. when 1t
is finally acted upon"
Detective Raymond Kleindienst and
Retired Policeman Milton Lille spoke
puted the truth of statements that had
been made and printed about South
Washington conditions, and the latter
complained that much trouble is brought
about by the failure OF Police Court
juries to uphold the police.
Mr.. Shields favored the adoption of the
resolution. He said he favored some
amendments to the bill, however. al
though the bill as it stands will remedy
some existing evils.
would be two kinds Of licenses. one for
beer and one for whisky, a reduction
OF the beer licence fee. il necessary, and
earlier closing of saloons.
Mr.. Shields said he would oppose con-
fiscating a mans business without max
ing some reparation.
Thomas w. Smith favored the passage
Of the bill and DR.. Charles M. Emmons
opposed 1t.
People who rant and rave about exist
ing conditions" said DIR. Emmons. will
never take the initiative to correct
them
The present excise law if properly en-
forced. he said. will rid the city Of 90
jectionable places and correct evils COM
planned about. He spoke Of 125 places
in the questionable section Of the city
which, he said. are selling without IL
censes. This business is not permitted
because of lack Of adequate laws.
S. w. Curriden discussed the Jones'
Works bill. He thought 1t does not cover
the question as it should be covered and
suggested that the association adopt a
substitute which he presented.
The substitute was not discussed, the
association ending the liquor bill discus
sion when the vote in opposition to the
Jones-Works bill was recorded.
Asks Hospital Change.
Mr.. Curriden introduced resolution.
which was adopted, containing an appeal
to the House Of Representatives to deal
Immediately with the question Of pro-
viding a new Washington Asylum Hospi-
tai.
His resolution aalSs that the House OF