Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-21
HARD TO ENFORCE THE LAW
Police Court Juries Apparently I'm
willing to Convict Saloonkeepers.
CITES CASES TO PROVE POINT
Annual Meeting of District Organ
ization-Oficers Elected for the
Ensuing Year.

That the work of the Anti-Saloon
League of the District of Columbia is
greatly hampered because of the appar-
ent refusal of the Police Court juries to
convict i'm cases involving violations of the
excise laws was the declaration made
last night at the annual meeting of the
league. held at the First Presbyterian
church. by A. +. Shoemaker. attorney
for the organization.
1t is practically impossible TO secure a
conviction in the Police Court. no matter
how carefully a case is prepared and how
damaging the evidence of scores of wit
nesses may be-, said the leagues attor-
ncy. Even where the judge qualities his
instructions to the jury. it fails to bring
in verdict of guilty.
Only a few days ago a saloonkeeper
was brought before the court charged
with operating his place of business Sum
day, in direct violation of the law. More
than fifty witnesses testified at the insti-
cation of the prosecution. They told of
buying drinks in the saloon. and related
other damaging evidence. The case was
in the hands of competent police officers.
and not a single detail that would tend to
strengthen the character of the evidence
was overlooked. But. despite all this. the
j.ry brought in a verdict of not guilty.
Other Cases Cited.
Mr.. Shoemaker recited other Police
Court cases where the jury failed to
convict. He also mentioned the difficulty
of enforcing the law prohibiting the sale
of intoXicants to minors. Mr.. Shoe
maker said. however. that despite all
handicapS much good work has been ac-
complished by the Anti-Saloon League
in the past year. He said that the Dis
trct officials have changed their attitude
toward the league and are now striving
To aid it in its work. Three years ago.
he said, they almost totally ignored the
league
Mr.. Shoemaker said there are at pres
ent sos barrooms in operation in the
District and l23 wholesale liquor estab-
lishments. Last year there were 51I bar
rooms and 12i wholesale establishments.
lie said the licenses of about fifty places
that are now in operation have been held
up by the excise board pending investi-
cations that probably will result in the
forced closing of several places.
President Wilson's Statement.
President Andrew Wilson recited the
status of the bills pertaining to the liquor
traffic which are now pending in Con-
gress. He said he felt sure the Jones'
Works excise bill will be passed by Con-
Eress. If this passes. he said, it prac
tically will mean prohibition for the Dis
trict. He complimented the members on
the excellent work they have done during
the past year and urged them to continue
their fight against saloons.
Fl. V. Eastcrling. financial secretary. in
his annual report. urged the raising of
larger funds with which 20 carry on the
anti-saloon fight. James S. Fraser re-
ported the present financial status of the
league. James l.. Erwin. president pro
TEN of the league, introduced several
amendments to the constitution which
were adopted.
Remarks by Chaplain Spooner.
Rev A. W. Spooner, chaplain of the
league. in stirring address, referred to
saloonkeepers as 'legaIized harpies and
turkey buzzards.' He linked society folk
who live on the avenues and boulevards
with the poor people of the alleys in one
common vice. the drink habit. The only
difference. he said, is that more deaths
occur annually among society folk from
drink than among the poor.
New officers of the league chosen last
night were: President. Andrew Wilson:
vice presidents. James L. Ewin Rev.
Charles III. Butler. William knowles
Cooper. Rev. Donald c. Macleod. Percy $.
Foster, Rev. G.. 4. Miller. Rev. G. +.
Dudley. Rev. j. Milton Waldron, Rev. w.
l.. Mcdowell; chaplain, Rev A. w.
Spooner: secretary. G. w. Callahan;
treasurer, Edward Tarring.