Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-30
SPEAKS FOR THE POOR MAN
Thinks Regulation Will Cause More
Frequenting of Saloons.
ALLEGES NEED OF REFORM
Favors Elimination of Objectionable
Features-ChairInan Richards
Says Fair Attitude Is Desired.

John Il. Colpoys secretary OF the Cen
trail Labor Union. this morning addressed
the excise board in opposition to the en-
forcement of the order prohibiting saloon
keepers from selling GROWERS of beer
after January I. Mr.. Colpoys argued that
the order will affect the poor man who
likes TO have his glass of beer at home.
1T will simply drive him into the sa-
looms" asserted Mr.. Colpoys, land prob
ably cause him to spend more money than
he otherwise would spend
What do you mean by poor MANI"
Secretary Colpoys was asked by men,
Der of the board.
81 mean man who is earning 81 day
or less was his response. when he
earns more than 81 day l put him in
the middle class
Mr. Colpoys assured the board that he
was not speak king for himself, saying he is
q total abStainer. He argued, however,
that the use of the GROWER is one way
TO aid the cause of temperance. He cited
instances in which some people who rush
the growler' buy a cents worth OF beer
and take il home. but with the enforce
ment of the recent order the purchaser
would be driven to remain in the saloon
IL he wanted to drink beer.
1.-The enforcement of the order, he
added, will deprive such people and their
families of their glass of beer at home"
Thinks Some Reforms Necessary.
Mr.. Colpoys said he thought the order
was a discrimination against particular
class of persons. He said he favored the
elimination of the Objectionable features
of the GROWER trade and advocated the
enactment of a regulation to punish per-
sons who drink on the streets and other
public places He also said he favored a
more rigid inspection of the saloon trade.
declaring he thought more attention
should be paid to the matter of prohibit
ing the sale of liquor to girls and minors
generally.
Members of the excise board were told
that ii would be we'll to have some super
vision over beer drinking in some Chinese
restaurants. Mr. Colpoys saying 1t had
been suggested that girls sixteen or
seventeen years old are provided with
beer in those places.
Chairman Richards told him the board
has no supervision of Chinese restau-
rants.
In response to a question asked by
Chairman Richards. Mr.. Colpoys esti-
mated that about 30 per cent of the popu-
lation of the city are in favor of the
Members of the board told Mr. Colpoys
that they would consider the question dis
cussed by him. and asked him to state his
side of the question I'm writing. They also
slider any suggestions he might make.
Says Board Wants to Be Fair.
Chairman Richards told a Star reporter
today that the board is disposed to be
fair in the matter of enforcing it's order
against the GROWER and also in the
matter of enforcing the section specify
ing the kind of signs that are to be per-
mitted. The order, he remarked, does not
mean that all existing signs will have to
be taken down. and the board will will
ingly hear requests from individual deal
ers as to what may be permitted to re-
main. Dealers will be permitted rea-
sonable time in which to make their
signs conform TO the regulations.
Il suppose there will be some way for
the dealers to supply the GROWER trade
Mr. Richards remarked. What the
board was more particularly anxious to
do was TO get rid of the Objectionable
features"
Mr. Richards thinks the order is a good
one and that il should have a fair trial.
He remarked that the question of what
is an original package will be determined
when il is raised. He said no question
had been raised as to a glass fruit jar
sealed with metallic top and rubber be-
ing an original package within the mean
ing OF the regulation.
Asked as to the manner in which the
regulations are TO be enforced, Mr.. Rich
ards stated that the excise inspector will
see to their enforcement If the police are
too busy TO give attention to the matter.
Reports of the Inspector Will be made
from day to day. he stated, and at the
beginning of the next license year the
reports will be considered when applica-
tions for renewal Of licenses are made.