Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-09-05
League Wilt Oppose Renewal
of Large Number of
Liquor Licenses.
SOME DOUBT ARISES
AS TERMS OF LAW
Believed by Some Prohibitive Clauses
Are Not Effective Until
Next Year.

'hot oiS LRnl IS TO De maze by the
Anti-Saloon League to reduce Immediate
~ the number OF saloons in the District
or Columbia to 900 or less was the in
formation conveyed to the new excise
board today.
Following its first regular meeting, at
which Joseph c. Sheehy was elected
chairman and Edward ]. Hart of Jersey
City, clerk. succeeding Roger Williams.
the board this afternoon was informed
by Attorney A. E. Shoemaker, repre-
SEEMING the Anti-Saloon League. that it
Is the intention of th,t body to oppose
the granting of a large number of
license renewal applications on the
ground that provisions in the Jones'
Works bill prohibiting the sale of liquor
In certain sections are now in effect.
Former excise officials were of the opin-
ion that the prohibitive clauses do not
become operative until November 1. 1914.
The Anti-Saloon League will meet tomor
row Afternoon to map out a plan of action
designed to bring about immediate en-
forcement of the most stringent provi-
sions of the new law, it is stated.
See Great Reduction.
tain officials of the league are inclined
to the belief that there may not be more
than 40 saloons left when the law has
become fully operative.
The question as to when the prohibitive
clauses take effect is one that may find
It's way into the courts, it is limited.
Confusion on this point has developed be-
cause of the manner in which the Jones'
Works law is drawn.
For example, one paragraph provides
that not more than three saloons shall
be permitted on one side Of a street,
between intersecting streets, but says
nothing as to when this provision shall
take effect.
In another place, the law says that in
issuing licenses for barrOoms. it shall be
the duty of the board to adopt such a
policy as will reduce the number of
saloons. including those in hotels and
clubs. to not exceeding 800 by November
1, 1914, and adds that mo licensee who
shall conduct his business within the
law shall be deprived of his license or
required to change his location before
November first, Nineteen hundred and
fourteen"
Interpretation of Law.
This latter clause is Interpreted by many
as meaning that no liquor dealer. regard
less of where he is at present located,
can be forced out of business before
November l. next year.
1t is the contention Of the league off,
Gals, however, that the prohibitive
clauses become effective with the
passage of the law, and that no dealer
who is not affected by the enforcement
of these provisions can be forced out of
business before November 1, 1914, to
make possible the carrying out of the
policy that the total number Of saloons
shall be reduced to 300 or less by that
date.
No intimation has been given by the
members of the new board as to the
policy they will adopt in enforcing the
law. Should they recognize the conten-
ton of the Anti-SalOon League officials,
a great many liquor dealers who have
filed applications for renewal of their
licenses will be forced out OF business
this coming November, instead Of a year
hence.
A decision to this effect would mean
that a large amount of the revenue col
lected by the District from liquor deal
ers would have to be returned.
Third New Jersey Appointee.
The selection Of Mr.. Hart as clerk to
the excise board makes the third resi-
dent Of New Jersey to receive District
app ointment under the administration of
President Wilson. The other two are
Gen. Robert G. Smith, member of the
board. former resident Of New Jersey.
and Thomas H. Claffey, appointed pri-
vate secretary to Commissioner Newman.
Mr.. Hart is twenty-five years of age
and graduated from ST. Peters College,
Jersey City. at the head of his class. He
is said to be an expert stenograp her
General regret was expressed at the mu-
nicipal building this afternoon over the
failure of the board to retain Roger Will
liams as clerk. Mr.. Williams, whose
office was legislated out of existence at
the time the new excise commission
was created. has served in the District
government thirty five years. during which
time he made reputation for ability and
faithfulness that has commended itself to
several boards OF Commissioners.
Starts Work Monday.
The excise board will get down to work
in earnest on Monday. as Mr.. Hart is ex-
pected to arrive that day. The board has
not yet determined on an appointment to
the position of saloon inspector. Several
applications for the place are being con-
sidered, and it is probable that a selec-
ton will be made within the next few
days.
Messrs. Baker. Smith and Sheehy, the
three members of the board of excise
commissioners of the District of Columbia.
were at the White House this morning to
pay their respects to the President before
organizing the board.