Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-07
THIRSTY ONES FIND
EVERY BAR CLOSED
Guests at Hotels and Clubs
Obliged to Depend on
Soft Drinks.
HINT OF LEGAL ACTION
TEST THE EXCISE LAW
Six Intoxicated individuals Arrest.
ed by the Police-"Speakeasies'
Under Surveillance.

Many thlrSty ones called at hotels YES
terday, the first dry Sunday under the
new law, only to he told there 8 ,rlothing
doing" Bartenders finished their week S
work Saturday night at II o'clock, and
were told they need not report again I'M
til this morning at o'clock. and the
result was that the lid, was on tight
throughout the day. At the homes of
the numerous clubs no alcoholic bever-
ages were served during the day.
Many suggestions of legal acton to test
the validity Of the law were heard, and
some Of the club members expressed the
belief that their organizations would not
flourish under the restrictions imposed.
the only day their members are able to
meet.
Six arrests were made for drunkenness
during the day, the police reported this
morning. One was recorded in the first
precinct. two in South Washington. one
was made on Conduit road. one at Con-
gress Heights and one at the Chevy
Chase loop. At least two of the per-
sons arrested, the police say, got their
"jags" out OF the city.
Alleged Speakeasies.
In three instances the police made ar
rests Of persons for operating alleged
"speakeasies," but the business said
to have been done was on a small scale.
Quantities of liquid refreshments were
taken by the police and held as evidence.
In the event of conviction it is provided
that the liquor shall be contiscated and
destroyed.
Yesterday morning the police were
given strict orders to see to the enforce
ment of the Sunday provisions OF the
excise law, and bluecoats were much in
evidence about the so-called Sunday
hotels and Clubs No violations or at
tempted violations were reported.
Bone f1de guests Of hotels had no more
privileges yesterday than would-be pa
irons of the bars, the new law affecting
all persons alike.
Vacation for Bartenders.
Yesterdays closing of the saloons
meant u vacation for an entire day for
perhaps 500 persons who seldom knew
what it was to have recreation. 1t gave
them an opportunity to .pend the day
with their families. either at home or on
an outing, and most Of them enjoyed the
novelty. -
Many visitors to the city yesterday who
wanted liquor served to them at hotels
were, Of course. disappointed. Many
came in automobiles from Baltimore and
other places, others on excursion trains.
WHAT" shouted a visitor from q
nearby town when a waiter in hotel
told him he could not get bottle of
beer or other intoxicant with his meal.
Il was never refused BEFORE" he said,
land had / known 1t l would have
brought a bottle with me; surely should
have had something to wash the dust
out OF my throat.
The excursionist washed his throat
with q soft drink. s.
1t is said a test in the courts is sure
to be made. Just how or when is not
known. 1t is believed it will be in the
form of habeas corpus proceedings in
the case of some Individual arrested for
intoxication.
Rows of Empty Chairs.
In the place of merry throngs of happy
Germans and their wives and daughters
there were long rows Of tenantless tables
and empty chairs at the singing clubs.
Here and there few of the faithful who
found 1t impossible to accommodate them
selves to the new order Of things in so
short time were trying to forget their
sorrows in the game of pinochle. But a !
the games lacked spirit and enthusiasm.
There was no merry laughter, no spright-
ly conve, sation. Occasionally thirsty
member would try to swallow the tenn
perance'' drinks. A few made try at a
bitter beverage newly introduced as a
substitute for beer. But wry faces and
unsightly grimaces told how lily It was
adapted to its ostensible purpose. The
women and children were left at home
for the day. There was no conce:t In the
evening.
Official'y and strenuously the dryness OF
the day was rigidly enforced. The Arions
went so far as to lock the big doors lead
ing to, their bar. In the basement were q
few card parties and soft drinks" Up
stairs the pool and billiard tables wore
tire day.
Feeling of Disgust Uppermost.
Among the men gathered both at the
Saengerbund and at the Arions there was
little Of flight" talk. but much Of dis
gust. Frequent CALCULATIONS about 1.-THE
land OF the free were not calculated to
inspire patriotism. Some were even sc
bitter over the situation that they inject
ed the subject OF emigration into their
conversation.
"Our manner of living, our customs
shall not be destroyed by fanatics" ex-
claimed one member Of the Saengerbund
IT we are not wanted here we can move
elsewhere. Perhaps our money and our
thrift may be missed if we are not"
Some Of the more patient are hopefully
waiting for those who are familiar with
the true conditions to get busy with Con
law its good features. still endeavor to
mitigate some of Its unquestioned hard.
ships.
No Talk Of Contest.
If the law is to be tested by the United