The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1913-12-19

the licenses of men who sell to
minors.
give. For the sake Of law and or
der. !
THE revoking of the licenses of
the two men, Hagen and Mettler,
would unequivocally tell all law
breakers that it is unsafe to take
liberties with the law in Mankato.
Such action would do much to make
men feel sure that the council does
not condnne offenses against the
law
In conclusion:
1--WE would ask your serious at
tention to the suggestion that it is
quite possible that the statutes bear
ing upon this point may show that
the law requires the revocation of
the license of one convicted of sell
ing liquor to minor.
However this may be, it is a
fact that you as council may re-
woke these licenses at your option
for due cause. We, your petitioners
respectfully ask that these licenses
be revoked upon the grounds OF
the unfitness of the men to hold
such licenses: for the protection of
law-abiding saloon-keepers; for the
safeguarding of the youths of Man
kato and neighboring communities,
and for the general effect upon law
and order"
Question BY Mayor Meyer.
Mayor Meyer asked where the
foundation was for a statement that
he had said that the matter had
been dropped, purported to have
been stated by a minister
Rev. Arthur sctated that no such
statement was made, but that it was
said that The Free Press had made
such statement, which was a
statement resented.
Mayor Meyer thanked the speaker,
and said that he had been consider
ably troubled when he had heard
OF it.
Mr.. Bowen addressed the council
and quoted from chapters of the
law, in support of the contention
that the licenses should be revoked
He went back to the law of 1872,
in order to throw light on the in
tent of the legislature in passing
the laws now in force. The sale of
intoxicating liquor to a minor is il
legal. He commended that no notice
in, &c
There had been no direct decision
in the supreme court on the mean
ing Of the provisions in dispute, but
in another somewhat similar case
the supreme court had held that no
notice was needed. The law is spe-
cific, and says nothing about that
notice may be withdrawn. Anybody
convicted within one year, either
under the state law or local ordi.
nance. forfeits his license. The coun-
Gil has authority to revoke, under
another section OF the law, but the
district court has not furnished a
certification of conviction. Another
section makes 1t the especial duty
of all members of licensing bodies
to look into the fitness of persons
to receive liquor licenses, and fail
ure, wilfully, to do SO is a misde-
meanor.
Claims No Certificate Required.
Replying to question by the
mayor. Mr.. Bowen said that he did
not think that certificate of con-
viction was needed from the mu.
nicipal court.
Mr.. Schaub said that this is re-
quired from all courts. He said that
the old laws do not apply now, as
there was complete revision in
1895. The criminal statutes must
be followed as they are worded, and
must not be twisted to get some
thing out of them that is not in
them. If the licenses were auto
matically revoked, there is nothing
for the council to do.
Mr.. Bowen said that Mr.. Schaub
was very positive about the mean
ing of the law-much more so than
the supreme court, which has shown
some uncertainty. This statement
was followed by loud applause by
the audience, and this led the mayor
to arise and demand that there be
order.
Mr.. Schaub said that he agreed
with the supreme court. here was
no dispute between them.
Rev. Mr.. Hobbs called attention
that the petition just filed made the
strong point of the duty of the
council to consider the fitness of the
parties convicted to continue in
the liquor business.
klages and Lorenz Cases.
Rev. Arthur said that in the
Klages and Lorenz cases the petit
TONERS considered that they had the
law on their side, and the licenses
must be revoked. In the cases OF
council.
Mr.. Bowen strongly denied any
Hagen and Mettler, there may be
some doubt.
Mr.. Schaub said that Mr.. Bowen
ought net to make threats TO the
council.
Mr.. Bowen strongly denied any
such intention, but complimented the
present administration and said that
he considered that all the council
wanted was tn kp0u what tho lan