Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-12-21
Anti-Liquor Legislation.

In any event, the democrats will make
short work of any anti-liauor legisla-
ton that may come before the legis-
lature. 1t is not unlikely, however, that
liquor legislation will be considered.
The brewers and distillers are said
to be preparing bill that will have
for its purpose the wiping out of ex-
lstence of such saloons that do not
obey the letter of the law and thereby
bring odium on the saloon business as
a whole The bill will provide for a
regulation of the number of saloons
and II is said will give the voters a
right to decide the question.
me beer and liquor interests realize
that some concession in the way of re-
form must be made to the public, and
will draw the bill, which it is expected
will receive the full support of the
democratic majority.
On It's face the bill will give the i'm
preston that the saloon is to be taken
out of politics, or politics out of the
saloon-an iridescent dream.
Foresee Storm Brewing.
There is little dark spot on the leeis
iatiye horizon that is causing the poii-
ueians some worry. 1t is the fact that
Blair Lee, although invited by German
to be member, or to name a member,
of the steering committee, has refused
to comply with the request And thereby
hangs a tale, according to organization
politicians. These political leaders as
sert that Lee entertains the opinion that
to him and not to German should have
been assigned the work of naming the
committee to draft the party bills.
1t is stated that when Lee realized that
he had been left out of the main show
he proceeded to organize a side show of
his own. which is now on in full blast
with legislative reforms as the main idea
1t Is asserted that Lee has gone ahead
on his own hook in order that he may
have a ra|ying point for his friends. a
stepping stone to other plans. including
possibly an organization of the house
and senate, and possibly, again. TO con-
gressional nominations next year and
state nominations two years hence.
1t is because of Lees refusal TO CO.
operate with the regular committee and
because of activities along his own lines
the leaders see troubles coming to them
during the legislative session.
No Walkaway for Smith
They foresee two elements within the
party working at loggerheads, not only
on legislation. but in state politics. The
machine leaders realize that Lee is a
political power to be reckoned with in
the city and state and they are not at
all pleased with conditions existing two
weeks prior TO the opening of the legis-
lative session of 1914.
There is considerable interest here over
the promised fight for the democratic con-
sressional nomination in the fifth district
| made certain by the entry into the field
| of Robert w. Wells of Prince Georges
| county 1t had been the general impress
| sion here that Representative Smith
would have walkover for the 1914 nomi-
| nation, inasmuch as he was the first
| democrat for many years who had sue
cessfully combated a republican in the
| old stronghold OF the late sydney Mudd.
1t is not known at this time which of
| the candidates will have the support of
| the organi 1ation, but the indications are
| that Smith will not have the assistance
of the regulars in the primaries next Sep
4 TENDER.