Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-02

and was allowed to go on personal bonds
to appear for sentence later.
Vigorous Prosecution Planned.
1t is planned by the corporation counsel
vigorously to prosecute violators Of the
provisions OF the excise law. In conduct
ing such prosecutions, however. the cor
poration counsel says he will take no &C
ton in cases where there seems to be
ambiguity in the law or where the ques-
ton raised IL disputed.
No prosecution is to be instituted which
will destroy an established business until
the excise board is organized and deter
mines the questions the law says 1t shall
pass upon. One such question iE the de-
termining IL a place Is a restaurant with
In the meaning of the law, and IL 1t. by
reason of that fact, has the right to dis
pense intoxicants to females.
Should counsel determine that partic-
ular place Is not a restaurant within the
meaning of the law and force the closing
of the doors, and, later. the excise board
planned, an injustice would be done the
keeper OF the restaurant. 1t Is no fault
of the keepers OF such places that the
excise board is not in existence to pass
upon the questions.
In all instances in which there Is no
room for doubt. says the prosecuting Of
ficer violations will be prosecuted Wig
orously and without delay. He says there
is absolutely no reason why saloonkeep-
ers should not understand that they are
permitted to open not earlier than z
o'clock in the morning and are required
to close at l o'clock the next morning;
also that they are not permitted to dis
pense liquor on Sundays under any con-
ditions, and violations of such provisions
will be prosecuted.
1t is readily understood by Corpora
ton Counsel Thomas that the more I'M
portant questions under the law are TO
be passed upon by the excise board in
the first instance and later by the Police
Court and the Court of Appeals The
question of the constitutionality OF the
law, it is thought, viii eventually reach
All doubtful questions arising under the
law will first be referred to the excise
board when the board is organized
Meaning of Meal Uncertain.
Heretofore there has been no well
defined meaning Of q meal laid down
by the prosecuting officers or the
courts. 1t is stated, the particular cir
cumstances on each case determining
the question. What would constitute
meal In one instance. 1t is stated.
would not be considered such In an
other. the circumstances surrounding
the sale determining the question OF
meal.
In the restaurants in which females
are served. it is stated. particular at
tention is being paid to patrons to
make certain they are served with
something to eat with their drinks.
Several restaurant Keepers last night
went SO far as to refuse to serve fe-
males unless they ordered q full meal.
fearing service with a salad or sand
witch might not be sufficient
Many saloonkeepers were kept busy
yesterday and last night keeping boys
out of their places of business. and in
sale liquor store the dealer would not
admit children who had been sent by
their parents to purchase groceries. A
female patron was refused q bottle OF
intoxicating liquor.
AT number OF places newsboys were
not permitted to enter to serve pub
locations. The law says that no minor
under the age of eighteen years shall
remain in any place where Intoxicating
liquors are sold, other than a hotel.
restaurant or club. and this provision
of law. the police think, prevents such
that have wholesale liquor licenses.
Orders to the Police.
Chief Of Police Sylvester says he is
going to be guided by the corporation
counsel and his assistants in the matter
of prosecutions under the new law. In
an order to the captains OF police he |
states:
"You will instruct the members OF your |
command as to the several passages OF |
the act as you may determine. to the |
end that the law will be enforced to the |
best of your ability. pursuing the same |
course with regard to doubtful questions |
that may arise as YOU DO In enforcing |
other laws. to wit, CONFER with the as
ion, col a he
Court who is the prosecuting representa- |
tive OF the District in such matters"
Police CAPTAINS and lieutenants are be- |
ing hesieged by liquor dealers and piled
under the law. and many of them also
have discussed the question with Corpora
ton Counsel Thomas and his assistants
in business In squares
where the number of Faioons is In excess
of the new limit are considerably agitat-
ed over what the excise board is going to
do in the matter Of reducing the number
of such places The law provides that not
more than three saloons on one side OF
the street or four or both sides between
streets are TO lie permitted.
Just how the board viii proceed with |
tbe-process OF elimination Is not known, |
and it Was stated by Corporation Coun-
sci Thomas this morning that no action |
will be attempted against the Keepers !
of such places until the board is organ /
lied. 1t. is thought police reports
are more than the number permitted \
viii guide the board in its determination |
Of the matter.
Intoxicated Persons Arrested.
Since the law became effective and the |
1.alice have to prefer formal charges |
Aea.nst persons found OF the streets in
icxicated it is stated intoxicated persons |
md it a much more difficult problem to |
.-i.i released than they formerly did.
Prior to yesterday many of the police
reports told of persons found drunk on /
the street, of having been taken to a
hospital and subsequently, released. but |
s.sch reports made yesterday concluded:
Returned to the station and charged /
With having bean drunk"
Ten dollars IL the lowest amount Of |