The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-27
LETTERS TO EDITOR
Dispensary to Solve Problem

To the Editor of The Age-1Ierald:
 From what I can hear and gather from the papers, suggestions which would lead to a plan for the financial relief of the city are in order, or. at least not out of order l am therefore, taking the liberty of suggesting to you plan Gas an addi- ton merely to all other plans which may be suggested), which, while not new, l believe to be a good one. This plan Is not speculative, but is feasible, practicable, definite and certain-within the power of the legislature to grant, without consti- tutional amendment. It could, there- fore, be put into effect within very short period. It is simply that the legislature grant to the city of Birmingham the right to establish dispensaries for the sale of spurious, vinous and malt liquors in lieu of all saloons now within the city limits, the proceeds of the sales from such dispensarles to go to the city of Birmingham alone.
 An adequate idea of the enormous revenue which would be derived from these dispensaries can be seen when we consider that there arc now within the
  tail liquor dealers who pay Rsavy li- censes, also a high rent and the helr necessary in the conduct of their busi- ress, and yet are able to purchase liquors and sell them at a big profit over and above all these necessary expenses. Tho city, under this plan, would be relieved of a great part of this expense, and yet reap the benefit.
 Ordinarily I would not advocate the running of dispensaries by the city, am now among those who believe the Ii. auor traffic should be prohibited--and had I the power, I would prohibit 1t utterly but in view of the fact that we are now burdened with the traffic, and would suffer no ormal obliquy by the change, think we should bring into play sufficient business sagacity to reap the benefit there is to be derived. rather than to stand idly by and see this vast revenue which the city so much needs, go into the pockets of few private individuals. The good book says there is a time for all things and it may be. in this day of financial stress and storm the time is arrived Wher we should cause to come to pass that ar evil tree shall bring forth good fruit, if such thing be possible.
 Of course, in opposition to this plan there will be brought into play the alleged democratic doctrine of local option; but this is one doctrine with which I for one have little sympathy or patience, when it comes to regulating the sale of poisons, such as alcohol. morphine, chloral, etc, all of which belong to the same class and only differ in the matter of viru- lence. The state now regulates, without local option. the sale of all poisons but alcohol. Why not regulate the sale o' alcohol without such option? But if fl be absolutely necessary, we can bend to this doctrine and vote on the proposi- tion.
 Jefferson county now pays into the cof- fers of the state greater portion of the taxes than any other section. and il would seem the state could well afford tc grant to the city of Birmingham this con cession in the time of its need. l believe that our local representativ should urge this matter before the legislature as soor as it convenes. Very respectfully. R. l.. WILLIAMS. Birmingham, December 25, 1914.