Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1915-03-27

The Cigarmakers union, it is under.
stood, were importuned by saloonkeep-
ers to AID in sLemn4ing the tids of pro-
hibition which had set in among the la
Dor organizations OF the city. The So
loon nen argued that they were only
selling union made cigars, except in a
few cases and that they deserved tho
nupport of organized labor in renoun-
eng such radical action as the central
body took when two weess ago it went
~ record in favor of one form of pro-
hibition. One dealer said: "Look at
NY union sign; ! have to employ union
bartenders; look at my cigars, they are
all union made; whenever | have any
work ! want done have to get union
men to do it. Now, why should the
Central Labor Union seek to destroy
our businessa'
The Cigarmakers union delegates at
tended the meeting Thursday night in
full force and the resolution prepared
by that local was, on motion, presented
for vote. By majority of only three
er four the resolution was officially pre-
sented for action. Then ensued several
hours of long debate for and against
the resolution, which would reverse the
union IS former action in regard to To-
cal option. A number of those who hal
voted to favor the local option meas
ure two weeks ago were not present and
those of them who were present Thurs
day night were totally unprepared for
the attack of those in accord with the
liquor interests. 1t was not expected
that Assemblyman Arthur A. Quinn
would be present to use his influence as
local labor leader and as president of
the State Federation of Lapor. either
for or against the fight. However,
those favoring local option soon saw
their mistake and Quinn held the floor
for some time telling why the union
should go on record favoring the liquor
interests. because thev were friends of
tne working man. it is said.
1t is understood that he insisted
that the former action taken bv the
union when he was not In attendance
two weeks ago be reversed by an EN-
phatic declaration In opposition to
prohibition.
Would Throw Men Out OF Work.
Those lighting for the liquor in
terests were well armed. and one
speaker was well trained for long
speech In opposition to prohibition
He enumerated the number of bar
tenders, brewery workers and trades
men that would be thrown out OF
work by the success of the prohibition
movement in this state. He arraign
ed local option as a step toward pro-
hibition. and declared that organized
labor should stick to the makers and
dispensers of liquor. who, he said.
stick to the laboring man.
The spokesman proved himself an
orator of some local note, and being
prepared with all manner OF figures
and arguments. which he had on his
tongues end, succeeded in makinig an
impression. With the filibuster
against prohibition sponsored by Mr.
Quinn, the forces in opposition were
overawed. However. there were
about fifteen to twenty delegates who
remained silent when the vote was
taken. only twelve voting for the res
olution.
Those that oppose prohibition, how
ever. declare that the action Thursday
night represents the real sentiment
If the union. despite the fact that the
local option measure was favored By
fifteen to tan. and the liquor res0lu.
ton waS favored ny twelve to eight