The Alaska daily empire., 1915-05-03
AND
 DRY'V0TE
 IS I OPTIC

While thc ewet and dry" election that has been called for Juneau and other Division towns is three weeks away to 8 day. the question is already The talk of the town Since Judge Jennings made the order fora secret bailo, on the liquor eeesaon the scope and effect of the order has been dis. cussed in Juneau wherever two or three have been gathered together.
 In making Che order, calling for an election. Judge Jennings said that there had been numerous complaints from various sections ot Southeastern Alaska representing that the old way of ascertaining tho will Of the people was unsatisfactory. Some had incl mated that those who had been ap- polnted co ascertain the will of the peopie favored one side of the other. usually tine saloon interests Others had held that people had refused to commit themselves because they did no, want their names Go appear among the court house records as favoring the hGuor traiiic bur who would vote for license if given the right to vote secretly Others. it was represented, who were afraid Co oppose the liquor traffic openly for business reasons, were really opposed Co che issuance of licenses
 On occouut or these complaints. che court decided to permit people to make known their desires through sec ret ballot
 Judge Jennings explained that the law makes it necessary that it shall be shown asdrmaliyely that majority o, all Che citizens male or female, over tao age of 2i years who live within ,wo macs irom the places where |, may be desired Go secure li- ceuses Co sell liquor have given their consent lo its sale. and the burden Of proof chat such 8 majority iavors ii- eenses is placed upon the applicants Tor licenses
 Saloons Must Get Clear Majority
 This being che ease Judge Jennings informed ,he saioonmen that t they would arrange with men. whom he designated. to list and register the male and female citizens Of Che age of 21 years or more within two miles of the locations ol the saloons, and te -. or- -f,..f..t,. ,t.f,fnf hn rnf for May 2f majority oi all those who are entitled to express their seuti- ment on the subject should vote in fav0r of the granting of the licenses. be would consider it as an expression In favor or an those desiring licenses.
 What Election Means
 Many novel ideas have been advanc- ed in connection with possible results of the election The question has been asked as to what would be the result if the wets should geta a major fly Of those voting but less that ma- iority of those entitled to vote.
 The best Information obtainable is that iJ would then become necessary Tor the saioonmen to secure the con- sent of enough or those who failed Co participate in Che election to make @ majority of che whole when added to the votes that were cast for licenses.
 The law requires chat the count shall be satisfied that majority have given their consent GO Che issuance of. licenses before he can issue them. That would mean chat every one who refuses or fails to express himself would be counted dry. Therefore, on- ly those who vote for license will be counted wet That does not mean how ever. that people who do nos vote will be deprived O, the right to in form Che court in some other way that they are in favor of the issuance of licenses.
 Election May Not Be Decisive.
 Therefore. it appears chat the cleo tion will be decisive only in case a majority Of aii those who are quali- fed to vote either 'wet" or dry Ig a clear majority of all those entitled 10 vote cast "wet ballots tbe licenses wiu be issued without further pro. ceedings. IF a clear majority of those entitled to vote cast "dry' ballots. tle saloons win probably be closed as soon as the licenses they now hold expire On the other hand. il neither side get clear majority of ali those who have right 70 vote. there VIII stiil be a chance to canvass those who have not voted.
 Five Weeks to Work After Election
 There will be five weeks after the election in which to canvass those who fan Co participate In the election for an expression of their opinions.
 Secret Ballot Only Change
 Therefore it is plain ,hal in effect. che oply change that has been made in the method Of operation Is that Judge Jennings has given the people cl the various municipalities Of South eastern Alaska an opp0rnnity CO ex- press their deslres on ,he question secretly
 This matter came up some tlme ago. when people Of Skaswoy and oth. CT communities peutloned the court for the right to vote secretly upon
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