The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-05-22
RUM CHIEFS WOULD
''REF0RM' CABARETS

Chicago, Ill, May 21.-Ths Chicago
Brewers Protective Association an
nounced 1t In in thorough accord with
the demand OF '.Just public opinion
to eliminate evil cAbarets and other
Objectionable features OF the liquor
traffic.
In this connection the brewers tn
directly raped the city administer
ton for failure strictly to enforce tbs
liquor laws and also for restoring 80
loon licenses revoked for violations Of
important character.
AS a feature measure of regulation
the brewers recommended reducing
the number Of saloons in Chicago ITO
point within the natural economic
demand" There would DO q natural
tendency to bring this about, accord
Ing to the brewers. il present orAi-
nances were strictly enforced.
The attitude OF the brewers on these
questions was voiced In a 72-paGe
document of legal aspect presented to
the Chicago commission on tho liquor
problem. It was submitted an the re-
ply of the association to q question
naire prepared by the commission.
Personal Liberty" Again.
I'VE chiefly wish to show" the A.
ISOLATION says in its letter of trans
INITIAL which is signed ~ President
William Legner and Secretary Petsr
s. Theurer, what we sincerely be-
lieve to be the fact. that the public ID
not interested In curtailing it, own
liberties or restricting its own con-
veniences further than to readtust GER
tain present circumstances of the
liquor traffic, and that the agitation
for prohibition proceeds from the
persuasion which we think wholly.
erroneous. that these circumstances
are inseparable from an open conduct
of retail distribution.
Among these circumstances may be
mentioned the maintenance OF saloons
in excess Of the natural economic de-
mand; the consequent artificial slim
ofation of retail trade questionable
forms of entertainment, stalls, .snugs'
floor screens. and the like; insanitary
condition of physical properties; ex-
aggerated advertisement, and COM
plication OF the retail traffic by In
volvement with problems of indus
trial efficiency and public health. as
well as more definite and specific evils.
such as gambling and prostitution.
whose relation to II is purely adyen--
ttttou. -
With regard to possibly the most
difficult problem Of all, we ourselves
are in hearty agreement with the SEN
timent for reducing the number Of sa-
looms In Chicago to point within
the natural economic demand. A re-
duetion of this nature can gradually.
but with q degree of certainty, be 40
complished by strictly enforcing thu
present ordinances.
would Revoke Licenses. -.
All violations of q cardinal nature
license after an impartial hearing has
! been afforded the accused. No license
so revoked should be restored. ThPouoA
| this method of elimination resorts Of
disreputable character could not sxtsAe
The association declares 1t 10 In
hearty sympathy with the spirit Of the
closing ordinances, though It 10 init.
m ated that all night licenses. for which
A special fee would be charged. should
classes.
Here are some samples Of Shs -
plies:
o-Do you believe that bustnseo>A
general would be helped or hurt "
the closing of chicago's saloonaf ~
Practically all lines OF legitimate bua1.
ness would be hurt. and the only bene-
At would accrue to surreptitious trade
ir liquors and drugs. pawnbrakers. ioaa
sharks. etc.
Q.-Do you think that wages Vim
he lowered or competition for WORK
increased to any extent by the refor-
| nation of men now incapacitatsd b.
heavy drinking. but who might be sx-
| pected to sober up and go to work II
the saloons were closedf Ave Do
not think many men OF any value Or
worth in industry are incapacitAted
for work by heavy drinking. We doubt
IL any such are. The habitual drink
crs are unfit for industry and anem-
| playable.