Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-04-12
THE SALOONS AND THE WAR EMERGENCY

The offer Of the Honolulu SaloOnmen to close their
bars at in the evening would have come some
evidence of regard for public welfare if made a week
ago
Appearing now, il is merely another evidence that
the booze interests never make reform until they
are forced TO IT, That is the old story everywhere
in the United States. and il held good in Honolulu
in such grave situation a war crisis.
What the saloOnmen here are trying 10 do now
is 10 save much of their business possible Oper
ate just az long hours possible make just much
money as possible Never vet have they led Il move
Inent for restriction Always they have been driven
TO il by public sentiment-and they are acting now
only because the warming is out that unless they
adopt early closing hours they are likely to be shut
up altogether.
Their communication to the license board-writ
ten by an ATTORNEYS full Of ProtestatiOns of pa
triotic attitude. 1t drips and drivels with assur-
ances such as I'VE not TO be Outdone in patriot
ism by any other set Of businessmen. In short,
gentlemen. the dealers in liquor in Honolulu are
ready. willing and anxious, during the continuance
of the war, to do everything to assist the United
States OF America" .ss @.+@- +a.:
Yet, even in such patriotic outburst, the booze
interests do not let their sentiment run away with
their business cautions They are careful-under the
advice Of their attorneyto AL their letter with de-
clarations that booze isn't danger that there is
legal right to close the saloons at seven Nor is it
admitted they say, "that traffic in intoxicating
liquors constitutes at the present time to
the territory"
The whole letter, the whole move of the saloon
men, is an eleventhhour attempt to make patriotic
capital ont of the situation and thus prevent the
closing of the bars outright. Commanding General
Strong, Major Lincoln and other army men, have
declared unequivocay in favor of the closing of all
saloons They realize, just great many civilians
realize that such halfway measures shutting the
bars at will not answer in the situation now con
fronting this territory.
Business of all kinds in Hawaii must realize this
the United States is at war and govern itself ac-
cordingly. Already because of military exigency,
the entire private wireless service of the territory
has been taken oFegA by the government. At one
stroke three wireless companies were wiped out of
existence and the navy took entire and absolute
charge ts,est3
Because we are at war; Hawaii must endure I'm.
Irecedented changes interruptions, Inconvenience
Those things which are dangerous must GO There
is no alternative. 49, Sf.aH. .
The booze business is not only dangerous, but il
s not essential to Hawaii In peace times ii is the
greedest most rapacious business in the territory
1t prospers on the ruin of men and women. 1t oper
ates with bold disregard for public sentiment until
public sentiment, outraged, rises up and imposes
restrictions
In war.times it is loubly dangerous and far less
excusable as an indulgence Itshould be wiped ont.
The liquor dealers can claim no immunity Notice
has been served on them for five years past that they
should get out of their business because that bust
ness wonld be abolished.
Several methods are proposed to close the saloons.
The liquor board may not wish to act. but the egis
lature can arm the board with additional power.
and the legislature can pass resolution urging
Congress to make Hawaii "dry' without further da-
lay.
Hawaii is in no situation TO palter, to twist
around legal technicalities in handling the booze
business. Nor are those who know exactly what
the emergency is. in any mood to he hampered b,
the tactics of the liquor dealers. ri cT%
OUR NEXT PRESIDENT?