Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-06-24
PRINCE GEORGES DRY"
FORCES ARE REJOICING
Believe Danger of County Being
Overrun by Washington Drink
ers Brought Them Victory.
Special Correspondence Of The Star.

Special Correspondence Of The Star.
UPPER MARLBORO, Md, June "a
When the people of the county voted
last November to have the county re-
main wet severe Disappointment was
shown by the anti-saloon forces, while
the liquor men rejoiced over the slim
victory, the county having voted wet
by the narrow majority of sixty-fve. 1t
was generally believed at that time
that the county would remain wet for
at least two years, and soon 1t was
made known that Washington saloon
keepers were anxious to embark in
business across the border.
People were heard to say that Wash
ington people must have some place to
go where they can get something to
drink. and soon many persons connect
ed with temperance organizations
ly declared that drinking places In
this county should not be kept open
for the benefit of Washington's drink
ing population, and the work of bring
ing about the change was started.
A great majority Of the residents Of
the county were satisfied that the
county would not remain wet for many
years, but very few, IL any, deemed
the closing of the doors of saloons and
November 1. So doubtful were some
Of the leaders of the temperance forces
about its accomplishment. it is stated.
that they expressed Willingness to
have the bill provide for the closing to
become effective May l of next year,
the beginning Of the license year.
Led Fight for "Dry" Bill.
Clarence ]. Owens, leader of the
county temperance forces, and Albert
e. Shoemaker, representing the Wash
ington Anti Saloon League. were
among those who urged the retention
of November 1 in the bill. 1t was
county probably would become intol-
cradle II the drinking places in close
proximity to the National Capital were
permitted to remain open after the sa-
looms in the city were closed. and
those who urged the retention of the
early date came out victorious.
Delegate Blandford today is said to
be one of the most popular men in the
county. SO TAR as the church and tenn
perance people are concerned. Such
persons are showering congratulations
upon him. and pastors of churches of
all denominations today Will tell their
listeners Of the new era they expect
will prove a blessing to the county.
Sixty-three saloons and clubhouses
are paying the county and federal
revenue taxes at this time. Prince
Georges county. like other wet coun-
ties in the state. has had several dry
other words. 1t is a local option coun-
ty, the state legislature responding
to appeals from residents of the sew
eral districts who wanted liquor ban
ished from their neighborhoods
In preparing the bill Delegate Bland
ford was careful to cover practically
every item contained in the drastic
law in force in Virginia. 1t prevents
advertising and soliciting orders for
liquor, and contains a provision against
the locker system in vogue in clubs.
There are the usual exceptions con-
tanned in the bill. however. which re-
late to liquor for sacramental pur-
poses. or that to be used for me-
chanicaI, medicinal and other purposes.