New-York tribune., 1919-11-08
Jersey Saloon Men
Hopeful, but Cautious

New Jersey saloonkecpers. it was dis
covered yesterday by a reporter for
The lrbune. are encouraged by the
statement OF Governor-elcct Edwards
that he will fight the enforcement Of
prohibition in the state. but they are
reluctant to take chances. No liquor
is being sold in the larger saloons in
such places as Newark. jersey City and
Elizabeth. only near-beer and cider
Whisky can be haG in some of the
small, around-the- places. Other
out-oft the way places would sell it if
they could get it, but they say it is
virtually unobtainabla at any price.
Behind all swinging doors there pre-
walls general feeling OF optimism,
coupled with profound admiration for
"Teddy" Edwards But despite the fav
orable attitude OF the Governor elect
and the belief the people of New Jersey
are with them-the majority of the
liquor dealers arc reluctant about dis
pensing the hard stuff.
The Tribune man was able to buy
q drink in one saloon in each of the
three cities visited. Following is a
summary of the Investigation:
Jersey City
Saloon No. l-Ncar- beer and cider
only. Afraid to take chances. VIII
open wide when the new Governor
takes office. Wait until 1920.
Saloon No. Q Not willing to risk
violation of the law, but feels the tide
has turned. "We might be down but
We're not out. The people of the
state want whisky and they're going
20 nave it, Now selling only one
half of per cent beer and cider.
no whisky. Would sell it, but cant
ton when the new Governor takes Of
saloon No. Out of liquor and
can't get it. Retailers unable to get
il from wholesalers, but If they could
many would take a chance on vioat-
ing the Federal law.
Saloon No. O. Want drink? Sure
Everybody is selling it, and the sale
won't be stopped. The Governor is
for it,
Saloon No l.-Afraid to put out q
crop. Declare other places are selling
1t: eut as this place is in the center
of the town--well. it wouldn't be safe.
Saloon No. ?. The law is the law.
despite the Governors attitude Sell
ing nothing except soft stuff Can't
operate without profit, and thinking of
closing up and converting the place
INTO a restaurant.
Saloon No. 3.-Carried out the dead
body when the enforcement law went
into effect. No whiskey or 2.75; only
one; half of per cent.
Saloon No. 4.-Can't afford to take
a chance. Too much at stake. Con
ndent that you cant get drink in one
out OF ten saloons in Newark
Saloon No. 5.-W hisky on the coun-
ter and selling to everybody. 40 Ques.
tlons asked.
Saloon No. Nothing to sell. and
rather gloomy over the prospects. not
standng the encouragement given
by the Governor elect
Saloon No. . Liquor flowing freely.
everybody wants a wide open state, and
that the sale Of hard stuff Will not be
interferred with.
Goveruor-elect Edwards SAID vester-
day at his office at the First National
Bank. Jersey City, he was going to
" ashington as soon as he could get
The time, and intimated his vlsl,
might concern test of the constitu-
tionality of the prohibition amend
ment.
"The prohibition amendment is in the
Constitution Mr. Edwards said at
IS constitutional until it has been test
cd and declared uncons stitutional by
ne courts. 1t is my opinion it will not
stand the test and viii be found uncon-
stitutional."