The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-01-09
CENT BEER
PLAN SQUELCHED
Advocates Will Make Effort,
However, in Face of q. S.
Dry Law.

NASHVILLE, Tenn, Jan. 9. tSpl)-
The passage of a joint resolution IN
the general assembly ratifying the led
eral prohibition amendment, following
the transmission of a copy OF the
amendment to the legislature IN a spe-
cial message by Gov. Rye, has temper,
arily put the Quietus on the proposed
legislation in favor Of modifying the
bOne-dry law. Adherents OF the pro
posed change point out that although
the federal amendment should be raul
fled by the necessary number oil states
1t will require some time FOR thls &C
ton and in the meantime the lovers
Of four-per cent beer might as well
he enjoying the beverage as not. 50,
while a temporary lull has fallen on the
activities in favor Of restoring the am
Der fluid to popularity In tennessee,
il is considered more than likely that
the faVoring solons Will put forth their
best efforts and mayhap four per cent
beer will become a reality once more
The fact that the wal is over and most
OF the troops will probably be demobi-
lized by July /, 1919, gives weight 10
the belief held by the advocates OF
the bone dry modification that the ma
tion-wide dry spell will not become ef'
fective on the date set, as it is purely
a war measure.
Representative Brown Davis, Of De-
| Kalb county, has set on foot a owe
ment to repeal the present primary
election law passed by the siXtteth gen
eral assembly. Mr., Davis declares thai
the present primary law places TOO
much of a financial burden on the tax
payers Of the state and says that II
is not worth what it costs. He is OF
the opinion that the state would bt
better off without it, and is preparing
a bill to be presented to the leglsla,
ture which viii seek to repeal M
statute now effective and under which
the last general primary election wa!
held in August.
Another change in the election laws
of the state is proposed in a bill IN
troduced in the senate Tuesday after
noon by Senator Douglas Wikle, o
Williamson. According to the bill cleo
ton commissioner are required 20 Sc
lect officers for holding election 10 day
before any legalized election In tn
state, and to publish such list and Il
addition notify each officer so selected
either by postcard or letter, OF sucl
selection, and the precinct in which h
IS to serve, hour of election, etc. IN
bill further provides that the failur
of such officer selected to make nj
appearance at the precinct shall b
deemed a misdemeanor n puntshabl
with a fine Of not less than S25 no
more han $50, and that the O1llcer
holding such election shall be require,
to certify to the chairman of the count
election board the names of each alb
senteees, making it the Chairman's dut
to present such list Of absenteeS to tn
first grand jury sitting after such tn
date of the election. The bill ais
gives the grand jury inquisitorial pow
ers into such cases, and any perso
failing to put in an appearance at tn
precinct for which he has been selecte
to serve must show a legal eXcus
for his absence, n makes it a telon
to make any misstatement regardin
his absence.
Another measure Senator Wikle con
templates introducing provides for tn
amending Of the general corporate
law of 1903 (of which he was also tn
author) and outlining a uniform char
ter for all corporations, except publ
welfare corporations.
Another bill will seek 10 reform tn
pleading in circuit ourts through tn
adjustment of the plea Of general Is
sues.
Jess Edgington, %impeached court OF
fetal of Shelby county, has presente
a mass of letters and documents to tt
Shelby delegation through which he WI
ask the removal of the disabiliti'
placed upon him by the court of in
peachment which threw MIN out of o
} flee three years ago. Edgington is
Memphis at present, but will come. b.
fore the proper legislative commits
at the required time to place his CLAIM
l for a restoration of his privileges
the hands of the general assembly