OCR Text |
Show OPENING THE CAFES TO DRINKING. Editor Tho Standard: I was much surprised, in reading your paper last evening, to learn that our city commissioners are considering con-sidering the passago of an ordinance ordi-nance that would greatly increase, rather thnn restrict, the use of Intoxicants in our city: and I am quite In accord with the sentiment expressed in your editorial, entitled, enti-tled, 'Get Ready for the Closo Down." It sooms rather strange that so soon after the conventions of the two' great parties, representing represent-ing as they did practically the en-tiro en-tiro population of the state, which declared that tho traffic in Intoxicating Intoxi-cating liquors and bevorages shall cease after the midsummer of next year, that our city commissioners commis-sioners should contemplate the opening of our cafes (now closed) to such traffic, and turn them into resorts wherO men and womon of all ages, as well as the boys and girls of tho city, can go and sip (he wine that steals away their brains and fires their passions in tho dead hours of the night when they ought to be at home, and, if not there, should certainly bo sober and circumspect. And what is the occasion1 for this radical change that could last but for a few months? Does the city need the revenue from the increased licenses? Certainly not bad enough to pay the price contemplated. con-templated. Is it for the purpose of giving the cafe proprietors a little bonus or financial encour- agement for a few months? If so, tho public is under no such obligation ob-ligation to them as to require payment pay-ment in such an extraordinary fashion. Or, Is it because the state is to be dry within a year and it is proposed to make a special feature of "wet" cafes and turn info wine rooms where caie- ty, sport and revelry may run rampant for tho frw months remaining? re-maining? I hope it is not the latter. Whatever may be the reason for so doing, It is certainly unwise to indulge in any such exnerlment at .the present time. Men and women who desire to drink wines and liquors, at midnight, cannot afford to set the example for others, In public places; and certainly cer-tainly not in places where young people can command the same service as those who are older and more experienced In the business. I feel confident that a large majority of the people agree with you that we should becln to curtail, cur-tail, not increase, the Hiuor traffic traf-fic and gradually eliminate the evil until the "dog days" Of next year shall find us "dry" and happy. And, unon further reflection. T am equally confident that our city commissioners, who are ever oh the lookout for the welfare of our beautiful citv and its Inhabitants, will decide that it would bo a mistake mis-take to pass the ordinance. Sincerely Sin-cerely yours, (Signed) C. C. RICHARDS. An excellent letter. Mr. Richards Is right in every particular. The city commissioners are making a serious mistako, and they are facing a great protest If there must be late drinking, drink-ing, confine the traffic to the saloons, where young people especially girls are not allowed to enter. Our advice ad-vice to tho commissioners is to table the proposed ordinance and forget it was ever before them. oo . |