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About The Alliance herald. (Alliance, Box Butte County, Neb.) 1902-1922 | View Entire Issue (April 2, 1908)
Anti-Saloon League. This column Is contracted for nt our reg -lar Advertising rates, Mid edited by tliu Alliance Antl-BnlUin Lragtto. On last Saturdav night, the son of one of our farmers, living in Box Butte county, catno to Alliance mid Filled up with the liquid sold by our local saloons. After he had been changed from nn honorable- man into a wild man by the effects of the "booze" he met nn old gentleman on the sidewalk seventy-Fix years old and deliberately threw a quart bottle of beer at him, striking the old man across the forehead inflicting a gash that required ten stitches to re pair the injury. Wo are informed that the old gentleman had not spoken to the farmer boy or given him any pro vocation whatever. lie was simply walking the streets in a peaceful man ner when approached and struck. A pool of blood on tho sidewalk marked the place which was seen and com tnented on by a number o'f strangers as well as our own citizens all day Sunday. Docs Alliance wish to continuo tho in stitutions that turn boys into bad men, ' and causo them to treat an old gentle man in this way? Voters, you will answer this question on April 7. He Btire that you answer it in tho right way. Wo wish to call tho attention of our ranchmen and farmers in Alliance territory to tho question now pending 4eforo tho voters of tho city of Alli ance. The question is: Shall we con tinuo the saloons or shall we vote them out? Tho ranchmen and farmers are interested in this in more ways than one. Those who live in Box Dutte county help pay the costs . of all criminal prosecutions produced by tho saloons of Alliance. What do they get in return? The ranchmen all know that theives congregate in saloon towns and that Alliance is tho headquarters of an apparently organized band of theives who havo been taking the horses of tho ranchers of Box Butto and ad joining counties. If the saloons are voted out, these men will seek more congenial climes and their places will be filled by honorable, law-abiding citizens. Wo wish to call tho attention of tho railroad men of this city to the position of tho Burlington road on the saloon question. Vou know that the officers are desirous of Alliance becoming n dry city. If the wish of tho railroad offici als is not carried out in this matter, a number of railroad employes may be requested to remove to dry towns in order to remove tho temptation of drink from them, The Northwestern and other railroad companies have discharged all employes addicted to drink and it would not be at all surprising to see the Burlington follow the course taken by the other railroads. The Burlington railroad is building a beautiful depot for Alliance. Alli ance is under obligations to the road and its officials. We are now requested to help vote out saloons in order to re move the temptation of drink from the railroad employees. Will Alliance treat the Burlington railroad right if it fails to comply with its request in this respect? Any change that is good for the railroad will be an advantage to our merchants, our business men, and our banks. Can we afford to ignore the request of tho Burlington on this vital issue? Ou the night of March 20, 1908, a man was found lying in front of one of our saloons in an apparently uncou scious condition. It is reported that, after this persou was removed from the saloon and was lying helpless on the sidewalk in frout of the building, that one of our citizens, who claims to be a man, approached the prostrate form and deliberately kicked him ou the head, inflicting a severe scalp wound from which the blood flowed profusely leaving a pool of blood upon the side walk when the afflicted man was re moved by his friends. Shall we con tinue this business iu Alliance? Some persons, favorable to the con tinuance of the saloons in this city, have started the report that, after the saloons are voted out, we will have a heavy occupation tax for school and other purposes. Any person, who will take time to look the matter up will find that the law does not make auy provision for au occupation tax for school purposes. Iu fact it would be impossible to vote or collect a tax in this way. It is a singular thing to watch the course taken by many good citizens and some prominent church members when over they think their business or pockctbook is liable to bo touched by their taking a stand on tho saloon question. These otherwise eminently good respectable members of society hesitate about dcclariug themselves as opposed to tho liquor traffic iu their own town when it comes to elections. They even line-up and by their votes continue a low license system on this community while they see daily proof of men and boys going to tho devil by reason of tho dramshops. It is a sad commentary on tho immense influence that self-interest has, and tho deplor ablo condition of a community when many citizens appear to be lacking in moral courage or backbone. In the early days of railroading in this country no restraint was laid on any employe from drinking and many of them were intemperate. Now rail roads arc virtually temperance societies. Many companies will not permit any employee to bo seen entering a saloon, nor under any circumstances to drink intoxicating liquors. An exchange says that alcohol will remove grass stains from summer clothes. The exchange is right. It will also remove summer clothes and also spring and winter clothes, not only from the man who drinks it but also from his wife and children. It will remove household furniture from tho house and eatables from the pantry; tho smiles from tho face of his wife, and the happiness from his home. As a remover of things, alcohol has fow equals. Don't Tell Your Boy! If you have a boy in your home vote against the saloons. If you vote for the saloons keep the fact from your boy. If your boy learns that you voted for tho saloons ho may think you want him to patronize such places. If your boy is ruined in the saloons you will havo to remember that you helped to ruin him. What you do not want done to your boy you should not be willing to have dono to your neighbor's boy. Every man who loves his own boy and has any concern for his neighbor's boy will vote against the saloons. Do you want a saloon next door to your home? Some facts concerning tho town of Gordon, Nebraska, under no llcenso. Tho following statoment of facts made by tho ebuslness men of Gordon Nebraska, 1b sufficient to convince any thinking man that tho Baloon Is not the only unnecessary to draw and hold tho trade for a town; but Is a posltlvo detriment to tho finan cial as well as tho moral nnd social welfare of tho community: Gordon, Nobr., March 10, 1008. This Is to crctlfy that we, tho un dersigned business men of Gordon, Nebraska, desire to express, our entire satisfaction with tho results obtained by tho .removal of tho saloons from our town, nnd further declare that tho moral, social and financial effects of tho removal of tho saloons has been most boneflclal nnd gratifying. Respectfully, Frank Coats, harness and Imple ments, Geo. M. Anderson, blacksmith and wheelrlght, Jas. A. Miller, photographer. F. C. Duerfoldt, lumber yard, J. W. Winters, blacksmith nnd wheelrlght, II. W. Stratum, painter and papor hanger, C. H, Sailor, machinery and hard ware, It. A. Swlgert, druggist, J. Q. Elmore, physician, J. II. Crowder, retiring postmaster. Ulla Powell, general merchandise, E. A. Waterman, Joweler, L. Schmltt, general merchandise, P. H. O'Rourkc, attornoy-at-law, W. C. Wllhlto, former proprietor of Commercial Hotel, J. II. Davis, general merchandise, Otto Pfclffer, hardware, C. R. Nenow, hardware, D. H. Grlswold, cashier First Na tional bank, W. E. Mltehlel, assistant cashier First National bank, W. E. Brown, assistant cashier First National bank, ,C. C. Parker, butcher and grocer, Jordan Hardware Co., hardware, Margrave & Duorfeldt, lumber, F. P. Mills, general merchandise. E. C. Wlgeit, general morchandlso. Bruco H. Hewett, cashier Gordon State bank, Charles B. Selblg, men's clothing and furnishings, C. L. Russell, produce and cream ery agent, Lynn Thompson, druggist, Edward H. Dwyer, physician, Newton S. Gates, general merchan dise, Wm. M. Green, restaurant, Z. M. Webb, barber, Field Bros., proprietors Commer cial Hotel, A. F. Howlett, Jeweler, Truoblood Bros., livery, II. G. Lyon, now postmaster, W. II. Barton, general merchandise J. G. Douglas, barber, D. W. Moffott, ex-merchant, C. A. lletzel, real estato agent, W. L. Mills, merchant, 0. L. Sanders, contractor and build er. T. O. Williams & Son, editors nnd props. Gordon Journal, Rebbeck & Johnson, billiard1 hall, W. E. Young, contractor, F. B. Llndloy, real estate, M. D. Smith, station agent and operator, D. C. Parker, operator, Wnrd Mosher, real estate, Hummel & FInkey, pool hall, S. S. Jolce, F. A. Hoyt, miller, Gordon Mill Co., by Tom Moore, R. E. Boyles, proprietor Club Res taurant. Only threo buBlness men of Gor don refused to sign the nbovo state ment. Tho statement Is often niado that a town must have saloons to run the schools. Note what tho Gordon school board says: Gordon, Nebr., March 10, 1D0S. To whom It may concern: This is to certify that tho under signed compose tho duly elected and qualified members of tho school board of Gordon, Nebraska, and wo hereby declare It to bo out honest conviction that the removal of tho saloons has In no way ombarrased the financial Interests of tho schools, and that the condition of our school at tho pres ent tlmo Is very gratifying. D. H. ORISWOLD, Chairman. C. H. SAILOR, Secretary, C. C. PARKER, Treasurer, II. G. LYON, FRANK COATS, F. P. MILLS, Members of School Board, Tho following is a statement of tho school treasury of Gordon, Nebraska. (Tho Baloons were closed out May 1, 1903:) Amount in treasury Sept. 14. 1903 $254.99 Amount in treasury Sopt. 1, 1904 1,280.07 Amount In treasury Sept. 1, 1905 1.C44.1C Amount In treasury Sept. 1, 190G 1,753.34 Amount in treasury March 25, 1907 1,245.29 Amount In treasury Mnrch 1, 1908 1,300.00 During tho year 1907, $1,500.00 was paid out for n now heating plant nnd other repairs for the school build ing, and during tho present year about $200 has been Bpent In labora tory equipments for the school. C. C. PARKER, Treasurer Gordon School Board. Statement of the Village Treasurer. Gordon, Nebr., March 12, 190S. To whom it may concern: This is to certify that tho books of tho treasurer of tho Village of Gor don, Nebraska, show the following data: Amount in village treasury May 1, 1901,$1,971.71, levy 17 mills. Amount In village treasury May 1, 1902, $1,440.37, levy 17 mills. Amount in village treasury May 1, 1903, $1,375.41, levy 15 mills. Tho above figures were under the license term. Amount In village treasury May 1, 1901, $1,940.C5, levy 15 mills. Amount in village treasury May 1, 1905, $1,495.49, levy 13 mills. Amount in village treasury May 1, 190G, $1,750.01, levy 13 mills. Amount in vlllago treasury May 1, 1907, $1,051.89, levy 13 mills. Amount In village treasury, Meh. 1, 1908, $1,483.80, levy 13 mills. W. E. MITCHELL, Villago Treasurer. Gordon, Nebr., March 10, 1908. To whom it may concern: As vlllago clerk for six years with a high license administration, then threo years with no saloon in the village, I can state that during tho term of saloons that our vlllago war runts ofton had to bo registered and not paid for want of funds with our tax levy up to tho limit, but since we have no saloons our warrants are nlwnys paid In cash and more per manent improvements done iu tho town than ever before, such as cement crossings, gasoline engine for our pumping station, etc., etc. As county assessor I will state that in 1905, after two years dry, I made a comparative table of taxes paid on tho taxable property of the village between the license and no Ucense property owners, and the statement shows three-fourths of the taxes paid by the no-llcenso owners and one-fourth by llcenso owners. This tablo shows very plainly that our substantial business interests do not desire saloons in tho town, and also that the saloon element are not large property owners. Another fact that I find is, that in 1903, at the time of closing our sa loons, that men who frequented sa loons and did not havo any property to assess now own their own comfor table homes pretty well paid for. C. H. SAILOR, Implement and hardware dealer. Gordon, Nebr., March 10, 1908. Rev. C. E. Council Dear Sir You ask mo what effect making Gordon n dry town had upon our business nnd perhaps I can best answer you by giving you somo fig ures. May 1, 1902, when Gordon abo lished tho snloons ho hnd deposits of $80,808.10; Mnrch 7, 1908, wo hnd doposlts of $277,87(5.18. We think we have tho best little town in north west Nebraska; collections are bet ter without tho saloon nnd tho busi ness men generally voto against it. From a business standpoint I have been forced to the conclusion that the Baloon, at least in all small towns is a nuisance. Very truly yours, D. II. GRISWOLD, Cashier, First National Bank, Gordon, Nebr., March 10, 1908. This is to certify that I, the under signed have been a' resident merchant In tho town of Gordon, Nebraska, for tho past twenty years and havo al ways been In favor of licensing sa loons, feeling that they were a busi ness necessity in order to draw trade to our town, but after five years ex perience in a dry town I am thor oughly convinced that tho saloon is a detriment to the financial nnd busi ness interests of nny town and un der no clrcumstnnces would I bo will ing to vote for or sign a petition to ndmlt n snloon nt Gordon. L. SCHMITT, General Mcrchnndlse. Gordon, Nebr., March 10, 1908. This Is to cortify that I havo been n resident merchant in the town of Gordon for more than ten years a that I hayo nlwnys been In favor of tho licensed snloon until tho pnst five years' business in a dry town has convinced me that the moral and financial welfare of tho town Is not increased by tho presence of saloons but on the contrary they are a great detriment. I am first, last and always for a dry town hereafter. J. H. DAVIS, General Merchandise. Gordon, Nebr., March 10, 1908. To whom It may concern: This is to certify that we have been in the mens' wear business here four years; during that time our busi ness has averaged $12,500 per annum. During this tlmo wo havo contracted less than $100 in bad accounts and more thnn three-fourths of these are by persons addicted to the use of liquor. From a business standpoint we consider a saloon a detriment to the financial interests of a town. We are not only opposed to Baloons but will use our best efforts to prevent one coming into our midst. GALLEY & SELBIG. Gordon, Nebr., March 10, 1908. To whom It may cocnern: This is to certify that I havo been engaged in tho mercantile business in different lines in the town of Gor don for the past twenty years, and during that tlmo I have been in a position to note very carefully tho effect of saloons on tho moral and financial Interests of the town, and havo no hesitancy in saying that in the past five years my business has been more satisfactory and collections have been made easier than previous to tho banishment of tho saloon from tho town. Respectfully, J. C. JORDAN. Gordon, Nebr., March. 10, 1908. This is to cortify that I have been a resident of Sheridan county and have resided near Gordon for tho past twenty years and havo known the conditions of the town of Gordon while there were saloons in it and for tho past five years Blnco It has been dry, and can say that in my judgment the town, morally, socially and financially is so far superior at this present time under no license, that I value my property consisting of 1920 acres lying flvo miles north west of Gordon, fifty per cent higher in valuo than if there were saloons in tho town. A. L. DAVIS. Farmer aud Rancher. Gordon, Nebr., March 10, 190S. Wo, after years of experience, nro firmly convinced that a town without a saloon Is tho better place to do business. There is always a lnrger per cent of ensh trade nnd collections nro more easily made with a smaller per cent of loss from bad accounts. THE FAIR. Per F. P. Mills, Secretary. Gordon, Nebr., March 14, 1908. To whom it may concern: Tho saloon has gone from Gordon and few there are who mourn Its de parture. Its going marks a new epoch in the social and business affairs of the town. That its exit may be final is tho prayer of all sensible men and women. The town Is on a high er piano socially and .morally, and business has received a fresh impetus. Among the most pronounced antl-so-loon men in Gordon today are many ardent supporters of the saloon in the past. A trial under tho new re gime resulted in a final verdict for the anti-saloon cause. H. G. LYON. Broken Bow, Nebr. To whom it may concern: As a resident of tho city of Broken Bow for tho past twenty-four years, I havo witnessed her prosperity both with saloons and without saloons, nnd I can most truthfully say, her great est strides both from n financial as well as moral standpoint havo been made since we voted out the saloons; by a small majority at first, but which has continued to grow until now It Is almost unanimous against the saloon. The business man In Broken Bow, who formerly voted for the saloon, because he thought we could not run our schools and keep up tho side walks is now our most ardent and energetic worker. We have paid off our big school bond, and built miles of stone walks with out a cent of saloon money. We have had the help and co-operation of the industrious and well to do fnrmers, tho energetic nnd wide awake business men who have come to make their home with us. W. B. EASTHAM, Investments and Real Estate. Broken Bow, Nebr., Mch. 27, 1908. To whom it may concern: I take pleasure in stating that I havu been a resident of Broken Bow, Nebraska, since December 1889, with tho exception of, from March 1900 to March 1903, during which tlmo 1 was a resident of Custer county, and had continuous personal knowledge of Broken Bow and its citizens. When I first located in Broken Bow, it was a Baloon town and re mnined so for sovornl years thereaf ter. In tho year 1901 tho saloons were voted out since which time tho ma jority vote against Baloons has been on the increase until at the present tlmo we havo an overwhelming ma jority ngnlnst tho saloon. I have been police judge of Broken Bow tor two terms and as such, havo the knowledge of the criminality of tho city and know that crime Is decreas ing each year though our population is Increasing nnd intoxication is sel dom known on our streets. I have only had five cases of Intoxication during the last jjear. When wo had saloons intoxication was a dally oc currence and our Btreots were fre quently blockaded with drunken men, such a thing Is now unknown. Since the saloons have gone, hundreds of tho very best class of citizens have located in our city, made investments of various kinds, built fine residences, etc. Our public school has Increased In scholarship to double the number, aud the financial condition of our school Is much better than under tho saloon system.. It has been demon strated beyond any doubt that tho voting out of the saloons In Broken Bow has advanced tho Interest in our city morally, financially and socially and 1 sincerely beliovo that the sa loon has disappeared never to return. Respectfully, II. J. SH1NN. Attorney at law and police judge. Broken Bow, Neb., Mch. 27, 1908. To whom It may concern: This is to say that I have been a resident of Broken Bow, Nebr., for thirteen years last past. That dur ing a part of said time we were under high license rulo and had saloons in our city. Something like seven years ago after a bitter contest at the poles, high license and Baloons were defeated and we have had none iu our city since that time. Those favoring sa loons laid much stress on the argu ment that wo needed tho revenue for the improvement of the city, and that business would be ruined, or at least depreciate, it we had no saloons by people patronizing the adjoining towns that had saloons; but the facts. are, moro substantial improvements have been mado since tho abolishment of tho baloons and business of every kind has never been moro prosperous in tho history of our city than under tho present regime, and 1 believe eve ry honest merchant or tradesmen of this place will bear me out in these statements. In fact, the people are so well satisfied with our present condition that there is absolutely no agitation whatever at election tlmo over the question of license or no license. Very truly yours. A. P. JOHNSON, Attorney and ex-County Attorney of Custer County. Broken Bow, Neb.. Mch. 27, 1908. To whom it may concern: I have lived In the town of Broken Bow, Nebr., for twelve years last past and during that time I have watched closely the business activity, volume and condition, from different viewpoints. During the past six or seven years when the saloons have been absent from the town, wo have lncrensed in population, the town has been kept in better condition aud the business transacted has been larger and of much more satisfactory char acter. As a general proposition tho cash business at the stores, received a great lmpetui. when the saloonB were closed; and in many cases which were Investigated we found that tho identical money which would havo gone In, tho saloon went directly to the store. The lnrge bills which used to bo contracted by somo families have slnco that time been cut out and a cash custom substituted. Tho general voto on the saloon question has stead ily Increased against it; nnd the re sults ns wo havo experienced them are the best proofs to us that wo do not want saloons back in our town. Tho immenso amount of money which they absorb turned in nnother channel of business mnkes a vnst difference In tho business of n town. Yours truly, II. LOMAX, Cnshler, Custer Nntlonal Bank. Broken Bow, Neb., Mch. 29, 1908. To whom it may concern: Nothing can prove bettor to tho skeptic that the abolition of saloons has not hurt business In Broken Bow than the fact that among the strong est opponents of tho saloon, wo find today many of our business men, who fought hnrd for the saloon for several years, when the question was first tried here. Many of thoso men are not today total abstniners, nnd do not oppose tho snloon on moral grounds, so much ns for tho reason that nctunl experience has shown them that the abolition of tho saloon has bettered business conditions and means just so many dollars and cents in their pocket. Tho taxes on permanent improve ments, mado by men who used to spend their substance for drink, in a largo measure, mado up for revenue formerly derived from license, and as proof of that fact I will say that our school district, which during sa loon times was $37,000 in debt is now, or will bo out of debt at the end of this school year, although our expenses have Increased very much. I havo not said anything so far, nor will I add any argument from a moral standpoint, all I want to give you Is what has been our experience hero from a merely business standpoint. Respectfully, JULES HAUMONT, Ex-County Assessor of Custer county and Vice-President Security State Bank. Continued on Page 4 NOTICE. Notice to Voters of City of Alliance. Notice is hereby given that at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Alli ance, Box Butte county, Nebraska, on the 3rd day of March 1908, the said Council passed a resolution submitting to the voters at the annual city election to bsheld April 7th, 190S, of the said city, an ordinance in words and figures as follows, towit: An ordinance, prohibiting the sale or giving away of intoxicating, Malt, Spiritu ous and Vinous liquors except for medici nal, chemical, mechanical or communion purposes, within the incorporated limits of the city of Alliance, Nebraska, and provid ing a penalty for the violation thereof and the repealing of former ordinances in con flict thereof. Be it ordained by the Mayor and Council of the city of Alliance, Nebraska: Section 1. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation to sell or give away, or in any' manner deal in Intoxicating, Malt, Spiritous or Vinous liquors, within the city limits of the city of Alliance, Nebraska; except for medicinal, chemical, mechanical or communion purposes. Section 2. Any person, firm or associa tion or corporation, violating any provision of this ordinance, shall on conviction there of by a competent court be fined for each and every offence not less than five ($5.00) dollars nor more than one hundred (100) dollars, in the discretion of the court, and shall pay all costs of the prosecution and in default of said fine and costs as assessed by the court, may be committed to the city jail until such fine and costs are paid. Section 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances heretofore passed and in conflict with the above ordinances, is here by repealed. Voters favoring the said ordinance shall designate the same with an X in paren thesis opposite the words, I votcfor Form A, and those in favor of rejecting it by designating it with an X in parenthesis op posite the words, I vote against Form A. Copies of said ordinance in pamphlet form can be obtained at my office in said city. Dated March 6th, 1908. W. O. BARNES, (Seal) Clerk of the citv of Alliance. Some High-Class Short-Horn Bulls. I raised the bull calf that took first premium, also calf that took fifth in same class, in open competition, at our State fair in September 1907. My herd took fourteen ribbons, altogether. I now have thirty hulls, from one to three years old, which I would like to sell for fall delivery; a car load. I will sell from twelve to twenty: vou tak your pick for $100 each. I will keep tnem tor two months, feed them oats alfalfa, etc.. eet them In cmn.i i. You take them in December, winter mem ai nome, ana they will do you some good. J. G. Brenizer, 43-1 year Broken Bow, Neb. V xi 1 t