We emphatically PROTEST against its consideration, and appeal to you to use your influence and, if necessary, your votes against this dreadful and infamous bill.
AGAINST THE EXCISE BILL OF THE STATE LIQUOR DEALERS' ASSOCIATION.
WHEREAS, A bill prepared by the State Liquor Dealers' Association is before your honorable body, which provides for a Sunday license law (which means unrestrained liquor on the Sabbath); for special licenses for certain saloons in certain localities in cities; for the sale of wine and beer after one o'clock in the morning at public balls and entertainments given by any incorporated association; abolishes the requirement of real estate security on license bonds (thus striking a blow at the civil damage act); and makes it a misdemeanor for any person to enter a saloon during the hours when it is supposed to be closed in obedience to the law:
Now, therefore, as every one of the above provisions is a direct blow at public morality, at law and order, at the peace and happiness of the home and family, and as this bill means for the state more drunkenness, more crimes and outrages of every sort, more poverty, more suffering, more darkened lives and ruined homes, we, the undersigned, citizens of ——, county of ——, most emphatically protest against its passage, and we call upon you, our representatives, to use your influence and vote against it.
The years 1891 and 1892 were not only marked by legislative work, but by petition work as well. Two successive legislatures had voted to submit to the people a prohibitory constitutional amendment, the vote to be taken in April, 1892. In anticipation of this event, petitions were circulated throughout the state in behalf at this cause, the grand total of 109,057 names being secured. Through the failure of the legislature to pass an enabling act to provide for the expense of the election, the amendment was never submitted.
Not discouraged by this apparent fruitless expenditure of time and strength, during the winter and spring of 1893-94 petition work was again resumed, the constitutional convention in session at Albany from May until September being the objective point. Two petitions were circulated at this time, one for an amendment to the constitution providing for the prohibition of the liquor traffic; the other for the full enfranchisement of women. Through winter's cold and summer's heat this work went bravely on, and 37,624 names were secured to the prohibition petition, and 36,086 to the one asking for woman's enfranchisement. These petitions were pasted on cloth, in a double row of names, and measured, when done, 475 yards. Mrs. Graham, who had them in charge, after pasting, arranged them in four large rolls and tied each with a white satin ribbon. June 28, 1894, they were presented to the constitutional convention, producing a profound impression by their magnitude. Mrs. Burt and Mrs. Tenney appeared before the convention. Mrs. Burt was granted a hearing. The convention did not recommend either of these measures, but that of woman's suffrage received much attention, being defeated by a vote of ninety-seven to fifty-eight. The momentum received from this petition effort will not soon be lost.
Thus in brief the legislative and petition work is reported, but it only vaguely represents the expenditure of time and strength devoted to this work. Truly it may be said of the women of New York State, "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
