Deciding Its Own Destiny

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 13, 1908

Deciding Its Own Destiny

THE saloon is known by the fruit it bears. Even those who patronize it understand its malefic effect, so that in times of great calamity the right and the necessity of closing the saloons of the town or city where the calamity has occurred is never questioned. One of the first orders given in San Francisco for the public safety at the time of the great earthquake and fire was the order closing the saloons. A similar order was issued at Boyertown, Pa., at the time of the terrible fire there in which one hundred eighty persons lost their lives. The reason for issuing the saloon-closing order at Boyertown, is given in a dispatch to the Chicago Inter-Ocean, which reads:—

While the flames were being checked, a disgraceful and unfortunate scene occurred. Some of the Boyertown firemen and others who were assisting them made frequent trips to near-by saloons with the result that toward morning some of the men became unruly. There were frequent fights among themselves and with the Pottstown firemen. At one time it looked as if the entire two fire companies would become involved in a free fight, and it was only due to the good work of the State police, who had been summoned from their barracks at Reading to assist the town in its affliction, that a more serious affray did not occur.

The condition became so serious that Burgess Kohler at five o'clock in the morning issued an order closing all saloons.

The saloon is not particular as to whose calamity contributes to its coffers. It does not scruple even to add to calamity if it can thereby increase its receipts. Because of its character, thus publicly blazoned forth by its own acts, it should not be a matter of surprise if the people should decide to prohibit its business completely instead of in times of calamity only.