The Mayor's Battle Against the Saloon

I herewith return without my approval house of delegates bill No. 240, entitled 'An ordinance granting a retail license for the sale of intoxicating liquor to E. H. Plummer and C. A. Phelps.' The place mentioned within this ordinance wherein it is proposed to sell liquor is without the license limits and therefore disapproved. I have devoted much time and investigation to this matter, having more time for information concerning this ordinance than the council. It is my duty to look to the right thing in the interest of all and not for the benefit of any individual. The peculiar sinuosity of this ordinance in this locality partakes at one and the same time alike of the nature of gerrymandering, class legislation and special legislation. It is within a few feet of the Armory, the great public resort of all our people for amusement. It is but one block from the university and on the direct route of travel of most of the students to that institution, both male and female; and for this reason is likewise opposed by the faculty. I am informed by the grantor of these premises that the grantee, the present owner, gave his word of honor that he would never ask or allow that liquors be sold on the property so long as the residents objected. My disapproval is solely because I believe this extension unwise and unjust to a large part of our people.