The Mayor's War on 'Black Chapel'

To the City Council—Gentlemen: I herewith return without my approval House of Delegates bill No. 385, entitled: 'An ordinance granting a retail license for the sale of intoxicating liquor to E. F. Nieharge.' My objections to this ordinance are based upon the policy and wisdom of the act. Within the past three months, the city authorities were compelled to shut up this saloon because of the prevalence therein of disorderly conduct and violations of law. Notwithstanding no license was allowed to further operate the saloon, liquor has been sold daily over its bar. The law has been scoffed at. The very lowest of the low have congregated around it. One month ago the present applicant, Mr. Nieharge, made application for a license and deposited his money. It is true that he is not the person who has heretofore maintained the saloon, but he has kept the saloon open ever since his application and has been selling liquor over the bar notwithstanding the fact that his application for license has not been passed upon by the council. The space bounded by South Sixth and South Seventh and by King and Weller streets is what is known as 'Black Chapel.' It contains numerous cribs and saloons. These 'cribs' are occupied by a very disreputable element of the city. Within the space of three hundred feet square there are seven saloons supplying these people with liquor. This stench upon the body politic—this black spot upon the escutcheon of the city—cannot be wiped out if we allow and maintain so many saloons within so small an area. It is needless to say that many of these saloons are not reputable places. They ought not to be allowed. And while I here disavow any intention of making any reflections upon the present applicant, Mr. Nieharge, I simply desire to put myself upon record against allowing any more saloons in this 'Black Chapel' district. It is no recommendation of Seattle. Very respectfully yours, J. T. Ronald, Mayor.