Seattle's Dance Hall Ordinance Faces Legal Challenge

Two of the dance halls in the variety district of the city opened up again last evening and the proprietors were immediately arrested and the dances closed. James Munroe, who conducts the dance hall under the Clancy saloon at the corner of Washington and South Third streets, was arrested under an ordinance recently passed by the council, while James Pearson, proprietor of the New Zealand dance hall, was arrested under an ordinance passed last November, which provides for the punishment of those who conduct dances which are patronized by lewd and lascivious persons. Both Munroe and Pearson expected to be arrested and opened up their dances in order to test the validity of the two ordinances at the same time. Munroe was arrested ten days ago on the same charge and was arraigned for trial in the municipal court. He pleaded not guilty and a motion was made to discharge him on the ground that the ordinance was not constitutional. Judge Glasgow has not yet rendered a decision, and Munroe, weary with waiting, has allowed himself to be rearrested. When arraigned this morning he asked for a change of venue to James Caldwell's court, where he expects that an immediate decision will be rendered.