The Battle Over Tacoma's Most Notorious 'Hellhole'

The regular session of the Tacoma city council was extremely interesting. The council-room was crowded long before the mayor called the order. The ladies of the W.C.T.U. were present in large numbers to note the proceedings relative to Harry Morgan. When the order of business came around to petitions, the interest became intense. H. H. Cline, in a petition, set forth the fact that he had purchased Harry Morgan's saloon and variety theater, and asked that the license be transferred to him. Col. Jim Steele was on his feet in a moment and moved that the petition be not granted, and in a short speech showed the evil influences emanating from such a depraved institution and its injury to the city. While these proceedings were pending, the Central W.C.T.U., the Law and Order League, and various bodies and persons handed in petitions praying that Morgan's license be revoked, and his 'hell-hole,' as a member of the council expressed it, closed up. The petition of the Central W.C.T.U. stated: 'The saloon, variety theater and gambling house on Pacific Avenue, owned and conducted by Harry Morgan, has long been a resort for the most wanton characters of Tacoma. It is a source of demoralization to young men, a school of depravity, and can be regarded in no other sense than appalling disgust.' It is believed that the petition of Cline will be refused and the dive closed. Public opinion is very bitter against this and other low gambling and drinking resorts in this vicinity.