The Great Tacoma License Revolt: Mayor vs. The People Over Harry Morgan’s Saloon

TACOMA, Wash., Feb. 2 -- The most interesting and largely attended session in the history of the city was held last night before the Common Council. Long before the hour of meeting, throngs were at the Council rooms; petitioners for Harry Morgan occupying every seat.

Competition was keen, and it was said that a man named Frank Morrison was killed by the foe [sic - likely OCR error for 'foe' or 'foe' referring to opposition]. The following affidavit was first read and created considerable sensation:

Frank Morrison, of lawful age, being duly sworn on oath, says that he is and identifies himself as Frank Morrison, heretofore on the 25th day of January, 1903, subscribed his name to an affidavit... Affiant further says that when said affidavit was made he was very drunk and ignorant as to what the purport of said affidavit was; that it was obtained from him by men who represented themselves to be the editors of the Tacoma Daily Bulletin. Affiant further says that the man supposed to have been robbed was not in fact killed but told this affiant that he was working a scheme for the purpose of extorting money either from the firm of Harry Morgan or others.

Affiant further says that he has at several times received money from gentlemen that represent themselves to belong to the editorial department of the Tacoma Daily Bulletin, upon promises that he would testify in the libel suits now pending... Affiant further says that Frank Morgan... told this affiant that he had received $150 in money and a new suit of clothes from men representing themselves to be directly connected with the publication of the Daily Bulletin.

A petition signed by 91 persons, said to be business men of Pacific Passage, followed: 'We... most respectfully petition your honorable body not to revoke the license of Harry Morgan... but if, in your wisdom, under this proposition, you should revoke said license, we pray your honorable body to first allow an open investigation... We also pray... that a license be granted to one H. Cline on lot 61...'

A counter petition against Morgan followed: 'Your undersigned... do most earnestly appeal to your honorable body to finally revoke the license of one Harry Morgan for the keeping of a saloon... as well as the license for keeping variety theater and dance house at Nos. 69 and 71... and that the doors of said premises be effectually closed.'

After an acrimonious debate lasting three hours, the Council declared two-thirds requisite: revoked by the following vote: Yeas—Cushman, Comus, J. H. Houghton, Weese, Drummey—5. Nays—J. B. Humphrey, Miller, Zinn, Hurst—4.

A liquor license was granted to H. Kadebaugh; refused to H. W. Jones.

Morgan's saloon theater was run about tonight notwithstanding the action of the Council. It is said he will now attempt to close him up on the ground that Mayor Drumm had no right, under the charter, to vote on the question.