Volume 9 , Issue 45

November 1907 - Saloonist Plan Immediate Fight

Another news article dated November 10, 1907, Sunday, in The Daily Oklahoman, had these headlines: "Saloonist Plan Immediate Fight - One man will keep open to get a test case."

With the contention that the prohibition clause of the constitution is meant merely as a restrictive measure upon the action of the state legislature in fixing a penalty, plans are being made by the saloon keepers of Oklahoma City to test the prohibitory clause.

Legal assistance has been retained and it is said that a collection has been taken for raising funds which are to be used in carrying the case through to the supreme court of the United States. According to the plans as revealed by a bartender of one of the city saloons, one saloon keeper has been jointly agreed upon who is to keep his place of business open on Monday following the admission of the state into the union.

Arrests are expected to follow but the case will then be carried up to the higher courts for a test. County authorities have stated that all violations of the prohibition clause will be met with prompt assessment of the penalty fixed by the constitution.

It is stated that test cases will also be made from Guthrie and El Reno.

Several yearly licenses were taken out in September while Joseph Lecherle, 220 West California Avenue, secured a $500 year's license october 23, 1907 which, if prohibition becomes effective, allows him to operate less than a month.
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