Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 74, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 May 1903 — Cooney Must Close. [ARTICLE]

Cooney Must Close.

Judge Palmer Sustains The Decision of Our County Commissioners. The Conrad Kellner saloon license oase was decided on points of law at Monticello Taesday, and thereby the anti-saloon forces have won quite an important victory. It is a victory in that it will pat a.stop to the heretofore common praotioe in this county of a saloon keeper already in business apply* ing for a saloon license several mouths ahead of the expiration of his present lioenee. Conrad Kellner made application here before the April term of the Commissioners’ court. After a big battle his application was refused, on the grounds that it was not legal to apply until the next regular meeting of the commissioners previous to the expiration of hie license. This lioenee does not expire until June 3rd. This deoision did not prejudice Kellner’s right to apply at another commissioners’ term.

He appealed however to the oirouit court, and then took a ohange of venue from the county; the oase being sent to White oouu ty. It was argued Tuesday on points of law, and Judge Palmer affirmed the decision of our county | commissioners, namely that the application in April was void, and that a saloon applioaut must noi make his application except at the last regular meeting of the commissioners before the desired license go into effect The point in this question being that an advauce application may, and in fact often does, deprive voters of their right under the law to remonstrate against au applicant. The case was kTeued the-

anti-saloon league, by the League’s lawyer, Mr. Orbisou, of Indianapolis, and Ex-Judge Reynolds, of Mouticello. And on behalf of Kellner by J. E. Wihon, of Rensselaer and E. B Sellers, of Monticello. This decision will close Mr. Kellner’s saloon for at least' a month, in bny oase. His license expires at midnight on June 3rd, and there is no longer time for him to give notice and apply to the commissioners at the June term; and therefore he oan not apply until the July term. What, if anything the antis will do to him then remains, of oourse, to be seen They are full of fight however, as an egg is of meat, and will make it interesting for every applicant from now on.