Albuquerque Morning Journal

EARLY CLOSING AND MORE LIGHT HELP OFFICERS

Policeman Says 8 o'Clock Closing Law Reduces Work of His Department 90 per Cent; Park Lights Also Help

Early closing of saloons and plenty of street lights have been proved to be means of lightening the burdens of officers of the law, according to members of the police force and the provost guard of the national guard here.

It was 9:30 last night. the police had had a light day, and Sergeant N. M. Miller was in charge of police headquarters at the city hall.

When asked if anything "newsy" had happened during the day, he remarked: "Why. Mr. Reporter, we haven't much news these days: since the saloons began closing at 8 o'clock we policemen have lost nearly all our business and are getting a little rest."

"What per cent do you estimate the policemen's troubles have diminished since the saloons began closing early?" he was asked more definitely.

"Ninety per cent," he replied, after studying a little.

Provost Guard Gets Lonesome.

Just at this juncture a provost guard of the national guardsmen came in from Robinson park, rubbing his eyes and declaring he was getting mighty lonesome at the park the last few nights.

"Why?

We thought your beat was one of the busiest in town?" he was asked.

"Not for the past two or three nights. since the lights were turned on out there," said the soldier.

He said that before the park was lighted well that it had kept the officers busy.

Many Men at Home After 8.

The policeman explains that one reason troubles for the police are saved by early closing of the saloons is that it has been the habit of many men to go home for supper the first thing after quitting work in the afternoon, and then come to town to drink and carouse around, whereas now they have time to get but two or three drinks of beer between supper and the 8 o'clock closing time for the saloons, and hence do not get to continue their drinking to the "mischievous point."

It is also the opinion that many men now get what drinks they have to have for the night, before going to supper. and then after going home remain with their families instead of returning to town for only a short time they would have while the saloons remain open, or else go with their families for a drive or visit the theaters.