ITEMS OF INTEREST April 16, 1910 Issue

ITEMS OF INTEREST

The end of the usurious "loan trust," which has made millions by forcing poor people to pay extortionate interest on money their necessities compelled them to borrow, is in sight in New York state. The state banking department and the Sage foundation have joined hands to stamp out the loan evil. The state banking department has asked the Legislature to pass bills giving it power, in issuing licenses, to investigate the character of proposed beneficiary organizations and to license loan associations. These latter are to be permitted to do a "pawn brokerage" business, the rate of interest being limited to three per cent a month, and limits the loan business in this state entirely to loans on chattels or other property. Loans on salaries are absolutely prohibited in any form.

The "bar and bottle" bill, after a lively contest, has passed the House of Representatives of the Massachusetts Legislature. The effect of the bill is to separate saloons where liquor is sold over a bar to be drunk on the premises and places where liquors are sold in bottles or other receptacles to be carried away. This will put an extra burden on the liquor traffic, as two license fees, both local and United States, must be paid where only one is now required. It is estimated that it will close about one quarter of the saloons in the state. It is claimed that it is the greatest step in advance toward temperance taken in Massachusetts in many years.

A bill has been unanimously in the Massachusetts Senate to create a Metropolitan Boston, to consist of the cities and towns in the various metropolitan districts. This idea of establishing a Greater Boston has been advocated in the Legislature, as well as outside, for many years. It is provided in the bill now reported that the metropolitan park district, sewer district, and water district and other towns and municipalities may be united into a Metropolitan Boston. The Mayors of the several cities and the chairmen of the boards of selectmen of the towns are to constitute a Metropolitan Boston council.

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