Free lunch newspaper's estimate that the saloon keepers fed 60,000 people a day and that this represented a contribution of about $18,000 a week toward the relief of the destitute in Chicago. In 1896, the New York State legislature passed the Raines law which was intended to regulate liquor traffic. Among its many provisions, one forbade the sale of liquor unless accompanied by food; another outlawed the free lunch. In 1897, however, it was amended to allow free lunches again. Free lunch A free lunch is the providing of a meal at no cost, usually as a sales enticement to attract customers
1896 New York state election was reached by all parties. Obs.: For candidates nominated on more than one ticket, the numbers are the total votes on all tickets. New York gubernatorial elections 1896 New York state election The 1896 New York state election was held on November 3, 1896, to elect the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor and a judge of the New York Court of Appeals, as well as all members of the New York State Assembly. Besides, a constitutional amendment on forestry was proposed, and rejected with 321,486 votes for and 710,505 against it. The Democratic state convention met on September 17 at Buffalo,