Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1845-08-19

RICHMOND DAILY WING,
A.ti Gambiing Observation-Disclosures.


We have received, and shall publish tomorrow
If possible, a communication from the pen OF a
friend, addressed to Ro. X. Collier; Esq, asking
some more definite specifications against the pro-
fss.onal gamblers, recommending Society for
the suppression Of Gaming, and requesting re-
ply 60 the suggestion, from Mr.. Collicr.)
Much unquestionably could be accomplished
for the suppression Of the vice of gambling by in.
dividual combination. That which men Of honour
would unanimously or even generally concur IN
discountonancing, would fall OF itself. The lamp
would expire for want of tho oil necessary to feed
the fame. Ii il such men-the unwary and un-
suspecting, the ardent and the uncalculating-
who have chiefly contributed by their own ruin, TO
sustain and enrich the gambling class. An asso-
citation among these, would prove fatal to illicit
gambling.
But, il this is too much to anticipate or 10 hope,
il is in the power of Legislation to lend the most
powerful and effective assistance. The method
il perfectly simple, and as efcctual simple. LIE.
GALIZE BILLIARDS: Repeal the statutory
prohibition against game, which OF all games is
the most innocent and unproductive OF betting,
the most philosophical IN its physical and mental
combinations, an instructive amusement to the
mind, and an agreeable and salutary exercise to
the body.
The suppression of Billiards in Virginia. was no
doubt suggested by the most patriotic motives; but
that il was unwise, the result has established, IN
the promotion Of secret and murderous gambling
gambling hidden from public observation; GAM
bling destructive in the ratio of its secrecy. This
was the opinion of John Marshall and in one of
the last conversations which the author of these
observations held with that great and good man,
more truly great perhaps, than all save Washing
ton and Franklin, to whom that epithet has been
applied among countrymen, he urged the res
toration of Billiards, as measure which would
prove moro eficacious in suppressing vicious and
predatory gaming, than all others combined, which
it was within the power of Legislation to adopt.
Amusement he said. would be sought. and it was
presented by no other game in a form so harmless
and at the same time so attractive, as 10 subdue
the thirst for more dangerous games: Amusement,
he farther continued, was craved by nature, and
necessary, if not to all, certainly to most, and it
ought TO be the study of the laws TO promote that
which was the least pernicious: whereas, the
laws of Virginia, in attempting to suppress all
gambling, had only succeeded in suppressing Bill.
lizards, the most innocent and elegant of all, be-
cause the apparatus of the game was larger, and
could not be hidden. while they had, by injudi-
cious penalties, driven gambling into dark recess
es, rendering it more unprincipled, demoralizing
and destructive.
Such was the opinion ofJudge Marshall, enter
tanned at the time of his DEATH when age had
subdued his own passion for Billiards, which ira
diton reports to have been excessive in his earlier
years. He was anxious TO have headed petition
TO the General Assembly for the restoration o
Billiards, under restraints which would correc
the evils which led TO their suppression.