The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-03-24
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NEW York, Feb. o. 1866
Notwithstanding the exposition Of the secrets Of his
trade made BY the reformed gambler Green three
years ago which startled the community that among
other safeguards from the evil, Office was opened
houses entered these "hels" continue TO flourish
In undated prosperity Having for long time Gu
rios,y TO inspect one Of these places, eagerly ac-
initiated, to whom had communicated my desire to
visit with him one OF the most extensive
OF the kind in the city The observer Of Broadway be.
tween Grand and Eighth streets must have observed
several unpretending buildings with shutters always
closed A half my sterous air hangs about them Ex-
cept upon the fret floor which is usually occupied By
eating saloon lights seem noises ever
heard. Ny visit was to one of these. Passing from
reached a door At the farther end conceal
ed from view BY gaIze , screen The door
marrow and thchy csrpeed stairway which ascend
ed and found ourselves In dimly lighted corridor.
side door and rang bell 1t opened By grave re-
spectacle looking servant who eased Of coats and
bats and bowed us into large and spendidy furnished
reception room costly chandelier shed food OF light
upon table showily furnished with the luxures OF the
season at which sat or rather reclined half dozen
feeble faded, vice hardened young men, the eldest Of
whom had not thirty years. Their faces wore an
anxious expression they spoke stessy and coherenty
md although each endeavored 10 carry his glass TO III
lips with eiegan. ccmposure, could his hand was
unsteady Initiating the nonchaidnce Of my companion
best could drew 20 the table and picked the wing
Of woodcock while he engaged the young debauchees
in . conversation, from which gathered that these
young were mostly OF wealth
cial position After some moments passed this
another obsequious laquey bowed into the gambling
ball proper This was long room, simply bat elegantly
furnished with soft tenn ered light and soothing Ian
guid atmosphere With the ceptien Of yolene which
for idle the occasion Of my visit I
saw no instrument OF gambling but cards. About
dozen 10 bles were occupied with the various games
seated myself quietly and watched the players. Gray
headed men and boys Of twenty were seated ct the
same table, spellbound by the Vaccinations OF the
game. There was no uproar, confusion, only the
duh shutting Of cards the deep breathing of some en-
cited player or his mutered OATH the click Of gold and
rustic Of bank notes. the stakes were deposited or
taken can never forget the expression Of face 70
which my guide called attention IL that OF young
man, about twenty Eve years Of age from the South a.
my friend whispered and ho having recently begun
every night. Indeed his brief Internal profession had
wrought fearful change In bis appearance All genter
emotions we're absorbed In desire win,
as with dsodered dress CHEEKS asby pale compressed
hIs, end eyes cleaning with unnatural light, played
steadily on his antagonist was self possessed smiling
villain, who, under an apparent indifference, hid the
devb avarce OF his proiession his wary eye Hxed
hand, demonstrated. II was essy seen how the game
mutt finally end and that the grcephorn would leave
money, health character reputation In the hands
OF the 6end ipcarpate who was plucking him. Sick
snsd by the revolving sights which met every
hand and stined by the close air. passed quietly
as had entered and gained the street with curiosity
fully satisfied have thus endesvored to give you
dsa OF one OF our city Institutions and II you find OF
ptrest thall take the pains 10 acquant self with
Other forms Of city life not generally understood. In
regard TO gambling houses, Justice requires 10 say
that the Authorities taxing to suppress
them, and that within the last week several Of Lesser
tote were broken up.