Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1856-02-09
Peep into a Washington Gambling
House.

The Washington correspondent of the
Cleveland Plaindealer thus describes Wis
il to eambling-h house, and what he saw
and heard there
Having heard much OF the magnifcence
aud grandeur of The metropolitan gambling
houses, with several other Cleveland
friends paid one visit the other night.
The entrance was through narrow
lighted way opening from the avenue,
just east of The national. A pair of stairs
al the further end of the hall brings you
abruptly against small door, fastened on
The inside you ring bell colored
servapt looks through the lalnced panel TO
see if all is right. If he discovers a we'll
known customer or frequent visitor of
such places the whole party is admitted
on the principle, Of course, that "a person
is known by the company he keeps"
Gamblers understand human nature better
than auybOdy else. We were admitted
first into a room beautifully carpeted
fresco painted, with chairs, sofas, loung-
es &C.. of rose wood, large cenre-table,
on which were the leading newspapers Of
the country, and around which sal several
weIl-dressed gentlemen ; Ieisurely reading
and discussing the news Of the day. This
was Just the half of double parlor, the
reception room, or, as Milton would say,
'lhe vestibale of hell
Our guide, who was well known
Washington gentleman, introduced US to
the keeper of the establishment, telling
him that we had never been in such a
place before, and was led by curiosity 10
explore his internal domains. He appear
ed highly delighted, and Immediately
opened up the sinner temple" We en-
tered, and found that the half had not been
told US a chandt ler, costing from three
to four hundred dollars, brilliantly lit up,
fang its gluering rays on gold papered
walls, satin damask curtains, sofas, &c.
In the centre, and near one end of the
room, stood long six-legged table, with
a richly embroided spread. falling in folds
nearly TO the floor on the wall over this
table hung massive gilt frame, and large
as life a huge crouching tiger, with eyes
Of gIaring fire, lips apart, and apparently
ready for spring upon his unsuspectlng
victim. The cloth being removed from
the table beneath, revealed "Faro Bank, "
with all the implements of that well-known
fascinating game ivory chips represent
inc 81, SIS, $25, and $3.50 each, av piled
up in one corner, for the convenience OF
the betlers in a small box beneath lag
piles Of bank bills and heaps of double ca
gles for the redemption of these ivory is
sues.
1t was early in the evening, and the
players had not got in. The keeper en-
tertained us with tales Of the table-how
fooIshIy young men came there as we
had, out of curiosity, which generally
left them out of cash, out Of character and
out of friends, in the end. We proposed
leaving, when he politely invited us to
stay TO supper ; he showed US his bill Of
fare, which included soup, roast beef,
oysters in ali styles, ducks, venison, quail,
fish, chocolate, coffee, nut, and all the
wines and liquors 10 be found in the best
restaurants. Whoever is admitted to the
rooms, either as players or spectators, are
also admitted 10 these supPers free Of
charge don't gamblers understand hu-
man nature The keeper was impatient
10 have the House organized, SO members
could draw their mileage and make his
business better. This is but one of many
institutions in this city, and the Tiger is
bound 10 be fed though the people slarve.