Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-02-16

Appearance of Baden. Baden In the Gay
SensOn The GnmblIng-hall at that
Watering Place.
A foreign correspondent thus writes from
Baden Baden. f 2.
Baden Baden nestles beautifully in the
lap of mountains-chidren of the Black
Forest. It's name signifies baths; and it is
frequented as one of the most fashionable
watering places in Europe. The virtues of
its mineral springs were known even unto
the Romans, who gave it the name of Civttds
Atretia Aquensis. The town is rather diff
cult to describe. The streets are narrow
and running in all directions, the houses gen.
orally badly built but the new portion Of
the town is attractively constructed.
Let me say no more of the town, so insig-
nifcant in ITSELF and speak of that which
most excites the curiosity of the travellers
eye. Reader, what is your conjecture that
it is2 Something invented by the Devil !
Nothing less than gGniblingi The Autumn
rays of the sun had not threatened prema-
ture winter. Baden was still crowded with
strangers. There might you see the vivacious
Frenchman, the stiff Englishman, the half
enlightened Russian, and natives of all
countries. These were no common, every
day people either; they were earls and counts,
and Countesses, and lords and ladies.
As matter of course felt it to be my
duty to visit the gaming tables, if it were
only to say j saw them" Harkl as l ap-
proach I hear strains of military mnsic.
The regimental band is discoursing in the
promenades. Between rows Of Tyrolese and
Nuremburg merchants walk, who display
gaudy toys at soaring prices. AT the ex-
tremity Of this avenue is the Conversation
House, and gentlemen were scattered about
the ground in front, quietly supping their
cafe nofT, or indulging in the reveries of q
cigar. See how they watch the wreathed
smoke, curling gracefully toward the clouds.
What are their reveries as they gaze fixedly
upon it !? Therein circle coins Of yellow
gold no doubt.
"a real splendid concern" remarked to
myself, as | entered the spacious hall of the
Conversation House. Beautifully is it en-
bellished with frescoes and hower-ringed
fountains. / stood nearly alone in the
saloon, and wondered where all the visitors
had flown to. espied door at each end OF
the hall, one leading into a library, the
other most likely opened into the play-rooms.
The guess proved to be correct. A richly
dressed company was assembled about an
oblong table. As l stepped lightly in, not O
head was raised to notice the intruder, but
all were wrapt up in the play.
deep and guilty silence prevailed. There
were proud and inexperienced youths, per-
sons Of middle age, filed with gainful lust
and there was venerable age, with hair Of
| silvery white; even ladies were absorbed in
the all absorbing game. The play was
Touge-et-noir. Near the center of the table
was a sort of revolving basin, divided into
| fissures, each colored black or red. Tht
basin was rapidly revolved, while small
marble was twirled round in the opposit,
direction. When the basin remains station
ary, and the marble has fallen into a red di
vision, then those who bet on red have won
| black has lost. / should have said that be
fore the play begins the amount one wishe
to stake is laid upon rouge or noir, as th,
case may be, and when the result of the pla,
is declared, the chief attendant hourishes
crooked baton, with which he pulls in tn
forfeited gold like lightning flash.
Not in this lively manner are the smootl
yellow Napoleons meted out to the fortunat
winners. They are cast in tli tering heap
upon the table, and believe there is an ar
in their distribution, to attract and delud
the initiated lookers-on.
The game of roulette is by numbers, not by
colors; and, apropos If this, they relate tn
anecdote among the amateurs which viii
serve as warning to the ladies': A certain
beautiful and opulent lady became enamore
of the magic table, which, thought she, lik
the philosophers stone, turns all to gold VIII
touch it. She intended to venture her for
tune, and kind friend whispered in her ca
that one who bets upon ones age--that il
the number of years-is sure to win. TIL
lady was single, and aged thirty-fve years
But could she let all the young gentleme
know she was five-and. thirty2 She trem
blingly placed her golden pile upon eight
and-twenty, and the ball was twirled quickl,
around. She was amazed to behold he
stake-every Napoleon swept away. Eight
and-twenty had lost; thirty. five gained
triple sum Now, take the lesson, ros
damsel and elderly dame-never misrepre
sent your age.