The New York herald., 1872-11-24
GAMBLING In FRANCE.
The Probability OF Revival OF Public
Gaming HOuses-The German Green
Table to BE Transferred from Ger
many to France.

Table to BE Ira nsfer rrcd from Ger
many to France.
PARIS May 49, 1872.
The gaming tables at the various spas OF Ger
enC year. The fact causes q considerable amount
OF perturbation in the minds OF pleasure seekers,
as well as much uneasiness to another class of
people, to whom the existence OF the green tables
has hitherto been source Of profit, 1t being esti-
mated that $40 900, 600 have annually been lost at
these tables.
With the downfall OF the Empire the attractions
OF the French metropolis have been greatly re-
duced. while the price of living is augmented and
the number of visitors has decreased. The trade of
jewelry stores, of mantua makers and all English
speaking establishments suffers to fearful ex-
tent.
Some enterprising men point to the sources OF
profit derivable from gambling establishments
vichy, Barege, lxles-Bains and other French wa
tering places were deemed worthy substi-
tutes for Baden or HOmburg. Others advocated
the revival OF gambling houses in the city of
Paris. Writers in the Constitutional and the
Journal des Deodts-h6th highly conservative and
the most respected newspapers In Paris-have
favored the views expressed by the Figaro and
other sensational journals. Gambling, it is
argued, has grown into a passion that cannot be
eradicated. IL has existed from time immemorial
and at present is carried on in a clandestne man
Der in and out Of Paris. Better that it should be
done openly and In broad daylight. French
morals, we are told have not improved since The
year 1885, when the Legislature resolved on the
suppression OF gaming houses
HISTORY OF FRENCH GAMBLING HOUSES.
Public gaming houses existed In Paris prior 70
the year 1889; but under decree, dated 81 Messi-
dor, year VII, the establishments were closed. The
suppression did not remain In force for any length
OF time. Under the Consulate a person named
Perrin was authorized by Fouche the renowned
Chief Of Police, TO open gambling houses. Special
authority was given for the creation OF an estab-
lishment where foreigners could congregate. That
establishment was known as lie Cerce des Etran-
gers" situated in the Rue Grange Bateliere. It
was presided over by three noblemen, VIZ. =
Marquis de Tilly -Blaru. Count de Castellane
and Marquis de Lvry These Presidents were al
lowed compensation OF $4,000 in the shape OF
salary. Gaming was confined to cards. e.,
"trente ct I'm" and 'creps''; the betting being
unlimited as to amount. Extreme luxury regned
throughout the establishment, sumptuous suppers
were provided every evening, and on three days
during the week there were gala dinners. Prince
among the ireouenters Of the cub. and both 1 "r
them gambed away large sums OF money. During
the Winter masked balls, called 'Bals de Lvry !"
were arranged and attended by all that Paris har
bored OF fair and wealthy inhabitants. The leading
men and women OF fashionable society would
cOHBTeRaLe unueT Tue patronage OF MaQame
the Baroness Hamen and Others. Nothing has
splendor and luxury displayed at the entertain
ments Of the Cerclc des Etrangers. The revery, IL
is recorded, surpassed anything we can image In
the present age. 1t Is well known that the First
Napoleon visited the balls while Consul, and even
continued doing so in the early days OF the En-.
pire. On one occasion Napoleon expressed q
desire to close all public gambling places, but
FOuche objected, on the ground that the hells
provided him with the best means prosecute
his-i.e., the EmperOrs-plans. To shut up the
gaming houses would deprive the police OF the
house paid a very large taxs At a subsequent
period the licenses to open gaming tables were
farmed out to the highest bidder. On the return
OF Louis XVIII. the following houses wero licensed
to hold open gaming les:-Cercle des Etrangers,
Rue Grange Bateliere, No. 8; Frascati, Rue Richie.
lieu, No. 108; Dunans, Rue MOnt-Blanc, No. 40;
Marivaux, Rue Marivaux No. 13; Paphos, Rue du
Temple, No. ITO; Dauphn, Rne Dauphin, No. 80.
In the Paais Royal there were iOur large hes-
namely, the houses known as No. Q, No. 113, No.
129 and No. 154. The terms OF the license under
which these houses were tolerated stipulated q
monthly payment to the government OF Se2,5O0,
public treasury. or that amount the Department
OF the Minister OF the Interior drew 1892 000 which
sum went to subsidize theatres and the Conserva-
tory Of Music. The sum OF $4s0,O00 was set aside
as compensation for the benefit OF the person to
whom the license was granted he paying the ex-
penses.
HOW MUCH THE VICTIMS LOST.
During period Of nineteen years.. e., from 1919
TO lS37-the gross revenue, Or In other words, the
losses sustained by the gambling public. amounted
to $27 462 6SS. the sums annually realized being as