The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-09-28
The Gambling OUTRAGE.


exposes the infamous dens of keno and
other games which infest Royal streesk and
other thoroughfares of this city. We regret
that as much cannot be said of the other
papers. This growing practice Of public
gambling 10 plague spot upon the surface
of our social existence. It indicates O dis
eased condition which ought to be promptly
treated, even If the infected spots must be
cauterized.
We distinctly say that the fault of the
continuance of this social horror Is not in
the law, but in the officers of the law.
And it is useless to say that Kellogg and
his comrades are partners in this specula-
ton, or to assert that the chief officer of
police is under pay Of the establishments.
These things may be true, except as to
Kelloggpersonally, but it would be almost
impossible to prove them, and if they were
true, it does not shift all responsibility from
everybody else.
We have grand jury. Cannot any
member of that body make himself com.
mittee of one and visit these establish
ments. He might even be dispensed, by
virtue of that good work, from the annual
visitations of the charitable and other pub
lie institutions. Well, once inside the
lawless precincts, he could soon have in his
memory list of witnesses long enough to
convict any boss-gambler, no matter who
his partner might be.
Then, the District Attorney. We have
q very handsome District Attorney, who,
We are persuaded, does not mean to travel
altogether on his good looks. If we re-
member Alright, Judge Collens, when. At
torney- General, a good many years ago,
put an instantaneous stop to this same NAL.
ady, which had then broken out on the
body social in quite virulent shape. He
either went himself or sent competent per-
sons, and secured full lists of the nice
young men and the distinguished elderly
gentlemen who patronized all the princi-
pal places of resort for the victims of the
malady. The grand difficulty had always
been want, of witnesses, but now there
were plenty Of them, and, very much to
their surprise, eminent counsellors and lead
ing merchants were summoned to the GRIM
inal court to give testimony. The result
was q complete victory for the Attorney
General in his new role of social physician.
He had thoroughly cauterized the poison
Gus ulcer.
Now let US see that the law is not
in fault. We find the following provisions
in the Revised Statutes of 1870, and believe
that they have not since been modified. On
page 179, we read:
ohol
game or banking house, at which money, or
anything representing money, or any article of
value shall be bet or hazarded, or shall aid or
The first offence, be fined not less than one |
thousand nor more than Eve thousand dollars; |
and on conviction of n second offence not less |
han FIVE Thousand nor more than ten thousand |
dollars, and be imprisoned at hard labor for |
not less than one nor moro than five years.
SEQ. OLE. The fines imposed by the preceding
section shall, when collected, be paid one-half
IS committed, and the other half to the Charity
Hospital of New Orleans.
Sec. 913. All persons engaged in gambling,
Or employed, but where, in lieu thereof, pieces
IF bone, or any other material or substance,
being the representative of money, by virtue
IF any express or tacit understanding among /
'he parties engaged in gambling, and oil per-
against such game, shall be deemed and taken |
% be,within the prohibitions of the preceding
'SSotOueI
De liable to all the penalties therein provided
against gaming houses and banking games.
A rigid enforcement of this law would
make the business quite Improbable. But
Who shall proceed against the offenders
We read:
Sec. Oil. 1t shall be lawful for any public
'ficer or other person, to arrest and take into
custody any person keeping or playing any
banking game, or aiding or assisting therein,
ogether with all the tables money, represent
atives of money, implements and other para
'hernalia which may be used in, keeping such
banking houses, or in playing such banking
,ame, and take, or cause them to be taken be-
ore any committing magistrate who shall
ommit such persons for trial if upon a hear
ng there be su6loient cause therefor. 1t shall
. the duty of the officer committing such Of
enders 30 take an inventory of all money, or its
representative, tables or other Implements or
araphernalia, that may be seized and brought
efore him, all of which shall, on conviction,
0 forfeited, one-half for the use of the Charity
ospital of New Orleans, the other half for the
20 of the parish in which the offence is COM
lifted. {
In order to be sure that it is not necessary
await an affidavit in due form when Of I