The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-08-11

am too old TO fight now" he said, land
could never train to condition. L
NEVER WOULD FIGHT
in the ring, having been to Congress; Tor
respect what the people did for me-" Nor
rissey is the founder Of the running turf as
we see it to-day-a business in which, he
says, there is from g 900 900 to So 0oe 900 in
vested in America, whereas in 1864 be could
not start half a dozen horses on the Saratoga
course-the only course in the country: he
derived the most efficient and steadfast sup
port in this form from John Tracy, the SON
in-law of Reverdy Johnson, who rs president
of the Saratoga ASSOCIATION. DE pougnt
the whole property, using the names OF Van
derbilt and others whose united wealth, he
saws, amounted to upwards of 800 200, 600
With these names be passed without a dis
senting voice a repeal of the law OF the state
of New York making il an offense 20 run q
horse. Gov. Fent0n signed the Dill. tne
property cost Morrissey about 100000 to
less than half. There bis family resides,
apart from Saratoga His wife is hand
some woman who attends the balls. but has
no social passion; and he never speaks to
gentlemen accompanied by ladies. He has
been much concerned about his only son,
who bears his name, and whom he sought
to persuade to take an education and have
a profession. The young man Is said TO have
no fondness for study, and to be of his faith
er's physical inclination.
The greater number of race-tracks and
stables of running horses in this country.
beginning with Saratoga, extending 70 rat
terson, n. J., and Jerome Park, and finally
going on to Bufalo, Mobile; Monmouth
Park, and elsewhere. began in this coDjec-
ture of Morrissey:
II saw, at the close of the war, that the
racing stock OF the South was nearly extinct
owing to the horses having been kill
ed in the cavalry. Said The m
people will return to Saratoga as in former
years. and bring their horses, when they can
revive and can reimport them. will antici-
pate the time and buy track At that time
neither Sanford nor Travers, Jerome nor
Belmont. Hunter nor Mcdaniel owned a
horse In 10 years the turf has been brought
up to perfection ir never had in this
country, and the whole sentiment of the
North IS in favor of it. 1t stands equal with
the turf in England. 1t is the national
amusement"
AS A BUSINESS MAN,
Morrissey is decisive, bold, direct. He is
turfman, sporting man, street operator,
restaurateur, and politician, and must work
the year round; but it is said by citizens of
Saratoga that. with all his venturing, the
only money that has adhered to his
estate. Here he owDs several hundred
thousand dollars of valuable fown-lots and
park stock. his clubhouse, which cost
$50, 900, was built on piece of quicksand
and resting on planks. 1t has settled equally
several inches, and is now finely improved
square Of ground, inclosing aseparate build
ing for pool rooms; second
the servants and sporting employees.
who number about fifty. and the main clue
building. OF pressed brick. consisting of
library, large restaurant, drawing-room and
gaming-ro0m, and, above, poker rooms and
chambers. On the premises are valuable
mineral springs. Probably nowhere but at
Hombourg is there such a place of hazard.
The furniture, plate and upholstery are of
the best. People go the restaurant who
never see the games. No 'cappers," run
ners or decoys are employed. The restaurant
prices sre 30 per cent. below Delmonico's or
Weicker's, and this restaurant is the safety
Ofthe games. He has partner, Reed. The
christian associations have several times ad-
dressed their brethren OF Saratoga, protest
lug against the federation of this club house.
You are breaking the law, Mr.. Norris
sey, by public gaming. We must protest
against it.'
well, gentlemen, if that clubhouse must
go, my hotel goes with it. / never wish to
break any laws. / cOncede the restaurant
to Saragota for the concession of the club
house."
There is no longer any talk about remov-
ing either; for when 100000 changes hands
here, as yesterday, on a horse lace, and
open pool-selling is part of the BUSINESS of
the turf, the dealing of faro is incidental.
MorrisseY is a personal wagerer on every
race. His life is absorbed in pushing
the problem of judgment and confidence
to win. fortune out of chance. He is
also a gamester, and nearly q great one
oh fNfI nf eta
presidential election as to make it nee
essary for him to spend still more to pro-
mote the campaign. slowly extending and
expanding his knowledge, acquaintance and
capital, he aims at leading the democratic
party i'm New York for objects of ambition
and qualification. He believes in himself,
az, s not accused cf countenancipg politi-
cll corruption. Tweed, he was the first to
defy, saying, Il will PIT up $4,000 that he
goes to the penitentiary within three years."
lie furnished funds and force TO set up the
Young Democracy. and lIr this was COM
pellea to quit 'business" in New York for
one winter while the Tweed party supported
Chamberlain, rival gambler. AT this mo-
ment Morrissey is probably the leader of the
revived Tammany hall having there, as here
TIE BoLDNEss AND DECISION
which gives leadership. Schell and the
Vanderbilt interest. of which Morr1ssey is n
part, protect tue Vanderbilt roads through
this organization and its probable control Of
the State. Morrissey keeps a police watch
on all opposition games in Saratoga, and de-
stroys them by calling on the proprietor of
the property and offering advanced rent for
the premises, TO be used for a legitimate pur-
pose. He has realized his wish of perfect
credit and possession in this village. Citizens
of the place and students are not admitted
to the clubhouse. The site of his club is re-
tired, and it has replaced halt-a-dozen others.
1t is difficult to realize that, with con-
tinuity of purpose, sagscity so dispropor-
toned to his opportunity, and the powerful
will and body of John Morrissey, nature did
not intend hum for something better; COM
mander of armed men, metropolitan chief
of police, or a railroad president. 1t is pitiful
to see so splendid a barbarian, with the quail
ties of an Arminius, Cadondal, or Hugh
O'Neil, spending middle life at betting on
the turn ofa card or the denomination OF a