National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-03-31
CORRECT! ANY OTHERIp
Keno Brstsd-seIgsant Painters Winning
Card


At midnight, Monday last, the bottom dropped
out Of the keno banks in this city, and this game
which has been steadily growing with popularity
and branching out, was brought TO an abrupt
though not unexpected termination. When gam
bling Of this kind was first started in the District
during the past winter the places for playing
were only two in number, and these were con-
duetel so quietly that many citizens were I'M IN:
aware Of their existence. Being q business not
recognizable by law, the propretors OF the houses
were particular in their choice of patrons and Cd
playing Being undisturbed, month after month,
in running keno, and embOldened by the success
attending the games, they became less yigilapL
and IL was not long before the entrance u. the
banks was free for all visitors.
Other sporting men watched the success Of their
brothers Of the green cloth, and nnding them
undisturbed in the business concluded that II
was field in which others might prosper oeslaes
those already at work, and consequently addl-
uonal banks were opened; Then, AGAIN tn I9I,
ing, who became initiated in the mysteries Of the
game by paying for their experience. They saw
card or wheel, but q steady income Of percentage
flowed into the prOprietor's Golfers. He had no
money to advance and no possible chance to lose.
1t was q fine, paying business, light and easy,
and the income sure while the cards continued
to be pegged. Consequently, men who had never
been dubbed as sports entered the keno arena
with the professionals, determined to have
slice Of the profits accruing from the latest gam
bling device introduced in this city. This brought
about the starting Of additional places for men
to play, until the number grew so large that they
were likely to out-top the faro banks.
From side streets they moved into prominent
thoroughfares. Dark passages became tlumi-
mated halls; the locked door hung on easy hinges,
and opened almost without effort on the approach
of a customer to the threshold. The rapid IN
crease and boldness of conducting these places
brought the authorities, who had been watching
them for some time past 70 speedy and decided
action. There was only one course to pursue, and
the superintendent OF police deemed II advisable
to no longer delay following that path. Accord
iDgly on Monday last orders were issued TO the
different Heutenants that If they possessed any
knowledge Of q keno-bank existing in their pre-
cfnct to close it up. 1t was decided to give the
proprietOrs an opportunity to stop by receiving
notice and in case they refused to raid the estab-
lishment. 1t is safe TO say they all preferred
accepting the former way.
In the Fifth precinct the greatest number Of
places were located, and to Sergeant John Fam
Ter was deputiZed the task of serving the notice
fectually. At and q little after midnight he pro-
ceeded to make his calls and was undoubtedly
the most unWelcome visitor the prOprietors had
received since commencing operations; but II
could not be helped. The officer Qdietly but firmly
informed them Of the object Of his call, and that
he expected it to be Immediately complied with,
which the owners Of the places agreed to do and
have done. Tho visit was so we'll conducted that
few players, if any, in the rooms were conscious
Of his presence cpgniZant Of the visit until after
his departure, when the proprietors announced
the farewell roll and why the game was closed.
The sporting men of this class have been expect
ing this TO happen for some time, and were but
Is believed that all Of the keno banks closed,
and it s the intention OF the authorities to keep
them So 1t is a good action, and one that every
WelEmeaniBg citizen will indOrse.