The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1877-11-08
How the Fair Sex in San Francisco Indulge
in Gambling.

In one of the most fashionable and respectable
quarters in San Francisco, near Market street,
stands large and elegant-lookng house The
hundreds OF people who daily pass it think it is Il
private residence little dreaming that it is female
gambling institution, as it is, and in which thou
sands of dollars not untreq change hands
nightly Ii is patronized by men and women who
belong to the wealthy class and who move in aris
tOcratc circles. Cards OF invitation are issued
bearing simply a monogram, which give admission
to the possessor. The names OF some of the per
sons would astoniSh the community were they but
known. No vehicle OF any kind is allowed to stand
IN front of the house, and those who frequent it
must keep their carriages at least two blocks away
This is required to avoid suspicion. The front
part OF the house Is always enshrouded IN Vuietude
At night dim lights are burned N the front rooms
The upper half of the inside window blinds is
thrown back, and to the pttsserby nothing is to be
to arouse the slightest suspicion OF the true
character of the house
The manager OF this Institution is ii woman. who
came here from St Louis about ii year ago. At
time she figured in Washington as lobbyist
She is ii lovely brunette, Of queeuly appearances
and dresses elegantly. On your entrance to this
abode you generally welcomed by Madame in
Il back parlor brilliantly lighted and handsomely
furnished into which YOU have been ushered by
the colorei servant who has answered YOUR bell
call. From thence YOU are conducted into the
saloon OF the establishment down stairs This
apartment is gorgeously furnished. The carpet is
OF elegant pattern, with heavy curtains and
hantngs to match while the furniture is rich and
massive. The walls adorned with beautiful
pictures, and articles of virtue are to be III
protuson. In this apartment, night after night,
INTO the wee SHIT hours, are to be found leading
merchants and stock brokers, with the wives of
Of their business associates, all engaged III
play which is only interrupted bvtwe,-n the hottIs
of twelve o'clock and one o'clock by lunch Of
cake and wine.
The principal games played by these fashionable
gamblers faro. Boston and whist Occasional
ly roulette and rouge et noir are played The deal
er at the faro table is beautiful looking blonde,
VINO passes for the step daughter of madame. the
manager. She is generally dressed in white
lace wrapper with lustrous diamond ring spark
ing from an extremely white and dclicately shaped
hand She is an adept with the cards, if one may
judge by the way she handles them. There are
other females, elegantly attired, i'll attendance,
who are connected with the establishment and
who are always ready to take h,nd in any game
of chance that is proposed and i'll which they are
proficient. While not engaged they usually while
away the time in playing Billiards in au adjoining
room The fascination and excitement of gaming
are such that every night the establishment is well
patronized. 1t is understood that madame is back
ed by several heavy capitalists of the city