Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-12-19

over and Patrons Released on
Their own RecOgnizance.
Savannah experienced Saturday night, II
may be said, the greatest sensational event
that has occurred here In years, and, 1t
is likely, that the influence will
be felt to the benefit of the
community for some time to come. The
vigorous enforcement lately of laws which
have so long remained dead letters upon the
statute books has had a salu airy effect, and
the inference was general that efforts would
be continued to redeem the fair name of this
city from the unenvlable lmputation which
had been cast upon 1t by the frequency of
offeuses that were apparently permit
ted to pass unnoticed. The decisive
course determined upon by the Mayor 20
suppress the practice so generally INDUCED
ia of carrying cOBcesled weapons by turn
ing over to the Superior Court all persons
arrested by the police and found to have
dangerous weapons on them, and their
prompt punishment in that tribunal had a
good effect. The recent convictions in the
Superior Court, among them one of party
charged with open violation of the law in
reference to the closing of tipping shops
on Sunday, encouraged the belief that the
Code of Georgia, so far as Savannah was
concerned, should not be a compilation
of acts that the constituted authorities
were unable to enforce. Indications of
this have been apparent since the
commencement of the present term of
the Superior Court, and the impression
gained ground that there would be no half
way measures. There have been for some
time past numerous complaints IN regard TO
a game known as "keno," which was ex-
tensively patronized in this city, it being
asserted there are no less than sixteen places
where It is carried on. Several attempts
have been made to break 1t up, but to no
purpose. In the public prints commu-
nications had appeared on the
subject, and the authorities were
called upon to suppress it. There were
many difficulties in the way, but the judicial
officers were not unmindful of their obliga-
lions of Office, and gave great consideration
as to the course to be pursued. At last
active measures were decided upon, and
Saturday the Solicitor General, Walter g.
Charlton, Esq, addressed note to General
r. Il. Anderson, Chief of Police, of which
the following is a copy:
SAVANNAH, GA. December II, 1881.
Gen. Il II anderson, Chitf Of Police, City:
made to me concerning the numerous keno
games now being managed in this city. The
evil has reached such proportions that the
most stringent methods are necessary to
suppress 1t, and, In my anxiety to accom-
plish this laudable design, l do not know
where can turn with more confidence than
to the police force of this city. Ii asking
that you detail part of your force to CO.
operate with Sheriff Roman in raiding the
hlfShmantc RI
cable, 1t gives me pleasure to say
that l request that YOU take this burden,
because my past transactions with you, your
officers and men lead me to believe that Il
courage and efficiency can effect my object
they will be at my disposal in The police
force. Sheriff Roman will be provided with
the proper legal documents, and his posse
will be the police alone. will leave direc-
lions where ] can be found If needed.
Trusting that you may End it expedient to
give me such assistance as your experience
suggests, remain, with great respect,
WALTER G. CHARLTON,
Solicitor General Eastern Judicial Circuit.
Acting upon this, General Anderson Or
ganiZsd the following detail: Lieutenant
I. j Sheftall, with privates Smith, McUabe,
O'Keefe, KierDan and G. w. Hall, under
Sheriff John T. Roman; Sergeant Green,
with privates Malone, Dufour, Counihan,
sergeant
Lingg, with privates Ang!in, FAIR, Kean,
Floyd, Fahrenback, F eming and Jantzen.
These three details, under instructions
of the Chief, left the barracks at 1920 O'Clock
Saturday night, and, on the information fur
nished the Solicitor General upon affidavit,
suddenly swooped down upon certain
places were the game of keno was alleged
to be played.
Several places had in some way got wind
of the proposed movement and were closed,
aud though the raid was successful, only
three houses were secured. The sortie to
them was entirely unexpected, and as the
policemen suddenly made their
appearance panic seized the
occupants of the rooms, and a STAN,
pede among the players occurred, which, it
is asserted, battles description. Some
bounced out of back windows, others out of
front and slid down piszzas, awning posts,
and even jumped to the ground. A num-
Der made their way to the roofs, and several
were clinging to the scuttle and the caves
when taken eff by the officers. Not
withstandtDg the vigilance Of the Off
GERS and their well laid plans, some man
aged to escape. The houses raided
were located ct fferent points, the details
making the sH0op at the same time, and
the following proprietOrs and assistants
were captured; j. Counts, &. Friend, d. II.
CampOeI, u. =. BaflutImt IS, III, danley, D..
n. Wholman and II c. Hastedt, together
with ffty-two persons, young men and old
men, all Of whom were marched TO the bar
racks.
The news of the raid soon spread, and IN
a short time hundreds of people were gath
cred in the vicinity of the places, and crowds
followed the captured ones as they were car
rien through the streets to the barracks.
After the arrest information was sent to
the Solicitor General, who promptly re-
ported to the barracks, where he received
the following order from Judge Tompkins:
SAVANNAH, December II, 1851.
To Waiter q. Charlton, Esq Savannah
DEAR SIR understand from Sergeant
Killourhy that the police have several per-
sons who were arrested at the keno rooms
this evening. You are authorized to accept
bonds for the appearance OF all the persons
who have been so arrested on the special
warrant issued by me.
For the owners or runners of the places
take bond and surety In the sum of five
hundred dollars. For those who were only
found In the places as players, let them be
released on their own Tecognizances after
getting their names and residences in full.
Let all appear before Superior Court to an
swer to any bills OF indictment that may be
found. Truly etc.,
HENRY B. ToMPKINs,
Judge E. j. G.
The proprietors and keepers of the rooms
were, under this order, released for appear
ance to answer the charge at the Superior
Court, each giving the required amount of
bond. The witnesses or parties caught ia
these rooms, ffty-two in number, were each