The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1882-12-21
BUCKlNG THE TIGER.
Rumor that Supreme Judge ln wash
| lnRton HNA LQRt MenYlIY.

WASHINGTON, December 2O.-A sensa
tional rumor has been flying about the lob
bles Of Washington during the last two
days. The rumor was TO the effect that a
certain member Of the Supreme Court ol
the United States had lost n large sum a,
faro In public place at common green
table among common gnmblers. The story
was that he had entered and taken sea,
at the green table incoguito, had won, then
lost, then won again, then lost time and
again, until the sum had swelled 10 the
thousands. When he had staked all his
ready cash he gave his distinguished name
to the bunker, and bis personal check was
honored. lie lost the proceeds, and check.
el again aud again, until the proprietors OF
the place refused longer 10 takciiis obliga-
tions aud coaxed him to leave the place.
Such was the tale. There were many who
believed 1t, and there are many about town
who believe 1t still. 1t Is we'll known that
there are here q good many Government
officials that play, some Of whom
FREQUENT GAMING HOUSES,
the most Of whom, however, contlne them.
selves 10 private parties. The gaming in.
stinct is not confined to the humble any.
where, and in Washington many high
officials salary goes to support the flash
men In and out OF Congress. There Is a
newly elected Congressman here from
Missouri who is known 10 have lost $1,000
In a game OF Friendly" poker in a single
night This knowledge gave color 10 the
story of the Justices luck.
A correspondent has made inquiries
about the story, but while not prepared
to prove the truth in court OF Justice, is
not able 10 substAntiate thetruth Of the de-
nial. On the block familiarly known rs
"Rum Row" are a number OF gaming
houses. While the windows ,of these
house-fronts are always dark and close,
THE GAMES GO on NIGHT AND DAY,
There Is no trouble in finding place to
lose your money. ''The "slipslip" Of the
cards from the deadlock goes on unceasing.
ly, and the rattle OF the dice and whirr Of
the roulet-wheel can almost be heard from
the sidewalk by the accustomed ear. Up
into one Of these places, where it was u.s.
serted the Supreme Court Justice went,
the correspondent penetrated in search Of
sensational news. A paneI.spriug in the
door disclosed the keen eye Of the usher
on the alert for visitors. The room within
contained the usual paraphernalia Of faro,
roulet, and rouge.et.noir. 1t was brilliantly
lighted, and thronged with Government
officials and professional sports. A cluster
Of under secretaries OF foreign legations,
who are inveterate gamblers, and brace
OF Southern Congressman sat ut one table
tanked by professionals and Government
clerks: No member OF the Supreme Court
could have sat there an hour or SO playing
high stakes without being known. .
ave are not giving away our patrons"
said well known de:ilor Of faro who Ind
Just given place to his relief when taken
aside. Gentlemen come here for quiet
game, and it is none OF our business who
they are. No, wouldn't have known a
member Of the Supreme Court If I bud
seen him. AS to playing away 4 few thou
sand, that is done here, and, for all know,
at every place on the row, every week
during the session.
"Iligh otiicials?'
"Yes, some high officials.
ONCE IN AWHILE A SENATOR,
and nearly every night members come
here, though they don't usually play big
money"
One OF the proprietors came forward and
interrupted us. Here's - wants to
know whether it is true Judge - lost a
heavy stake here" said the dealer.
"The d. he does? We don't know,
That's all. We don't. know who loses
money here, and wouldn'tsay SO ii We did.
See!!"
1t was quite easy to understrnd this.