Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1888-08-06
"rHE ANrE srRADDLED.o
A Cyclone strikes the Gamblers
and They are In Diamay.

A Cyclone strikes the Gamblers
and They are In Dismay.
For some time previous to the election OF
Mayor Harrington and sver since his cleo
tion the gamblers of the city have cast out
hints that they would be call right end
able to pursue their calling without moest-
alton. With this feeling OF securiiy a
number Of places have been In full blast
for over month past This cams to the
knowledge Of the mayor and chief OF police
and on Saturday night two raids were
made and yesterday third upon three of
these places. On Saturday night two
squads OF ofiicers were organized. The
first under Sergeants Blackburn and
Tucker and comprising eight men, made
its way to the old Malta House on Water
St., one door from King. They surrounded
the building and guarded every means OF
egress. A complete plan OF the place had
been obtained. Sergeant Tucker climbed
the roof OF the Novelty Theatre and
guarded a trap door. Sergeant Blackburn
entered the building. and going directly to
the second story he found a big party en-
gagged in a game OF keno.
The surprise was great. but only one or
two of the men made any attempt to escape
George Speakman climbed to the roof OF
abe house only TO fall into the hands Of Ser
geant Tucker. The prisoners were gathered
together and formed into two parties and
taken to the City Hall. where they gave
the following names James F.. McClear,
Joseph Reed, ]. II. Mulriley, John Grant
land, Frank FELTON,, Jacob Denn, Joseph L.
Meyers, George Ritley. Lewis Grace,
George speakman. james McNerby, Joseph
Watson, Edward Mull, and Sam
asl Smith. or this party.
George 5peekman, Thomas Ryan,
Jacob Denn and James McNeaby were ar
rested as principals, while the rest were
held as witnesses McNesby is the real
proprietor Of the place, and the other three
men are merely help employed by him.
mcEesby was charged at the last term Of
the court with gambling. His bondsman
delivered him mp to the sheriff, and while
the lattsr's back was turned he made good
bis escape. A caplas was at once Issued,
but he had not been seen since until Satur-
day night. The place where be was cap
tured has been in operation at least two
months. The officers also brought the out
ft along with them, and So 81 Ia cash
found In the room.
The men were placed on trial yesterday
morning. Denn, Ryan and McNeshy were
held IN $1,000 bail. There not being suf-
fclent evidence against Speakman he was
held until this evening for further hear
| ing. At the trial the loss OF memory Of
the various witnesses was something
remarkable The ordinary events that took
place in the room we're forgotten. and 1t
was only after the most diligent question
ing that the necessary evidence was ex-
torted.
At the same time that Sergeants Tucker
and Blackburn were doing their clever
work. Sergeant Peterson and another squad
OF officers were after bigger tish up town.
They made their way 10 the Heald Build
ing and went 10 a room IN the second floor.
The officers found the door open when they
arrived, and 10 the room they found q
crowd gathered around table playing
poker. To one of the mems invitation TO
take hand Sergeant Peterson replied:
"Weli. intend to, and held the biggest
one in the room and will take the pot
The sergeant then gathered in the money
and chips indiscriminately. The gamblers
were surprised and thought the sergeant
was only joking. It was some time before
be convinced them that hs gas in "deadn
e6rnest Then they were mad.
When the party arrived at the City Hall
the catch" revealed Henry W. White,
Theodore W. Francis, Charles Simmons,
Frederick Robinson and John 7. West.
W West was looking on when the officers
entered the room. White was visltor to
the room. he claims no intereet whatever
In the place and holds that his arrest is IL
legal. At the hearing yesterday morning,
White and Francis were held in s 900 bail
for their appearance.at the court Of general
sessions Francis was also held upon a
capais issued by the court OF general ses-
sions about one year ago. and which would
never have been used had he not been
caught this time Bail was obtained for
him by his counsel H. H. Ward.
About o'clock yesterday afternoon Ser
geants Blackburn and Peterson with .
squad OF six men made descent upon
George Batson's place on 9th st. between
Poplar and Walnut. in a store formerly
used by James Anderson as a stove store.
When the officers entered the men were
playing poker. "two-cent ante. ten cent
llmlt.n The surprise was great and gem
eral effort was made to decamp Bstson, the
proprietor, dashed through a window, taking
sash and money with him. A negro named
Lewis also left by the same route, but
! Henry Duncan was caughl BY the leg as he
} was going, and with the aid OF Sergeant
Blackburn pulled 10. The officers collected
a cigar box full OF chips and the following
! men: Henry Duncan, Edward Petty,
Q james Hut, William II. Loper and Frank
{ Ford. They were all released on bail until
this evening.
Unless Batson can be found to-day these
men will be released to-night as they are