The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1890-02-28
WILL MAKEA TEST.
Arrests Likely, to be Made for
the ViOlatiOnr0f the Mon.
tana Lottery Law.
The Louisiana Concern Will
Try to Purchase the Mon.
tana Lottery Company.

HELENA, Mont, Special Telegram,
1t Is possible that in short time some
arrests will be made for the violation of the
lottery law, and test case made either in
the Silver Bow or Lewis and Clarke courts.
1t is a well known fact that lotteries are
openly conducted in Montana, and the
business of selling lottery tickets is extern
sivcly carried on, though both appear to
be prohibited by law. Section 9, article 10
OF the Montana constitution reads:
The legislative assembly shall have no power
to authorize lotteries or Eft enterprises for any
o lottery @ or s III ts
state
This would in itself seem to prohibit the
conducting of lotteries or sale OF tickets, as
it is generally conceded that the constitu.
ton repeals all territorial laws In conflict
with Its provisions. At the last session of
the territorial legislature a law was passed
prohibiting lotteries i'll Montana. This
law contains one section providing that lot
teries existing prior to the passage of the
act, and having advertised drawings to
take place after May l, 1889, the date ut
which tho law took effect, should on that
date place their affairs in the hands of a re-
ccivcr appointed by the court, who would
finish up the business. Last May
the Montana lottery placed their
business in the hands of receiver
and have been continuing 1t in that way
ever since claiming, it is said, that the law
permits this. The intent of the law was
evidently to prohibit all lotteries and not
10 allow but one drawing after the first of
last May. II the lottery company arc right
they will be allowed to operate until further
legislation OH the subject. What lends in-
tcrest to this question at present is that it is
reported that the Louisiana lottery
schenrcrs, who were knocked out in North
Dakota. are negotiating to buy out the Mon
tana Lottery company SO as to gain foot
hold in this state. This is but rumor and
lacks confirmation, yet many believe it in
view of the boast of the lottery sclemcrs
! that il they were defeated in North Dakota
they would try to work Montana. Further
developments are expected i'll u few days.
| MAY Request SENATOR CAsEY's PRESENCE.
BISMARCK, N. d. Special Telegram,
| chairman Robinson, Of the senate in
| vcstigating committee, has not yet returned,
but is expected back in time for meeting
members said to-day that the committee
was considering the question of requesting
| the presence OF United States Senator Casey
US q witness.
ITS NEXT MOVE.
NEW ORLEANS, Spccial-Thc Louisiana
Lottery company is making q desperate
effort to retain its corporate life. It has
failed to obtain IL charter from North Da-
kota, and its next move, it is said. will he
nh enormous bribe to the Louisiana legis-
lature for u renewal Of its present charter,
which will expire III two years hence. Its
proposition will be to pay the entire state
! debt, amounting to from $iO, O,OOOOUO to $l2.-
ooD,Ooo. The lottery is earning, $2jO,UO u
/ month. or So 100000 per year net. Many
! prominent L0,iisianians fear that the bribc
I may be accepted.