Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-10-21
"THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB.n
Henry Burgess Charged With Violating
the Gaming and Liquor Laws.

Judge Miller heard evidence this afternoon
in the case Of Henry Burgess. who was charged
with violating the gambling and liquor laws at
the rooms of the Union League Club, on E
street between 10Th and 18th streets northwest
Messrs Cahil and Hewlett represented the
defendant
Detective Block gave evidence concerning
the raid. and said that among the articles
found in the room was a table with device
known az "a widow" connected with it.
Mr.. Cahlll objected to the evidence, as Mr.
Block had not been shown to be all expert.
He added that he knew of another kind of
ferred to.
The officer exhibited a large number of dice
and probably dozen packs Of cards that were
captured on the raid.
A number of colored men and boys were
called as witnesses. who said thev were mem
bers OF the club. Some testified that they had
played crap" III the club rooms and others
that they had played cards. Most of the mem
bers had purchased beer by the bottle None
OF tine Witnesses said they had ever seen Bur-
CESS draw off toll or receive money for liquor.
Mr.. Dumont read from book items such as
Crap, S2.G0;' Whisky, 1Oc;" Beer, SC. !"
Gard room, Soc" Tho book, however, was
outlawed on account of the date. In another
book the defendants name appeared as NOM
Der of the board of governors
the
judge remarked that the rule relating to nom
resident bears the same relation to the club as
the back door OF saloon does on Sunday
Another witness appeared WHO testified that
he purchased whisky III the club rooms
The judge held that the prosecution had
made out a case and called on the defense for
proof.
DEFENDANTS STORY
After considerable discussion the defendant
was sworn in his own behalf. lie testified that
at present he is only member of the club and
not one of its officers SO far as the sale of
liquor was concerned defendant SAID he had
nothing to do with it. He did not think that
any one had seen whisky sold in the rooms
Defendant said that he visits tho club not
more than two or three times week. lie
rented the house for the club, as the owner
would not rent it to any other member. De-
PENDANT said he had never received any bene-
fits from the club, but, on the contrary, the
club was in his debt.
David Lowndes. steward OF the club. gave evil
dence to show that Burgess ceased TO be an Of
ficer of the club several mouths ago lie said
that the offices of managers of the club were
abolished because it WIS thought that it was
unlawful to have managers.
MIR. Cahlll i'll his argument referred to the
Columbia Athletic Club, the Metropolitan
Club and the Concordia Club and said that
none OF them were more exclusive than the
Union League Club, and he argued that
II II was the intention OF the
government to suppress the club because it
was composed OF negroes he would like to
know It, He said he had never known of any
OF these clubs to be convicted. and the sending
1t up to the other court would only be burden
upon the government.
THE SENTENCE OF THE COURT.
The matter was further discussed. and Judge
Miller in disposing of tho case referred to the
incorporation of the club and said this could
not be done to evado the law. All members
and officers. no said, are equally liable. The
charge of keeping an unlicensed bar was sus-
tanned and fine of sl0j was imposed. In the
gaming case lac was held in $500 for the grand
Jury.