The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-25

Toa very large number OF Americans one Of
the most interesting items Of news that has re-
Gently been received from Europe is the an
nouucement that upon the expiration Of the
present lease the gambling saloons of Monte
Carlo will be permanently closed, the Prince
Of Monaco having decided not to renew the
lease, although he has been earnestly request
ed 70 do 50.
According 10 the prevalent report. this nc
ton will be taken by the Prince, not upon
his own Independent motion and individual
suggestion, but at the persistent solicitation
of his wife, a lady who has long enjoyed
very wide reputation for her benevolent and
charitable disposition which has been ex-
hibited in many works. No doubt her heart
has been shocked and her conscience wounded
by the many terrible scenes Of despair and
self-destruction which have constituted the
ordinary history of Monaco for SO many
wears.
That little town which before the advent Of
the famous Casino of Monsieur Blanc had
been sunk immemorially in a drowsy bat in
nocent pence and quietude became as 500 as
the gambling tables wer set up centre Of
cosmopolitan fashion and vice. where men
and women from every part Of tho world.
near and remote jostled each other in their
desire 10 crafty either an idle curiosity or 10
indulge their taste for games Of chance. All
that art and lavish display Of wealth could
accomplish united to throw q brilliant
charm around those precincts. but r worm
gnawed at the heart Of every flower. cOrrup-
ton fingered behind all the gliding and
death lurked in every nook and corner.
Europe. the world, furnished no other
scene that could DO compared with it either
in glowing brightness or unbridled depravity.
| The spendthrift, the devotee Of fashion, the
student of manners. the moraist, all might
find there field which furnished them am
ple opportunities for indulging the bent Of
| their natures.
Upon the spirit OF the Princess of Monaco
this worldly scene with its thousand and one
suggestions of what wealth can eIalt and vice
| degrade has Jared very acutely. and now IL
| il is proposed under her prompting to con-
vert the Casino and its beautiful gardens into
@ noble hospital with extensive grounds
adorned with statuary and rare trees and
| shrubbery. and commanding wide prospect
| of the blue Mediterranean. In this way it is
hoped that all the evil which has been work
| ed in the lives Of men by the hell which now
stands on the site will be fully expiated
When Monte Carlo is closed, where will the
next great international gambling casino he
established? 1t formerly found home in
| Baden-B Baden. 1t has nourished for many
years in the little principality of Monaco.
Where viii it now seek refugee tits idle to
expect that similar establishment will not
arise on some spot in Europe in spite Of the
| growing opposition of public opinion. The
amount which those who conduct such an
establishment are ready to pay for the priv
lege OF being allowed to erect it at some conyen-
lent point will always co institute a very great
| temptation TO many of the smaller rulers of
the continent, whose incomes are inadequate
! TO support the style OF life which they wish
10 keep up.
Hereafter. however. the choice of sites is
likely to be more limited. than it has been in
the past. but still the gambling vice is so
prevalent in Europe that it will not be con-
tent unless there shall always be in easy
reach magnificent palace devoted TO its
Qualification like that which stands at Monte
Carlo to-day. but which is soon to be con-
yerted into a hospital.