St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1891-11-14
The lottery Question.


Shreveport Times.
To " n looker-on in Venice the course of
the campaign in Louisiana must prove com
meutary upon human nature ana an lltuStra-
ton of how ordinarily sensible and intelligent
men can by the Misrepresentation, flaming ap
peals of papers and speakers, alloy themselves
to be worked up to a pitch of excitement, IA
natcism and intolerance, which in their calm
er moments they would feel ashamed of, and
all for wha5? That political faction might
enaeaVor to use their passions as a movement
to attain or acquire office. What are the facts
of the cases. For over twenty years the LOuisi-
ana State Lottery has been in existence in Lou
isiana. For over twenty years previously the
Havana lottery had been selling tickets in Lou
isana and the United States. In one case, Lou
isana has been deriving q revenue license for
the Charity Hospital of New Orleans, an asy-
lum for the SICK and suffering poor. In the
other, the benefit of the lottery went to a for
egn country. without one cent OF revenue be-
ing derived by Louisiana or any State i'll the
Union, and without any one who chose to buy
a ticket having any guarantee that the draw
ing was a fair one, or that it was not a sWind-
ling scheme; and even II prize was drawn it
was subject to heavy deduction on a foreign
money basis. Now what is the question to-day
for our people to decides Simply this. The
Louisiana State Lottery Company ask an ex-
tension OF charter. fhey wish to run their bust
ness for twenty-five years more the same
plan that they have been doing for the past
twenty odd years, aud for this privilege, this
charter from the State they propose to pay
license of $31 $50 600 for the twenty-five years
which Immense sum is especially apportioned
to the educational, the charitable, the asylums,
the leyees and other needed improvements for
the State. What is the reply of the ultra ants,
those who in times past have profited from do
nations from this same lottery company
1T is gambling monopoly"
Where aOes any monopoly on gambling or
games OF chance occur which can affect the
peOples II it be on the necessares of life yes
then 1t would affect the interests of the people,
but who ever heard OF gambling monopoly,
which had any effect upon those not wishing
TO schemes
" 1t will control politics, and rule the State"
For what purpose To what etfcct2 Has it
done SO IN the past twenty odd years of its ex-
ing so in the future? 1t is undoubtedly, as has
been charged, money making CORPORATION
as such 1t has no occasion to take any hand in
money, and antagonize the opposition, but
simply wishes to run its business quietly, and
make money, for which business it offers an
immense license. The government of Tonisi
ana has been Democratic for the past twelve
years, and it is folly to say that the lottery
could or would change it. Such an assertion is
a libel and Islander upon the honor and integ-
rity of Louisiana's manhood.
" 1t is a sWindle."
Upon what grounds can it be so called? Can
any proof be given that there has ever been an
been paid when drawn? Ii 50, then are the
words and sgl atures OF Generals Beauregard
and Early synonym of falsehood, and who
will so affirm it2
The ants have been claiming many points
they have made charge after charge upon the
corruption and evils of the lottery, Or revenue
amendment. but they have never backed up
one single charge by proofs. III fact when any
Of their allegations have been proven false,
they nave simply reiterated the assertions,
hoping probably that some one would read
tiicir papers, see their mlsstatements and not
reading the contradictory proofs, accent their
statements as truth, and vote against the
amendment men me Theirs is not policy of argu
poFation, backed mp by no facts, and only de.
pendent upon its repetition for gaining the at
tention OF any sensible citizen of the State