The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-26
THE LOUISIANA LOTTERY.

THE LOUISIANA LOTTERY.
The Democratic party in Louisiana
having divided upon the question of
whether the lottery concern that has
made the name of the State stink for a
score of years shall receive renewed
lease of life, the final result will rest
largely with the comparatively small
number of Republicans who are there.
The division of Democrats is not an
equal one. In the conventions that have
just been held the pro.lottery men had
an advantage in members and it is pre-
sumed that they have the greater guam
tity of votes behind them. 1t would
seem then, the better policy of the Re
publicans, apart from any moral view
that may be taken of the question, to
join forces with the weaker side and by
insuring the defeat of the lottery ele-
ment drive the wedge more deeply into
the split that separates the two factions.
AS party the Republicans have long
been opposed to the lottery company. 1t
was that concern that, by the expendi
ture of enormous sums of money, weak
ened the Republican party, drove it out
of power in the community and made of
the government of Louisiana farce
among the democracy of the sisterho0t
of States. If, through the efforts of the
Republican party the Louisiana lottery
should be driven out of existence, the
great gamer in every respect would be
that party. The source of great cor
ruption fund used to defeat its candi-
dates for Office would be lost and the
great principles that occupy attention
in other parts of the nation would be
voted upon.
AT the election to be held next April
the people of Louisiana are to vote for
or against proposed amendment to the
constitution which is nothing more or
less than bargain with the lottery con-
cern; the latter agreeing to pay $780,,
600 into the States educational fund
each year in return for charter that for
twenty-five years, when it shall lapse,
shall be practically irrevocable. Messrs.
John A. and Alfred H. Morris, father
and son, are the principal owners of the
lottery company. They have become
millionaires many times over through
the profits they have drawn from it.
They are the owners of the finest race
track and the largest stable of race
horses in the vicinity of New York.
They have paid Confederate brigadiers
big sums for the use of their names, and
it is commonly rumored that they have
bought up Legislatures in their interest.
How enormous the returns must be is
shown by the sum they are willing to
pay the State for the legalization of the
concern. In twenty-five years the total
will be $31 1000.
Lottery playing is the most insidious-
while it is the most unfair kind of gam
bling in existence. There is deal Of
glitter and attractiveness about the large
prizes that are advertised to be secured
for a small sum. In all games of chance
the odds are in favor of the banker. The
player recognizes that fact. They must
be in order that he may maintain an
existence. In faro they are estimated to
be about five in 100 in roulette they are
two in thirty-six. In the Louisiana lot
terry, however, thy are, on reputable
authority, said to be no less than fifty
two in 100. In other words, of each 800
invested. $j2 go to the concern and
the remaining slS are divided up
among the players. Professional gam
blers do not invest in lottery tickets.
They understand the game and are
aware of the small chances there are of
winning. The fools who have made and
who add TO the wealth of the Morris
family are the poor men, who are look
ing for a stroke of fortune and who are
attracted by the large prizes offered and
the small investment required. If they
could recognize the chances against
them they would probably think it more
profitable dredging for gold in the bot
tom of Providence Bay.
The anti-lottery party in Louisiana
will have no easy time at the April cleo
ton. Arguments more convincing than
mere words will be used against them
and votes will be golden rather than
speech. They promise, however, to figh
bravely, and they have the almost unani
nous sentiment Of the people in other
parts of the country behind them.
Xmas Cards. Booklets, Photographs. with Easel
stands Prices away down Cut this out A. a.