Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1892-05-02
PORTLAND'S POLICE.
The Yellowstone Park Lease,
Heavy Fire, Etc.
THAT GRAND JURY REPORT.
Very Severe on the Police Gamb-
ling, Etc.


ling, Etc.
PORTLAND. MAY 1--we find from
corroborative testimony that gamb
ling is being openly carried on at
several places in this city, all Of said
places being well known to the po-
lice, who are expected aud in duty
bound to suppress the came, but we
have had 10 evidence to show any
disposition on the part Of the police
departme ut to do their duty toward
the suppression Of gambling; while
on the contrary, we have evidence
that the police officers do not dare
to make any move against the
gamblers without special orders
from their chief.
Further evidence In this matter,
while not conclusive, fully convinces
this grand jury that large sums of
money are being regularly paid by
the gamblers FOR the protection they
r, ceive; that every gambling house
house n the city has been running
in full blast during our term, and
the only move against them during
that time was when three Of our
number VISITED the several games
running, vii bout any hindrance or
uelay on entering, and afterwards
swore to the complaint which in
dicted nine of the principals, six of
whom have come up and paid their
fl ines of 500 each. We have it from
eading fficial that the others will
ply as soon as they make a win.
ming. Neither the city nor county
Ulcers have made any move toward
closing the games during our term
although they have been repeatedly
notified by different members of
this grand jury that the games arr,
running, showing cunclusively thai
our city and county Officials Ouly d
their sworn duty for the suppression
of vice and enforcement of our law
when compelled to do so on the
sworn statement of a private citizen,
and even then with great reluctance.
We further fiud that The bunco
and confidence operators Of the
coast make this city their principal
field for work because they have
little fear of being mOlested.
We have had direct evidence be.
fore us, but not sufficient for con.
viction in the courts, showing that
certain of the paid detectives of this
city stand In with the cOnfiden ce
men for "dvy" of their proceeds,
in consideration of which they have
full protection, and the unwart
visitor to our city not only loses bis
money, but leaves the city; for if he
is stranger here without money
and maks a complaint he IL almost
certain to be held in Jail from one
to three months as a witness. Pre-
lriIlnB uio HDCltJ " MS hi'HNJi Nv
leaves town, aud the confidence
man, protected by our noble officials,
is ready for his next victim.
The jury is also in possession of
evidence that satisfies them that
many houses Of iil-fame lay them
regular fees for protection, and con-
sequent y keep soliciting from their
doors and windows In open viola
tion of the law.
We also have evidence that a large
number of saloons are carrying on
their business without a license,
pending the decision Of the city
council in regard to the buildings
they occupy, also being used as
a gambling house, and that several
have received licences since April
lsU, contrary to the ordinance regu-
lating the same; all of which proves
conclusively to this grand jury that
certain departments of our city gov.
ernment, and especially the polio,
under the present system is rotten
to the core, and we herr by recon-
mend that the city, though its atlOr-
ney, present bill TO the next legi-
stature placing the police depart
ment in the hands Of aud under the
direct supervision of the common
council, thus placing the RESPONSE
ity and remedy nearer the people.