St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-02-09

against these places, ami if they do not
heed the warning they lose their po-
SitionS. | know of deporable instances,
where ruinatlonaUf lives has foloWed
indulgence in pool room gambling, and
Oh behalf of the mothers and fathers,
the brothers aud sisters. plead that
the house will pass the bill and thus
gain the prayers of all good people"
Judge Fleming took the position that
gambling was only illegal as the law
made it so. He held the bill was not
cQmmendable in its spirit or substance.
Ii a man would makS such consum-
mate fool of himself as to risk his money
on any chance, let him do ii and take the
consequences. While gentlemen were
evincing such deep interest in the
evils of pool selling he would call their
attention to the fact that there are many
laws OIL the statute books against even
blacker crimes that are dead letters.
He was not in favor of that kind of leg
islation on principle.
Some Negative shots.
Mr.. Boggs held there was q vast diff
ference between betting in pool rooms,
where the house controls everything,
and Oh race track. where men can see
which horse wins.
Mr.. Walsh took exception to the state
mentS that young nen atone were gam
bler5. Old men, as well, rich and poor
al ways had and always would gamble.
He could not see the wisdom of driving
them from the pool rooms into the alleys
and byways and dark places to ply their
games.
Mr.. Dunn did not believe-in discrim-
mating between the gambler in Jeans
and the gambler in silk. He did not
think people could be legislated into
heaven. If he favored the bill under
any circumstances it would be when
amended.
Mr.. Wilson again defined his position
as being in favor of unconditional pro-
hibition of gambling. He did not favor
class privileges, and could see no pos
sible reason for eXcmpting any place.
Mr.. Rodger said he did not believe i'll
hell anyway. and had never spent a
cent to buy pool. TO his mind the
bill as it stood was class legislation pure
and simple. The poor man who would
90 into pool room and bet quarter
might be hned and Imprisoned, while
the silk stocking could ride out to the
fair grounds and gamble as much as
he plea ,ed. In answer to question he
said he would vote Tor the bill If
amended.
Mr.. jacobson did not like the amend
ment. as he considered it would jeOpar-
disc the passage OF the bill. He favored
the complete wiplng out or the evil,
however, and was prepared TO vote for
any bill 10 accomplish that emf.
Mr.. Ives made one of his character
istlc speeches. sarcastic. witty and
logical, taking an occasional shot at Col.
Horton. Warming with his argument,
he assailed the position of the men who
assumed to fear that, If amended. the
bill could not be passed, and challenged
them TO advance some logical reason for
their assertions.
There was no reply to Mr.. Ives chal-
lenge and the debate ended. Numer ous
motions were made to defer action, but
were voted down. When the vote oc-
cured on Mr.. Wilson's amendment, it
was declared adopted on viva voce
vote, though there was little to spare.
Then Mr.. jacobson moved that the bill
be recommended for passage, which
motion vas also declared carried. The
committee rose, its report was adopted
and at + O'Clock the house adjourned.
Mr.. Horton was warmly congratulated
by mary of the members, but some
members consider it hardly likely the
fight is yet won.
Horizons Bill, III. f. So
Following is the bill i'll full, as
amended:
y A bill tor an act to prohibit book
making and pool selling.
Be it enacted by the legislature of the
state of Minnesota.
Section l. That any person vino
keeps any room, shed, tenement, tent,
booth Or building, or any part thereof,
or who occupies any place upon any
public or private grounds within this
state with any book, instrument or
device, for the purpose of recording or
registering bets or wagerS. or sells pools
upon the result of any trial Or contest
of skill, speed or power of man or beast.
or upon the result of any political nomi-
nation, appoint ment or election; or
being the owner. lessee, or occupant
of any room, shed, tenement, tent,
booth or building, or any part
thereof, knowingly permits the same to
be used or occupied for any of these
purposes, or therein keeps, exhibits or
employs any device or apparatus for the
purpose of recording or registering such
bets OF wagerS, or selling of such pools,
or becomes the custodian or depository
for hire, or privilege of any money, Or
thing Of value. stakes. WagerS or pledges
upon any such result, shall be punIsba-
bic by Imprisonment in the county jail
for a period not longer than one year, or
by fine not exceeding 1000. or both.
Sec. 2. This act shall take effect and
be in force from and after Its passage.