The Indianapolis journal., 1893-10-15

No Dallying with the Gamblers
Under the New Administration.
First Decision by Judge Stubs Is an
Earnest of What Nay Come-South
Side Association.

All uncertainty as to the position of the
present administration upon the question Of
suppressing the gamblers was ended yes
terday afternoon when Judge Stubbs made
his finding in the case of Fred Mitchell,
arrested Friday night for keeping a gamb-
ling room on Indiana avenue. Mitchell Is
colored man, who has been in the Police
Court several times, and for some time
past has been operating a gambling room
on Indiana avenue. which is patronized very
extensively by colored men. Friday night
the police the district, in obedience to
the instructions of Mayor Denny as COM
municated to them by Superintendent Col
bert. made descent upon Mitchelfs place
and arrested the proprietor and eight play
ers.
Yesterday Mitchell was placed on trial in
the Police Court, and tried to make his de-
fense by fine swearing. The testimony or
the officers was positive and direct. and at
the conclusion of the evidence Judge Stubbs
said that he was satisfied there had been a
great deal of loose swearing the part of
the defendants witnesses and he was con-
vinced that the officers were telling the
truth. Gambling" he said. 'is gross
offense against the morals of community.
and 1 shall do all that 1 can to suppress
It." With this he announced that he would
fine Mitchell $50 and costs, and sentenced
him to one hundred days in the workhouse.
The trial of Mitchell consumed great
deal Of tims and it was nearly O'Clock De-
fore the court adjourned the cases against
the eight persons arrested for visiting the
gambling house was continued till Tuesday
As soon as it became known that Mitch
ell had received a workhouse sentence ior
his offense, the act of Judge Stubbs became
the subject OF much comment, ana was
universally approved.
1t was large docket that presented itself
to Judge Stuobs yesterday morning A
number of cases had to be continued for
lack of time I'm which to try them.
Charles Branham was fined $50 and SEN
fenced to thirty days in the workhouse for
attempting TO pick the pocket or Martin
Melvin on North Delaware street and
asked him for 10 cents. Upon the refusal
of Melvin to give the money Branham
attempted to snatch his watch.
George l.. Fessler was tried for obtain
ing money under false pretenses and the
case taken under advisement. Fessler was
arrested upon the complaint of man who
said that he had given Kim a check for $500
as security for a loan of 10 cents, the
check afterwards proving to be bogus.
There was a question raised as to Fessler' s
sanity, and il was shown that he was a
victim to strong drink and under the care
of a guardian.
Harry Netherton was fined $25 and costs
for assault and battery upon his wife.
On election night his wife came TO the po-
lice station and asked that he be arrested.
claiming that he had assaulted her, and
showed a mark upon her head where she
said ne struck her. In the court yesterday
morning she said he had not struck her,
but that she had received the wound upon
the head in falling upon stone. Judge
Stubbs, nevertheless, fined Netherton and
sent him to the workhouse.