The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1893-03-28

proprietors OF different places where
gambling is INDUCED, and their opin-
ions were Overwhelmingly against IL
censing gambling.
| These people prefer to let the law
stand as 1t is, because they know that
there is no one that is able and inter-
ested to enforce it.
| Here are two seeming paradoxes:
The radical prohibitionist and the sa-
loonkeeper both unite in opposing H.
censed gambling.
The religiously moral element of the
country demand Sunday closing of the
Worlds Fair. while the saloons and
brewers Of Chicago earnestly petition
and demand the same thing.
The reason for this is easily given.
1t is this way that very good and
well meaning people surely defeat their
own good purposes by using means that
are radical and impracticable.
The Astorian's opinion on this matter
is the result Of earnest conviction.
The experiment Of a prohibitory law
has been tried here and in other cities
for years, and gambling has increased,
not diminish.
The number of places where young
men and boys may indulge a propen-
sity for gambling screened from public
view, is increasing, and every little
while some young man who has held
place Of trust and confidence. is found
short" and the fact is traced to his
indulgence in gambling. Instances of
this kind have come under the personal
observation of the writer
1t is probably true that not one of
these boys, or young men, have yet be-
come 80 demoralized as to risk their
their reputation by going into public
gambling house where they would be
compelled to play openly. If they did,
no employer would retain them in his
service, for a propensity for gambling
is q poor Recommendation for a clerk
or employe.
The worst schools for gambling are
ostensibly cigar and tobacco stands
There are tobacco and cigar stands
that are for legitimate business where
no gambling for money is allowed. But
no public stamp of their character is
given them. Boys and young men
frequent these places and play till late
at night and for coin, considerable
amount of which is often seen on the
table.
Would it not be better for the morals
Of this community If this demoralizing
evil were localized, confined to but one
or two places where 1t would be no
torious fact that people go only to
gamble?
heavy as the business will stand with
out causing all to evade it. The few
who would pay the license would insist
that gambling in places not paying a
license should be punished. and they
would be. interested parties to bring
offenders to punishment.
1t should be a punishable offense for
any keeper of gambling house to al
low a minor on the premises.
The license should be high and the
regulations Of the ordinance strict and |
Its penalties severe.
AS to the assertion that licensed gam
bling would place a stamp of immor-
ality on the city. that would injure 1t
abroad. this is to be said:
II numerous cases of smallpox were
discovered In this city, there would be
many persons who would try to have
the fact hushed up. and no public no
tice made. of 1t for fear it would injure
the reputation of the town. This course
has been pursued in many instances
and with lamentable results.
The sensible way would be to let the
fact be, known. Build a pest house and
try to confine the disease there. Hang
out the yellow flag. Let the character
of the premises be loudly proclaimed.
Under such conditions few will visit
the place except the physicians and
those who are sick with smallpox, or
those who are vaccinated and are proof
against infection.
There Is evil and crime and filth in
every city. and 1t does not reflect un-
favorably on the reputation Of the place
to have It known that these pests are
assigned isolated premises or that
drains and receptacles are provided
that shall keep the greater portion Of
I HILLS Fla!