The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1893-03-29

Mr. Editor:
l am not given to writing for the
Press, but upon the question of licens-
ing gambling, do not feel that 1 can
remain silent. So by your
permission will give my views on this
subject in the columns of The Astorian.
1 was very much surprised today in
reading The Astorian to find the pro-
prietor and editor placing themselves
on record in favor of the proposed ordi-
nance. I supposed from the history of
The Astorian that it could always be
found on the side of morality and good
government, and inlfavor of the better
elements of society. / cannot now be-
lieve that The Astorian has any pur-
pose to go over to the side of the vi
cious classes. but is acting purely upon
mature conviction in this matter.
AS has been said the question first to
be considered, is the one of morals. In
reality the question of dollars or reye-
nue. should cut no figure. Incidentally
however, the revenue question is being
used as a strong, argument in favor OF
this ordinance. 1t is claimed thatrgam-
bling cannot be prohibited, and hence
should be made to pay its way. One
says ''the state law cannot be en-
forced" 1t is claimed by another that
gambling is on the increase, and the
existing laws a failure" Now l ask in
all candor when any positive and deter
mined efforts have been made to en-
force the existing laws? Why did the
city council fail to pass the ordinance
prohibiting gambling in the city?
1 have lived in Astoria eighteen
months. and to my certain knowledge
no earnest effort has been made to
close the gambling houses. A little
while ago the county sheriff took re-
form spasm and elected a great many
gamblers from the city and closed their
places of business, but somehow he has
entire recovery from his paroxysm
and gambling goes on as before. If the
mayor, and city council and chief of
police know the law is being openly
and flagrantly violated, why don't they
make some effort to enforce the law?
1t can be done if the effort is made.
Another argument presented in favor
of the license is that 'men will gam
ble." Yes, 1 suppose that is true. Men
will steal. Men will commit murder.
Men will commit outrage on the per-
son of innocent girlhood. Men will ad-
vocate anarchy and treason, but who
ever heard of the editor of respect
able newspaper advocating the licens-
ing of these evils. That argument is
worn threadbare and should be laid on
the shelf.
The idea that licensing gambling and
prostitution and other forms of vice and
crime ''places a city in the race for
perfect civilization" is preposterous.
There can be no perfect civilization
where these vices and crimes have the
sanction of civil law They must be
outlawed the same as theft, arson, mur-
der rape and kindred crimes. We do
not expect that any law can be perfect
ly enforced or that any crime can be
entirely prohibited, but we do expect
a reasonable effort on the part of those
in power to enforce existing laws to
prohibit crime.
1t is claimed that 'it will restrict
gambling down to municipal supervis-
ion" and control the results inasmuch
as the city will be bound to keep
daily watch on the methods en-
ployed," etc. Now, sir if gambling is
not under municipal supervision now,
where is it? If 1t is not under such
supervision now, why not? If the cityu
can keep a daily watch over the bust
ness under a license and prevent swind-
ling and prohibit gambling in cigar
stores and other unlicensed places, then
it is in the power Of the city, just as
effectually to prohibit gambling alto
gether, and If the city council fails to
do 1t the councilmen are culpable in
this matter.
have failed to see any argument In
favor of license but what can be turned
to good account on the opposite side.
That gambling and prostitution and the
saloon curse are not in a great measure
prohibited is the fault of the people,
There is power in the city council and
police force to enforce any law II they
are supported by the people. In the
name of humanity and common .decen-
cy let the city council refuse to pass
this ordinance and set to work at once
to suppress this evil and protect the
youth of this city. Yours, etc.
~ G. A. LANDEN.