The record-union., 1893-08-30
LICENSING Gambling.

EDS. RECORD UNION: When the moral
sense of community becomes so dulled
that it can coolIy and deliberately con
slider the question of the notification of
State law, and urge it upon its sworn
officers, it is time for the people to raise
their voices in protest None deny that
the laws of the State prohibit gambling,
and yet, even some of the educators Of
public opinion (newspapersl advocate the
defiance OF that law. while they cry out
with holy horror when a salOOnkeeper
has the temerity to sell liquor without
license. On, consistency, thou art jewel.
The one for defying a city ordinance, the
other the notification OF the laws OF the
State. Again, which is the worst, he who
commits crime, or the one who urges him
to do it.
They say gambling cannot be stopped.
Neither can hOrse-stealing, robbery, torg-
cry, embezzlement, murder and a large
list OF other crimes. But Is that reason
why we should be the accomplices of the
criminal? And yet every man who aids
or abetS another to violate the law is as
guilty as the principal in the crime.
Ii a law could be made that would re-
strict those who visit gamb bling places to
men Of mature years, and absolutely pro-
hibit ali under 80 years entering the
gambling dens, l would not have such
strong apprehenslOns. At that age they
should have the ability to take care of
themselves.
have experienced the effect of public
and licensed gambling, and paid very
dear. l know the power Of its intatua-
ton and felt its curse, to the young espe-
cially. l have seen young men led into
its tolls who previous to that time would
scorn TO utter falSehood. After. were
only saved from being utterly ruined by
the Intervention OF friends, who stepped
in and rescued them.
My anxiety is for the young, and to eX-
pose them to the alluring destinations of
the gambling table IS move Of g RESPONSE
biIity than l care to take upon myself.
What cause would these business men
have for complaint if in the near future
they find themselves robbed by their en-
ployes, that they might indulge in the
pleasure which their employers have
asked and prepared for them? Making
crime respectable as far as their acts can
do so?
a gentleman said to-day: "Ifit was not
for the effect on the young I would have
no regrets il these business men should
wake up some fine morning and find
themselves ruined by their employees at
the gam bling table"
would ask, what father would bring
a family of boys and settle in this city
with such whitening influences around
them? There has been a great cry Of late
VI lIlt nttG-S4LJ VI ltID NetASA 90 Oh III
ducement for strangers to settle among
US. y father who had any regard for the
welfare OF his boys would hesitate long,
and the Inducements and advantages
would have to far excel others, before he
would settle in a community so lost to
shame as to defiantly nullity State law.
Ii he knew anything Of the effect of
gambling, he would rather his boys
should be buried in the "slickens of the
muddy Sacramento" than to be en-
quilted in such moral atmosphere The
father would say: you Will please eX-
cuse me. I cannot afford to settle in your
city. l love my boys too well, and want
them to grow into true men, and will not
expose them to the corrupting influences
and moral standard you have raised for
your people," l. LUCE.
Sacramento. August %, 1888.