The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-10-05
GAMBLING AT THE FAIR.
STEPS ARE NOW BEING TAKEN TO
PREVENT 1T THIS SEASON.
A Number OF Citizens Desire to Keen the
Fakirs on the Exposition Grounds
Rev. Mr.. Christisn on tho subject.

A special from Richmond in the Nor
folk Ledger Wednesday created con-
siderable interest in this city. and caus-
ed the reporters of the press to search
diligently for its origin and confirma-
ton of the statement. The dispatch in
Question, says:
Some very good and influential citi-
zens OF Richmond have about determined
to make a fight against allowing games
Of chance TO be practiced on the Ex-
position grounds here during the State
Fair. They will be upheld and assisted
by a number Of the clergy here in their
efforts to prevent gambling of any kind
during the Exposition. They viii adopt
the same plan Of action that was sue
cessfully carried out TWO years ago in
LynChburg."
The question was asked many times
on the street Yesterday who are the
reformers?' There are gentlemen who
propose to see that the State law is
not violated at the Exposition. As Is
attested by good authority, they Will not
make any move until they are IN posi-
ton to make aftidavIt that sucn violation
has occurred.
AS far as known, no organization IS
engaged in the proposed warfare against
gambling at the state Exposition but
the move is in the hands OF private
citizens, who will act Independently in
the matter.
MORE OR LESS GAMBLING.
At every Exhibition Of the State Fair
large amount of gambling has DeeE
carried on, which at times when II became
unusually fragrant, was curtalled by the
action Of the police, and one occasion
were entirely suppressed by Mayor Ely
son on the complaint OF Mr.. Candl!sh,
former secretary OF the J. VI. {. A,
ami some other citizens.
The State Fair grounds rs outside the
city limits, but the Richmond police have
Jurisdiction over the enclosure.
1t is said that Mayor Taylor was asked
II b would assist IN the suppression Of
gambling at the Fair GROUNDS. and eX-
pressed his Willingness TO 90 anything
in his power 10 uphold the law.
The privilege under which the games
of chance are conducted at the EXpOsi-
tiOn grounds are usually sold to the
highest bidder and he, in turn, sublets
privileges to the fakiis, who conduct the
games of various Kinds.
1t is to be inferred from the follow
ing communication that Rev. W. AsbuTS
Christian. the pastor of Washington
Street Methodist church, Is one OF those
who are interested in the alleged cru
SADIE, If he is not the leader OF the ex-
peCted movement.
NOT HIS FIRST KXPRRIRNcF.
paign against the -fakirs at the Lynch
burg Far. and succeeded in so arousing
popular sentiment against the gambling
which was in full blast, that the sFons
hand of the law was exercised, the games
We're suppressed, the gamblers routed
and their paraphernalia cOnhsCated
There Is already a strong current OF
public opinion in Richmond on this mat
ter and from the interviews had on
the subject, Mr.. Christian, IL he under
he
ample backing among the church people
OF the city
Following is the communication on the
subject from Rev. Mr.. Christian:
GAMBLING AT TIE EXPOSITION.
Editor Times: Every citizen is inter
ested in the prosperity of our city ana
State. and he car not withhold his APP
prOVal from any movement that tends TO
Increase legitimate business, and 10 edu-
cate men. To bring men together thai
they may learn the improytd methods OF
farming, see the advancement in invention
and manufacturing, and take notice Of the
rich products OF the state. stimulates
business and introduces new and APPROX
ed methods Of work. The Exposition mas
these objects in view, and we wish II
the greatest success.
There Is. however, one feature Of our
Exposition that all law-abiding citizens,
having the moral welfare of the commu-
nifty at heart, must disapproNe ot-the
gambling feature. From a financial point
OF view II is hurtful to our best inter
ests Gamblers and fakrs decoy men and
boys into the snares they have set, ana
relieve them Of all their
money It is an offence against the law
and order Of the State, for il is in open |
violation Of the State laws Code Of Nir-
eluia. chapter rs sections 3Sl5 10 $3.50. |
which forbid such games, and max" II |
felony to play at them, to deal them OF |
Ia rent property to any one TO carry on |
such a business. ~, ~,
From the standpoint Of morality, the |
disadvantage is apparent 70 every one
who considers for a moment the eNlls OF
VIII not the officers Of the Exposition
this? OF course, the officers OF
the law will see that the law Is not open
y '''''' w. ASBURY CHRISTIAN.
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