New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-10-16
COLONEL FELLOUS To TIE RESCTE.

1t Is evident that II systematic fight Is 10 be
made against the work of the Constitutional
Convention by the Democrats. The reforms pro-
vidcd for in the proposed amendments and the
safeguards against the misuse Of legislative
power threaten to deprive the State machine
Of some of its dearest privileges. Therefore
frantic efforts are being made to stir up the
opposition Of various interests by misrcprcsent
ing the character of some Of the amendments.
and all kinds of silly arguments are being put in
circulation.
Immediately after the convention adjourned
the Democrats tried 10 rally the booksellers
and gamblers against the amendment prohibit
Ing all kinds Of gambling But this was not
great success \ few bookmakcrS went into
the fight. but the great body of the citizens did
not seem To feel that their liberties would he
greatly endangered by the stopping of Il de-
moraliZing traffic The better class Of horse
breeders were apathetic and inclined 10 believe
that they might have something to live Tor. even
If pool-sclling did cease. Then il became ncccs-
sary 10 take some other course. 50 the sup
portcrS of the gamblers have enlisted Colonel
John H. Fellows in their cause. How earnest
and auStcrc an uphodcr Of the laws against
gambling Colonel Follows is. how unbcnding is
his conviction that 1t is his duty to make this
Puritanlc town. everybody familiar with his
record as Dstrict-Attorncy is we'll aware. With
activity even greater than that usually dis
played by him IN dealing with crimes commit
ted he PUSHES forward to stop the lawbrcakins
which he fears may be. The amendment would,
says Colonel Fellows, result in practically de-
''Stroyng the business Of the large exchanges
''n the city If York. He declares that
dealing in margins for speculative purposes
would be gambling IN the meaning Of the Con
stiution. and gives this solemn notice: Il
should feel 1t my duty rs District-Attorncy 10
present all such cases 10 the Grand Jury
II was hardly To be expected that with the
destruction of their business staring them in the
face the brokers would rest quietly. Every
stock. produce cotton. coffee. metal or other
broker and all whose business was in any way
connected with the exchanges. ought certainly
- have risen in arms to defend their interests
But. strangely enough they remain tranquil |
The officers of the exchanges laugh at Colonel |
Fellows and his views of duty. In rhc first !
place. IN" courts have declared that their bust |
ness X not gambling. AMI iho amendment will !
not affect H. Even II it were gambling. il would |
stand before The law in just the same position
that it does to-day Gambling. except under |
certain restrictions on racc,rackS under the Ives |
Pool law Is now prohibited II Colonel Eel
lows thinks trading on margins i gambling. II
+ manfcstly his duty to proceed at once to stop
the business Of the Stock Exchange He will
have no more reason for doing il II the pro
posed Constitution Is adopted. In his anxiety
about his future duties h" appears 10 have for
gotten some Of his present ones on calling
them again 10 mind he viii. Of course make up
for The neglect