Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1895-05-30
vIRGINIA's LAW INEFFECTIVE

fIhO1NlA . LAW 1NCI LIZ
! A dispatch from Richmond to the
New York Sun say: "The law OF TINS
State regulating pool selling has not
had the effect that was desired by It's
trainers. The statute went into effect
on March 8, 1894, 1t was aimed direct
ly at Jackson City, in Alexandria coun-
ty, just across the river from WASH
ington city. This place was simply
gambling den, being known as Vlr-
ginia's Monte Carlo.
All sorts of gambling devices, from
old Virginia "crap" shooting to BOOK,
making on foreign races, were carried
on without restriction. Gamblers from
all over the country gathered there,
most of them making their homes III
Washington and crossing the river TO
"do business" The people OF WASH
ington were the first to raise protest,
and the refrain of 'Down with Jackson
City" became general throughout TINS
State.
When the Legislature met in Decem-
Der, 1893, there was general demand
for law which would wipe out tnis
place. Senator George A. Mushbacb',
of Alexandria city, presented a Dill
which he was sure would put an emo 10
Jackson City, and it was passed. Al
though Gov. O'Ferrall didn't like the
bill, he signed it at the urgent request OF
Capt. Mushbach, who assured him that
it would have the desired effect.
The law resulted, however, in clear
case of the frying-pan and the ire.
jackson City was killed, but the law
gave birth to other evils, worse in their
scope and effect. The law forbade
bookmaking, pool selling or betting ex,
cept under the auspices OF agricultural
associations, State fairs, or driving
parks which were already in existence,
having been chartered prior to the pas
sage of the act. Betting of any kind is
allowed under these conditions, provid-
ing it is done at the track where racing
is held and with the consent OF the
managers of the races.
The trainers of the bill looked over
the list ofsuch organizations and argued
that, being chartered and differed by
Virginia gentlemen, no gambling con-
trary to the spirit of the law would be
tolerated. But the reform element
reckoned without its host, for there was
then in existence an old organization OF
farmers, known as the Grange ASsocla-
ton, chartered by Fairfax county
citizens for the promotion of agrlcul-
tural interests, which was destined to
furnish the opportunity for gross
violation of the purpose of the law.
This association, which had had its head
quarters in Fairfax county, was not 10
flourishing condition, and its Secre-
tary was enabled for mere song to
purchase controlling interest in the
stock, which he sold to Jones Bros, the
well known bookmakers of Washing
ton, and others for snug sum, report
ed at between S., 900 and $4,000.
Then all was smooth sailing. The Al
exander Island race track, under the
name of the Old Dominion track, W, 9
; started with its auxiliary gambling deps
and Virgiuians woke up to their help
, less condition. The Governor says be
+ is powerless that he cannot revoke
t a charter granted by the Legislature !;
that the county courts and its Office rs
must act, but as yet they have failed TO
make out any indictments. 1t is open
: ly declared that the county officers are
5 interested to considerable extent in
) the enterprise, and the private citizens,
fearing bodily harm for their pains, re-
} main neutral. Thus this state of affairs
exists in spite of the protests of the
people of Washington, Alexandria city,
3 and Virginia in general.
( In February last the State sued out
an Injunction against the race track
3 people at Alexander Island, but it re-
suited in compromise, the race track
3 men agreeing to discontinue racing UNI
5 til the 1st of April, when it was
, promptly resumed. The Injunction,
which was temporary and granted as
} courtesy to the State, was not made
| permanent. The State did not push it,
knowing the result could not be other
t wise than a defeat.
The great trouble in Virginia is with
the law itself. Under it those who
have an old agricultural charter and
7 will utilize it can race horses and wager
) money as much as they want to do so.
The only consolation the farmers have
| is that Jackson City was completely
dismantled.
Bookmaking in the cities on races at
distance is also entirely prohibited.
But where there is actual racing,
whether it be by goat, dogs or terra
pins, the gambler can bet as much as
he pleases.
The Richmond Riding and Driving
} Association of this city held a meeting
here recently, and more books were
made than had ever before been seen
J in Richmond. During the State fair last
fall open books were kept without mo-
lestation.
The St. Asaph race track, which is a
neighbor of the Alexander Island track
and in operation until outlawed recent
ly by the Jockey Club, was conducted
under an old driving park charter.
The Governor says that when the
legislature meets in December next he
will recommend prompt action, and he
is sure law will be passed which will
remedy the present evils.
VANDAL1sM.-Vandalism has started
on the jeff, Davis mansion, in Rich