The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-12-27

aldermen. etc, as presidents or chairman
OF committees Of the so-called private
clubs. In some places roulette and
trentete. Ouartette were played in build
ings belonging to the municipalities.
At others generals IN the army have
been presiding at inaugural banquets at
such embellishments with the insignia OF
the order OF Leopold shining on their
breasts. Last November the Independ-
ance Beige and lie Petet Blue commenced
a campaign against the public scandal
apropos of bill then pending In the Sem
alto proposing 20 impose tax OF a half
million francs a year upon all private
clubs. where gambling was carried on.
Very soon it was announced that ac-
ton had been intimated against the own
ers and managers OF the Chaudfontaine
Club for swindllng and robbery. in that
they issued twenty-five franc shares and
sold them At e1travacant premiums upon
the strength OF the most lying statements.
The acts OF swindling were alleged TO
have been committed IN the club itself.
the victims being inexperienced amateur
gamblers.
PUBLIC SCANDAL.
Burgomastor Borden was accused OF
assisting in foisting this club on falla-
cious public on the Plea that Il was n
good speculation FOR the municipality.
but really from motives OF self interest.
These allegations wcre followed by tho
serving upon lie Petit Blue writs for
libel by Burgomaster Borden, by NJ Ban
sastreber, one OF the presidents OF the
Chaudfontaine Club by Romulus De Mar
cell. managing director OF the club
and finally by the English Chaudfon
taine Club and Casino Company
Oimited). Borden claims 5000 frnos
damages and tho others each co.
o00 francs. There IS good reason 70
believe that before action can be
commenced before the civil tribunal
at Liege where they have been set for
trial Bansa Streiber, Narceli and the
others connected IN the management Of
the club VIII be in a prison for their
criminal actions. but Bcrden's suit viii
doubtless be tried in due course and NJ.
Harry promises plenty OF interesting
revelations
A bogus AFFAIR.
As for tho English Company ~ IS be-
yond doubt a bogus affair. formed sole
" 10 enable the issue OF twenty-five
franc shares a figure which IS not al
lowed ty either Bclsin or French law.
The company has never been registered
I'm England. and It's only London habita-
ono over seems 10 use. by way of blum
However, the company has issued no.
ticca 20 its swindied shareholders TO at
tend a meeting I'm London next Monday
This meeting will be the FIRST ever
held hy the company. but the meeting
place is not stated. II can scarcely be
held IN the small room aforesaid. bo-'
cause that is not large enough 10 swing
q cat in. Despite this uncertainty. how
ever. number Of French and Belgian
shareholders arrived in London to-day
apparently possessed with some vauge
hope of getting the directors Of tho COM
pany arrested on the spot. and. falling
that, of wroahng summary vengeance
upon them.
DOCTOR VICTOR GARBOULD.
One gentlemen whom the infuria'ed
shareholders are particularly dosirous
10 lay hands upon is a self-stylof Doc
tor Garbould. who has figured largely
on the prospectusos Of other club docu-
mcnts as n distinguished English ply
sici0n and medical adviser 10 the Princess
Of Wales.
This has been varied occasionally, and
Carbouil hos heer stnativelv described
as the private medical adviser, Of Prin-
cess Louise. Queen Victoria's daughter.
Garhould's name. however focs not ap-
near upon any medical register in this
country. and e is needless 70 say that
neither Princess knows anything OF
him.
As 20 tho position of affairs IN Belgium
Itself. tho government has been moved
90 take action. Several ccrcles privc7
have roon summnri'y closed and their
managers are awaiting tho trial on va
rious charges. 4 number ~ foreigners
of doubtful reputation. have been OK
rou.d from tie country. and there has
boon o demon efration OF feeling among
the municipal officers implicated IN the
scandals arc who arc anxious 20 rid
themselves Of an connection with these
clubs Dut o great deal more than this
VIII have 10 lo done ~ Belgium SIS 20
DO thoroughly nurrcd.