Omaha daily bee., 1898-07-28
SOUTH OMAHA NEWS.


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Yesterday q policeman visited all Of the
places in the city where slot machines are
In operation and served notice that the ma
chimes were to be turned to the wall ut
once. No explanation was offered and 1t
was supposed for a time that some one had
complained to the sheriff and that a raid
was about to be made. Later developments,
however, proved that this idea was erro-
neous. On Saturday last there arrived in the
city a man named Mcdonald, who repre-
sents a Chicago slot machine factory. lie
Installed one of his machines in an N street
resort, first, however, taking the precau-
ton to comply with the law by obtaining
a license as provided by n recent city ordi-
nance. For this license Mcdonald paid the
sum Of $40, which is the fee exacted.
Tuesday Mcdonald was notified by a police
man that he would not be permitted to
operate his machine in the city, and as
he could not understand why, in view of
the fact that he had obtained a license, he
called upon Mayor Ensor. Mcdonald as
serts that the mayor told him that the Ii
cense he had obtained was worthless be-
cause it had not been signed by his honor.
At the request of the chief executive Nc
Donald turned the license over for inspec-
ton and 1t was retained. In lieu of the
license the mayor gave Mcdonald $40 and
told him that the ordinance passed by the
council was solely for the benefit of resi-
dents of South Omaha and that outsiders
would not be allowed to operate machines
here. .,.
This was a Knockout blow for the slot
machine man and he promptly retained SUIT
ton G. Lambert to look after his interests.
So far these attorneys have taken no steps
to bring the matter to the attention of the
z-.,-. l-A 49, 1.- NJ.
said last evening that he had looked over
tho ordinance passed by the council, which
provided for the licensing of slot machines,
and that the signature of the mayor is not
necessary. All that is required by the or
dinance is the seal Of the city and the sig
nature Of the city clerk on this license.
From the records on file 1t appears that
the license was issued in regular form, the
same as others obtained by local parties.
Attorney Lambert said that he thought the
order closing all Of the slot machines was
issued for the purpose of discouraging Nc
Donald so that he would leave the city.
II this is the play those behind the move
will be disappointed because the interests
Of the firm Mcdonald represents will be
protected. This attorney further says that
il Mcdonald is not allowed to operate his
slot machine here no others will be per-
mitted to be played.
Mcdonald put in the greater part of the
afternoon looking up the members Of the
council, to whom he related his tale of woe
Just what will be done about the matter
remains to be seen, but 1t is evident thai
slot machine gambling will be suspended
for some little time.
In connection with this matter Mayo
Ensor said that he considered all of thu
licenses issued to operators of slot machines
illegal for the reason that the document'
did not bear his signature. AS for the or
der closing Town the machines the mayo
stated that a move was on foot to put
stop to slot machine gambling in Omahi
and he thought it best to follow suit.