The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-10-02
SLOT MACHINES
WILL HAVE TO GO
Justice Crutchfeld Decides That They
are Gambling Devices.
CONTRARY TO The STATE LAWS.
one Day in JAN and He Takes an
Appeal Far Reaching
Effect.

Justice Crutchfeld rendered his decision
in the sl0t-machlne cases tn the Police
Court yesterday morning. which resulted
"a one OF tho accused parties being found
guilty OF "unlawfully setting up and pro-
noting and was concerned IA managing
and drawing q certain lottery and rattle
Ior money and other things OF value by
of 'unlaWfuLy setting up and promoting
and was concerned in managing and
drawing a certain lottery and raflo for
money and other thing OF value By
chance and lot. by the employment and
use Of a certain scheme and device call
"a and known as "a nickcl-n-a-siot mo-
chine. whereby the player bet and hazard
cd money or other things OF value with
fhc chance OF lot OF winning a greater
amount Of money or other thing Of great
or value" and sentenced TO one day in
San and fined $ and costs.
The case against H. Carroll was indie
fnitely postponed by consent Of counsel.
Counsel for the accused made elaborate
remarks on the merits Of their case and
claimed that The Legislature had a right
70 license gaming. They stated that the
oficers OF the law who have the matter
N licensing the slot-machines had OK
ahmed them and assessed them. and the
licenses had been paid into the treasury
Of the State. The legislature. they said.
had authorized the issuing OF licenses in
good faith. and the owners of. the slot
machines had acted IN good faith. a
liberal construction Of the statute must
be recognized in order that tho State may
realize the revenue that was sought. The
language OF the statute IS broad enough
20 cover this case.
Commemorative Attornoy Richardson.
in reply said that the Legislature cid not
afa.a-
pure and SIMPLE. They licensed slot ma
chimes and had a rlgnt 10 when they were
60 be used in an legitimate purposes. He
explained the difference between the
chewing gum, the cigar, the weighing ma.
chine and similar devices. and the games
~ chance as Illustrated IN the Slot ma
chimes under question. The idea that the
Legislature had In view Is clearly ex-
pressed On tho statute
Justice Crutchheld held the views OK
pressed by the Commonwealth s-Attorney.
and the charge against +. Moreln for
exhibiting gambling device was sus-
tanned. and he was fined s. and sentenced
10 serve one day I'm Jail
An appeal was taken by M0rellrs coun-
sci and tho accused was bailed i'm the |
sum OF 800. with r. Francione as surety.
The effect of this decision of Justice /
Crutchhelds viii be far-reaching and |
any person who exhibits or runs one OF |
the gambling devices is subject TO arrest /
with a fine and imprisonment.
Each act Of dep0siting a nickel in the /
machine. according TO Justice Crutchfeld. |
constitutes a separate offense. This does /
not apply 20 the machines that give out 1
.igars, gum. etc.
The Hastings Court viii take up the
Ease at fits next term. beginning on Mon
lay.
Governor Tyler and family viii return
10 the city from East Radford tonight.
hey have been away for nearly three
months Hal Tyler who has been III from
Uphold fever has recovered.
no special instructions were given the
lolice but the officers said that, in view
If tho construction OF the law by Justice
'rutchheld they would simply carry out
he law and arrest an who infringed upon
be same. The slot machines did very lit
le business last night, and the police kept
watch upon them.