The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-11-17

An enthusiastic audience of about two
hundred and fifty persons, including some
of the most distinguished divines in the
state of Alabama, held meeting at the
Auditorium last night and entered vigor-
Gus protest against the open pool selling
which is being engaged in at the race
course of the Alabama State Fair associa-
ton.
Strong resolutions were passed in con-
demnation of the practice and urging the
good people of the state to begin a cam
paign against the alleged evil. An appeal
will likely be taken from the decision of
Judge Feagin, and if the supreme court
sustains him, an attempt Will be made to
pass another bill through the next legisla-
ture prohibiting book making or public
gambling of any kind.
The officers of the fair association were
arraigned in no uncertain terms and one
speaker said that among the stockholders
were some of the most notorious gamblers
in the state.
The meeting was called to order at $50
o'clock by DR.. Wilson. On motion Frank
Leslie and ]. r. Hornady We're made tenn
porary chairman and secretary, respective
ly
In accepting the honor Mr.. Leslie thank
ed the audience and stated that those pres
ent had assembled for the purpose of pro-
testing against the selling of pools on horse
races in the state of Alabama. He further
stated that he was ready to begin fight
against the evil, and that as long as it was
continued he would be found on the oppos-
ing side.
DR.. Handley then opened the meeting
with prayer. Hon. Frank S. White was
elected permanent chairman and ]. R. Hor-
nady secretary Upon assuming the chair
Captain White said
II thank you for the distinction of being
your presiding officer" He advised his
| hearers to proceed in a cautious but firm
manner He described interestingly the
| evils of pool selling and concluded by say
| ing 1--WE should put the seal of condemna-
ton on public gambling forever"
The chairman then appointed committee
| on resolutions consisting of the following
| members: James Vinson, S. p. West, Frank
Leslie, C. II. Frye and e. L. Bridges.
DIR. Frzsimmons
DR.. o. P. Fitzsimmons was then intro
duced and, after clearly explaining the
manner in which pool selling is conducted,
he made a strong arraignment of the prac-
! tice.
| He prefaced his remarks by saying: This
| is a serious subject and it is no occasion
for levity." Continuing DR.. Fitzsimmons
| said:
| II am here tonight to try and put this
| question before you fairly and squarely."
He spoke of former pool selling near this
city as "disagreeable scene"
eat that time" he said, 1--WE framed
law, or rather copied that of New Jersey,
! which broke up the pool selling in that
| state" DR.. Fitzsimmons told of the great
difficulties encountered in finally passing
the bill. He explained how the bill had
been stolen from the clerk of the house by
| senator.
81 believe if there is anything wrong in
| that bill, it was done after the passage of
| the bill and after it had passed out of the
| legislative bodies. That bill has been the
| law in this state for years, but 1t was de-
| cided unconstitutional by Judge Feagin. |
| bow to that decision, and could not ques-
ton it..
Dr. Fitzsimmons told of an incident on a
car where he met race horse man. HE
| told me-" said the doctor, that the mistake
which had always been made in framing
| anti-pool selling laws was that they make
| the penalty misdemeanor instead of a fell
ony. 1 venture to say tonight that If the
penalty of that law had been felony, our
law in Alabama would never have been
tested.
1.-THE fact that this law has been found
necessary in other states is demonstra-
tion that we need one in Alabama. If there
are laws against other forms of gambling