New-York tribune., 1901-10-07
POOLROOMS TO OPEN AGAIN.
GAMBLERS HOPE FOR AT LEAST A
MONTHS GOOD BUSINESS.

Poolrooms TO be with doors wide open from
to election, on tip sent from Police Head
quarters? Certainly not. Never would the Tam
many police force he guilty of assisting these ne
farious robbers in their business! Commissioner
Murphy Gays II is not true, and he. II anybody
ought 10 know
1T is lie" said Mr.. Murphy yesterday. when
he asked If such a report true. No tip
has been sent from headquarters nor from any
where else. The poorooms will not he open The
police there to see that they closed. have
not heard anything about such rumor, but you
may say for that 1t is lie
Nevertheless there is rejoicing in some quarters
Along Park Row. near Chambers-st., where a
young man has stood in various doorways all sum-
mer, and even since last winter. kindly directing
would-be bettors where they could find man who
would give to them odds on the races, the same
man was about yesterday. He glad.
Its about time he said, that something was
doing. For almost year there has been
nothing in it, Changing about every day eats up
the profits. and the good ones didn't care to risk
their money in keeping A room when they might
be raided any time. Why, for a to get
bet down he had to go through as bad as civil
Service examination. l supposed to know by
sight every who the level and had
money TO put down horse. If | didn't send
enough TO the new place there kick. and If
sent people there who were likely to make trouble
there another kick. / the who
kicked. and there's no fun in it. Now. hear. it's
to be all right, and l won't have any trouble. The
position of Steerer isn't a place L banker after,
but what is a fellow do when he has to earn
living? viii they all be wide open? Well, I'm
not saying anything like that you bet, but guess
Ill have easier job now. and If you have any
money you want 10 bet on the ponies you won't
have TO have guide TO take you to place where
you can be accommodated
This young man has for a long time been IA
miliar figure to players of the races in downtown
poolrooms. When a obliged to move he
was left behind at the door of the deserted place
tfu Iabi OIxbp
doing business. He is quiet and careful, and only
those who were known to him could receive the
word. Once they had it they could do as they
liked with it-tell their friends and take them there
TO play. Only by a system such as this have the
poolrooms been able exist for some time The
same "steerer" will be on hand, just the same
usual but he will have wider SCOPE in directing
patrons. OF course the police will not be able TO
see what is going Not long ago this same
young stood in the doorway of Park Row
building just above the bridge entrance. but the
opposite side OF the street and directed three men
who were looking for poolroom to where the
place had moved to. while policeman stood not
more than dozen feet away. And his back was
1t is supposed that the recent reiteration of
Before Commissioner Murphy insisted that police
Tac should o hot not te on s0r
for the Prevention of Crime could call on an on,
make raid. AS it is now the police station must
be informed and an officer detailed by the captain
made. OF course. this makes it all smooth for the
poOlrOom keeper since this will allow time 10 warn
him of the impending danger.
The opening of the poorooms seems to be accept
ed n special gift from Tammary to the men who
have been kept out of the business because of the
loss that entailed on account of poor business.
More business was done through the summer than
II was expected would be possible last spring but
the big fellows have been shy. There no ade-
quate protection afforded by the police because,
under the existing circumstances. they were unable
to give ii.
The enforcement of the order the police that
warrants must be served only direct orders
from their superiors is believed to furnish the
necessary safety. and the big layers preparing
for the reopening While the may be
very short there will be for them gather in
a considerable amount Of money with the minimum
Of risk and there is a general feeling that the
venture will he comparatively safe and profitable.
OF course, each room will be provided with
ond place already fitted up, to which IL move
a moments notice. and careful lockout will be
kept. But the gamblers satisfied that Tam
many needs the money and the rates that will
from adequate protection. and that the tip
is straight and good. Barring some unforeseen
move the part of vice hunters, everybody in
terested feels that all is right for a month
least. of good business.
Some of the big places uptown, which have been
closed since last December will, IL is said by those
who ought to know. open up as soon arrange
ments be made for carrying the business