The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-03-18
CLOSE ON SUNDAY
OR PAY PENALTY
Police Intend to See That Law
is Enforced.
GAM BLING KNOWN TO co ON
Construction Of Statute Ties Hands
Authorities Sc that Gard Playing
Cannot Be Stopped-thief
Howard's' View.
GAMBLING KNOWN TO co ON.

There has been no inactivity on the
part Of the Police Department in refer
ence to the closing Of bars on Sunday.
This fact became evident yesterday.
when two places were reported by the
police for keeping open on that day.
There is always a difficulty confronting
the Police Department The ordinances
do not allow policemen to go into bar
rooms, and unless they do they cannot
make out their cases, for III nearly every
instance those who are summoned to ap-
pear before court as witnesses are of no
use The police are always on the look
out for open bars, and while they labor
under moral certainty that some of the
saloons are doing business, they have
great difficulty in establishing the fact.
WORK OF THE LEAGUE.
Some months ago the Sunday Observ-
ance League displayed much activity in
the matter, and for a while the bars were
scrupulousiy closed on Sundays. But 1t
is said now that little trouble is expert
enced In getting a drink on that day.
The action of officers Amos and Marin
In reporting the two bars yesterday, may
have the effect Of keeping all of them
closed for a time at least. but the police.
as stated by Major Howard yesterday,
will continue to do their duty in this
respect as far as the ordinances permit
The two cases referred to will come up
to-day in the Police Court. The fine for
the first offense is placed at 500. and for
more than once there IS q. chance OF the
bar-keepers losing their licenses.
The Law and Gambling.
Besides that of Sunday opening, the
question Of gambling is also under the
notice Of the Police Department. There
is no question as to the existence of
gambling places in Richmond. The way
to reach them is even more difficult to
the police than that of getting into bar
room on Sunday. The statutes lesalize
gambling with cards up to $40 % Gamb-
ding in other forms s forbidden. how
ever, and whenever the police ''get on"
to such games they are broken up. In
reference to this matter, Maj or Howard
said yesterday:
"There is gambling in Richmond but
we cannot reach it under the decision Of
the court to which 1t was carried. There
are punishmerts provided for other
games but games with cards where the
loss is under $50 we can't get to. Of
course, a. man may lose and set up and
stroll around the block and get in an
other game, still we can't touch him.
This applies to all games with cards. This
decision was rendered some twenty five
years ago and since that time has stood.
1t has tied our hands practically and We
can do nothing
There are it is asserted a number Of
gambling places in Richmond. where al
most any game known to the fraternity
can be played. from poker to faro. Craps
games abound. and roulette is played In
all its fascinating splendor. To these
places only the elect are admitted. The
police cannot go in, as the apartments.
not being licensed. are private.
It is quite likely that heroine action will
be taken in this matter. as a crusade for
mayorality seems to have been started