Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-05-12
G A NJ B LER LOVED,
OVER TO CHARITY,
BREATHES LAST
@Doc" SLATER, POLITICIAN AND
PHILANTHROPY, is MOURN
ED BY ALL-FRIEND OF
THE NEWs5oYs.

BALTIMORE, Md, May 1.-The death
of Robert g. (''Doc'O Slater removes
most interesting character who was once
a strong political factor in Baltimore. He
was known throughout the country as the
proprietor OF gambling houses. one in this
city and others during the season at Long
Branch, Saratoga. White Sulphur Springs
, and Cape May.
For years he practically owned his dis
trfct sharing the city patronage with 1.
Freeman Rasin and Frank Morrison. He
was eventually bowled out by Rasins and
disappointment over the defeat OF his re-
cent attempt to break into politics again
is believed TO have had not little TO 90
| with his breaking down.
His establishment at No. 10 South Cal
vert street was known. TO sporting men
everywhere. For years a crowd OF pen
sioners living upon his bounty were wont
to appear there regularly every Saturday
afternoon to receive their weekly allow
ance.
Gave Great Sums In Charity.
To hospitals and all kinds of charities
he was a most generous giver. but the
greatest amount he gave was known only
to himself and his beneficiaries.-. Another
picturesque feature Of Skaters character
was his absolute integrity. In all the
games of chance in which he played or
which he backed there was never whis-
per of a suspicion OF anything that was
not perfectly straight"
Slater would never allow a man who
was drawing a moderate salary or who
had family depending upon his earnings
to gamble in his place If he was aware
Of IT, He kept a strict watch over all who
entered the establishment. and II he was
satisfied that a young man was playing
who would be reduced to desperation by
his losses, he would stop him, and in that
way. it is said. he has saved many
person from ruin. Many stories are told
to show his remarkable ability TO size q
man up.
Some years ago young man came TO
Baltimore from a town in Pennsylvania.
where he was employed in a bank. He
had been sent here to make some col
| lections, and had more than $500. He be-
gan to drink and found his way into Sla-
| ters place, and 1t was not long before
all the money was gone.
Slater had been watching him. and had
come to the conclusion that the young
man was playing with money which was
not his own. So he approached him, and
the young man told him the whole story,
| adding that he had determined on suicide.
Thereupon Slater said:
IT will send a man out and see If what
| you have been telling me is true. II IL is,
will refund the money TO yo0. on the
express condition. however. that you make
me a solemn promise never TO enter
| gambling house again, and viii keep out
| of all games Of chance"
The young mans story was verified by
| Slater's agent, and the money was given
back to him.
Mr. Slater was always one Of the most
neatly dressed men in the city. He spent
large amount Of money on his clothes
| and took considerable pride in them. They
were, however. never fiashy. 1t Is said
| that he got as many as twenty pairs Of
| trousers at once from one Of the most
| fashionable tailors in the city. Many OF
his clothes he had made in New York and
| more in London. He did not wear rings
or pins, and even a watch chain was rare
I ~ seen on him.
A gloomy newsboy on Baltimore street
| explained that he had lost his best friend.
| said he "A little while ago told him
needed a pair of pants. and he handed me
/ dollar bill and says; Here. go get your
| self a pair 1 went down TO Harrison
street and got myself pair-these are the
ones-and when l got back here 1 met
! Doc again and went up to him and show
! ed them to him and asked him how he
liked 'em. He laughed a little and then
gave me another dollar and says: Here,
| take this for being truthful I tell you,
] I've lost a good friend"