Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-09-17
RICHMoND VA, WEDNESDAY,, SEPTEMBER Il, 1902

months ago and had kept faith with the
Poi1ce department ever since. He based
MS chief appeal upon the fact that the
accused gamblers had pleaded guilty to
the warrants that were served yesterday.
IN order to protect a large number of
young men who would be compelled to go
upon the stand. and thus publicly certify
that they had been In gambling houses,
and that thereby their positions would be
In jeopardy with commercial houses in
the city.
Mr.. Smith said he had sounded public
sentiment since the first warrants were
issued, and he felt that he could assure
the court from his personal interviews
that the public would be satisfied with
conviction and did not require vindicitive
punishment. He took an indirect shot at
the origin Of the warrants against the
gamblers.
When it became known that the places
must stop. tho men stopped" said Mr.
Smith. "Since March they have quit, and
they have stuck to it, and but for some
unforeseen condition. that would nave
been the end of this matter. Controversy
in the police force brought this question
up again. and, as result. they have gone
back of the time when these men quit
gambling and raked up old cases against
them. It's the misfortune Of these men
that the controversy in the police depart
ment took place.
Mr.. Richardson's Speech.
Mr.. Richardson, for the prosecution.
said: 'I advised swearing out Of new
warrants. My idea was that is we could
MT prove they were exhibiting games we
could show that the house was occupied
for that purpose.
II do not want to shirk any responsible
lty have found it more difficult in Off
cial life to find out what my duty was
than to do it after definitely knew it.
'.I felt satisfied that we had enough
evidence to convict, but hesitated when
I found out that large number of wit
lie as gamblers:
"The parties have pleaded guilty, and it
is up to you Honor to say what shall
be the punishment. Under the new war
rants you can inf1ict as great punishment
as under the first warrants, but you can
fix smaller punishment under the new
warrant"
Mr.. Richardson said it should be known
in this city that gambling in this form
must be broken up, and the law enforced.
1T does not mean that the punishment
must be vindictive," he proceeded. Your
Honor can take in consideration the fact
that the property is to be burned. and
then, too, conviction carries Jail pen
atty.
II want to avoid the publicity Of having
these men appear before the court. Ten
or twelve have inplored me and Mr.. Pol
lard not to bring them up"
Mr.. Richardson Concludes.
Mr.. Richardson then concluded with an
earnest request for the court to give
the minimum punishment, and his gen.
erous speech as the prosecuting attorney
in behalf of the accused made a deep
impression upon the entire audience in
the courtroom. and there was more than
enc dimmed eye among the men who sat
behind the rail charged with the violation
Of the Commonweals law.
Justice Crutchf1eld reached his decision
in the case in less than minute.
After considering all the facts in the
case, I m going to impose the minimum
fine Of 500 and one day In jan. but am
going to require these men to give bond
CONTINUED ON SIXTH PACED