The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1903-03-31
HUNT MADE FOR GAMBLING
Delegation Of Church People Lead
RAID on Some Of Resorts
About Town.
From Saturdays Daily Gazette.

new law ueuulu6 the AuIASS VI peace
officers. Sheriff Hubbard was sim
gled out as the officer on whom to
make the application.
Just no wthey arrived at the knowl-
edge is not known, but last evening
Mr.. Hubbard found himself waited
upon by a delegation and was told
that he was expected to make a
raid on the gambling houses, as
the law prohibiting gaming was be-
ing violated. The party was compos-
ed of the Reverend Mr.. Clark, pastor
OF the Congregational church, Mr..
Schermerhorn, a Presbyterian mission
airy, Alderman Hogue and Messrs.
Grant, Lurette and Graham, all prom
inently identified with church work.
Messengers were dispatched for diff
ferent members of the city govern
ment, but only Mayor George could
be found, at least he seems to be the
only one who responded to the sum-
mons.
Mayor Holds Back.
When the latter gentleman arrived
at the sheriff's Office and was told
that as an officer of the city he was
expected to accompany the party to
see that the law was enforced proper
ly. he manifested no great enthus-
iasm. He said that it vas the duty
of the police department to see to
that part of the city government, as
it's members were paid for it. Mr..
Clark took issue with him and in
formed him that he was as much a po-
lice officer as the chief or any of the
patrolmen, but his honor could not
see it that way. He offered to ap-
point the minister aspeace officer, an
offer that was declined by Mr.. Clark,
who disputed the mayors power to
make such an appointment effective
without confirmation by the city
council.
This ended the matter so far as the
mayor was concerned and he was not
one of the party that subsequently
left the sheriff's office on an expedi-
ton having for it's object enforce
ment of the law. Policeman Walker
was on hand, however, and accompan-
led the sheriff as representative OF
the city.
Raid Begins.
The first place, Mr.. Hubbard enter
ed was the Owl saloon. No gam.
bling was in progress, but some mon
ey was seen on tables that looked
as though they might in a pinch be
made to do service for something OF
that kind. A man who appeared to be
in charge of what might have been
a game was told that he was under
arrest and the posse moved on. Next
the Exchange was visited, entrance
being made by way of the ear door
but nothing of a suspicious nature
was discovered there. A cloth cover
cd the roulette wheel and on top OF
this were piled chairs and other i'm
pedimenta. About the same condi
ton of affairs was found at the Side
board. Policeman Walker Informed
Proprietor Nix to consider himself
under arrest and left.
The south side was next invaded
and several more saloons e en-
tered and some more parties placed
under arrest. Not all the places
where it was said gambling had beer
permitted were visited, as it had now
become evident that some good FRIEND
of the suspects had caused the wore
to be passed along and that nothing
further could could be accomplish
ed in the way Of securing ocular dem
| o%nstration of any attractions OF tn
anti-gambling statute.
How It Happened.
Last evening when Sheriff HUB
hard was on his way home he wa
| met by Mr.. Clark who asked him
| he would be at his Office later in thu
| evening, as he wanted to see him OF
| some business matter. An appoint
ment was made and the sheriff prom
ised to be in the Office about 8 O'Clock
the time fixed by Mr.. Clark. 1t wa
| a little after this hour the delegation
named entered. Up to that time MI
Hubbard had been in total ignOranc'
as to the nature of the business n
was wanted on, but when he saw tn
,uen composing the party, he imme
diately surmised what was up. Al
ter the matter had been talked owe