The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-02-01
II. HI. Fftxgerald's Ol<Iahoma Lottery
scheme Knocked Out by the POST
ONCE Department Omcinls.
FISH HATCHERY BILL PASSED
SENATE HAS APPROPRIATED s25, 900
FOR INDIANA'S BENEFIT.
Increase of Culver's Navy Opposed by
Rear Admiral Bowles-No Report
Army Post Site.

Staff Correspondence of the Journal.
WASHINGTON, Jan. a.-The lot-drawing
enterprise which p. II. Fitzgerald, of In
dianapolis. to have conducted on Feb.
IA will not materialize. The Postoffice De-
partment to-day decided Mr.. Fitzgerald is
conducting a lottery, not one of the vicious
sort, but lottery just the same, and he
must abandon his present scheme to dispose
of 500 lots in the neighborhood of Oklahoma
City. He must also refund about $4,000
which people have paid in on these tickets.
Mr.. Fitzgerald and his son, an Indianapo-
lis attorney, arrived here to-day and ap-
peared before the attorneys for the Post
Office Department to answer to the charge
of maintaining lottery enterprise. AS
explained to the department, Mr. Fitzger-
aid some time ago purchased a tract of land
near Oklahoma City, comprising 500 lots.
1t was his plan to sell these lots at 500
apiece on Feb. IA. Those who had pur-
chased lot were to draw for choice Mr.
Fitzgerald pointed out to the department
that the holder of a ticket had a chance to
draw lot valued all the way from 500 to
s2 800 according to location ETC. Besides
there were 81 900 prizes to be given to those
who drew certain lots. Mr.. Fitzgerald in
sisted that no one could lose. because none
OF the lois was worth less IMAM $lUb. Inc
department officials admitted that this was
perhaps true, but the fact that some stood
a chance of winning a better lot than 9TH
ers made it lottery. For example. one
might get one worth $500 In it's estimate
OF lottery cases the department considers
three factors. One is consideration" an
other is prize" and third is chance"
Each of these were pointed out to figure
in his case. The 500 paid for a lot in the
first place was consideration" the $1,000
to be paid to the holder of certain lot
would be prize and the owners of tickets
when they gathered TO draw for locations
would be taking chance
Mr. Fitzgerald expressed a desire to do
whatever the department thought best in
the matter. and was directed to quit busi-
ness and pay back the money to those who
have already purchased. He stated he had
sold about 800 lots at 500 each.
1t is understood Admiral Bowles. of the
proposition 30 permit Culver Military
School, Maxinkuckee. the use of more
boats. Representative Brick, who intro
duced a bill last session which gives the
department permission to loan these boats
TO certain institutions If they can be
spared. called at the Navy Department a
few days ago to see about getting more
navy was absent. and Admiral Bowles was
away. Information CLEANED from the ad-
mirars clerk indicated the admiral Is op-
posed 10 the idea. Mr.. Brick is not dis
couraged, however. and hopes TO have a
talk with Secretary Moody about the mat
ter. In the meantime Senator Fairbanks
who looked after the bill In the Senate and
who takes an interest in the academy. will
write a letter 10 the secretary. urging that
the institution be allowed more boats II
the department has them. Just why the
admiral objects TO loaning them is not OF
record.
Senator Beveridges bill providing an ap-
preparation of $4,000 for a fish hatchery
In Indiana passed the Senate to-day rnani-
mously The bill had the Endorsement OF
Fish Commissioner Bowers. The bin does
not provide where the hatchery shall be