The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-06-20
TO BREAK UP
STEAMER
GAMBLING
Transatlantic Compani es Many
Install Detective Force on
Big Liner to Catch ShaTpars

New York. June 3o.-At the suggestion
of the representatives OF several OF the
trans-Atlantic steamer linte a tonftr-
ence was held this afternoon TO devise,
II possible, some means for the preven-
ton of the future operations OF profes-
sional gamblers on shipboard one OF
the steamship agents said that he was
quite sorry the fact had become public,
as all had hoped to have plan thor
oughly framed before 1t received any pub
licity. He admitted that a plan was
under consideration, but refused to state
how the companies are 10 proceed in the
determination of the ocean gamblers.
1t has been learned from another but
equally trustworthy source that the only
suggestion made thus far is that exsCen-
tral Office detectives be engaged for the
fast ships OF each line.
These craft carry the bulk Of the over
sea flrst-class passenger traffic, and the
gamblers naturally. flock TO these ships.
Gamblers rarely travel In the second
class for obvious reasons. chiefly be
cause the chances for detection are great
er among the limited number and the held
does not offer as much profit
IT Is known that one OF the large
English lines recently consulted the au-
thorties at police headquarters In an en-
deavor 10 get an official solution OF the
problem how best 70 cope with the un-
welcome gamblers.
The only plan considered. occording 10
a semi-officiai statement was that re-
tired Central Office men be engaged. 1t
was pointed out that old Central Office
men know the majority OF the skin gam
blers and other sharpers by reputation
or photograph
One of the agents he'd conference
yesterday with Charles Heideleerg OF ~
Central office man. and IL said 10 pro-
fessionally know every shady gambler
from coast TO coast.
Mr.. Heidelberg was asked about the
visit OF the steamship agent. but beyond
admitting that tho subject Of suppress
ing professional gambling on shipboard
was discussed he declined 20 60 into par
An official AT police headquarters said
that four lines In all were identified with
the plan TO make war on the gamblers.
This official said that the steamship
companies through the commanders. pur-
sers and smoking room stewards OF the
various fast ships had done everything
from getting 10 windward of more hon
est tourists. hut that In some instances
they had been unsuccessful.
NoDces warning passengers OF the pres
ence Of gamblers have from time 10 time
been posted In smoking rooms OF ships.
but even this precaution has not deferred
the gamblers from operating. the police
official added
He also said that the companies being
unable 20 make inquiry as 90 the private
life or applicants for tickets. particularly
when booked from other cities were un-
able n choose their patrons
Much interest " evinced by ship officers
IN the result ~ the effort 20 rid the
steamers Of the gambling element
Joseph Crotty. Joseph J Dorley and
George Ryan. very small bows were
bound over 10 the grand Jury In 800 each
By Judge Rueckert today for breaking
and entering a tool shop and the theft
OF a pair of eve glasses. The bows bad
been IN 80 much mischief which had been
condoned. that II finally became neces-
sary 10 place them under restraint In
fefauff of surety they were committed IN