The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-03-23
is IT WORTH THE COST

The closing of gambling in Astoria
was not due to any moral wave, '
neither was it brought about by any
organization interesteH in reforming
the conditions of the city. but It was
due to an undercurrent of sentiment
that has been pervading the atmos-
phere Of the state; an unseen. unknown
condition that sometimes actuates a
public officer who is In a position TO
know some Of the baneful effects of
gambling and the influence exerted on
many of the homes of Astoria. 1t is
contended on one hand. that gambling
is necessary because it produces a
revenue that goes to the support of
tn city government. Admitting this is
true, is it worth the cost?
Instances are probably known to the
sheriff where young men have squan-
dered all their earnings. and, often
money belonging to their employers at
the gambling table. Young men who
have held positions Of honor and trust
have been summarily dismissed be-
cause their employer was afraid to
trust young man that gambled. There
are instances in Astoria where men
with families who have received their
wages Saturday night and instead OF
going home with their earnings, have
been Influenced into the gambling
places and in few short hours did
not have a dollar, and the neighbors
have been compelled to carry in food
and provisions for the wife and chill
dren. The city derives "a revenue from
the gambler, but who pays it? Is it
worth the cost?
Young men have been in business
and in fair way to become indepeni.
ent. They have won the confidence of
the public and their credit in the mar
kets is rated as first class. When they
become little prosperous they have
a desire to make money more rapidly
and they visit the gambling houses
In a short time their creditors close
them up and they aer left without a
cent, the public has lost confidence in
them and it is difficult for them to
procure employment. The money they
hal saved up and invested in their
business went to pay the expenses of
the city, paid in by the gamblers. Is
1t worth the cost?
But let US consider the question Of
gambling from business standpoint.
A year ago, gambling was permitted
in Seaside. Owing to difficulties oc-
curing there gambling was ordered
closed. Most Of the merchants doubted
the propriety of it, as the town derived
a revenue in licenses from it. Nearly
a year has passed since them ana there
is not a merchant in Seaside that
wants to see gambling. Men en-
ployed at the mill and in the logging
camps are more prosperous and pay
their bills every month. Heretofore
men lost their money at the gambling
tables and many of them skipped out
without paying their bills and the mer.
chants lost considerable money
There are merchants in Astoria who
have been compelled to deny credit to
certain persons for the reason that the
money they should have used in pay
ing their bills went over the gambling
table, and the merchants have thou
sands of dollars on their boks today
resulting directly and indirectly from
gambling If gambling were closed
there would be just as much money in
Astoria, but It would be diverted into
other channels. Men who spend their
money at gambling tables would be
able to buy lot and build a home and
would not have to go in debt at the
grocers or meat market or bakery The
money would simply be transferred
from the gamblers to the legitimate
channels of trade. If 1t were necessary
to levy an occupation tax to make up
the deficiency from the loss of gam
bling fines, there is not merchant
but could afford to pay it, and the in
crease in their business would warrant
it.
All Of the salons in Astoria do not