Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-09

Recital of Rumors Affecting County
Oficials-Judge Expresses Con-
fidence in Their Integrity.

MARLBORO. Md, May s.-Plain words
spoken by Judge Merrick this morning to
the members of the committee represent
ing the citizens association in the vicinity
of kenilworth indicates that the life of the
pool room in that section will be of but
short duration. The members of the COM
mittee were told of communications the
judge had received concerning the pool
room, as well as the number of rumors
which had also been brought to his atten-
ton. These reports. he stated, had come
from all parts of the state of Maryland,
and were not confined to the locality about
kenilworth. He said it had been charged
that the gamblers had boosted that they
would open their pool room and the sheriff
and states attorney would wink at their
business.
They were so confident that they would
not be molested, 1t Is alleged, that they
went ahead and spent large sums Of money
to fit out their resort.
The judge also said he would not be sur
prlSed II some rumOr were circulated that
the court itself would also overlook what
was going on. He was happy to say that
he thought the two officials of the county
mentioned-the sheriff and states attor-
ney-were honorable and fearless officers
who would do their full duty in the matter.
These rrumorS, he said. were frequently dis
cussed on the race track at Pimlico last
week.
In one communication the writer went so
far as to say that resident of Marlboro
who had once held a minor official position
was paid employee of the pool room. 1t
was stated that he received a regular sal
airy for his work in keeping the gamblers
posted respecting the movements and the
work of the officials, and that he even went
so far as to report to them any remarks
the court might make concerning their
business.
Denounced Gambling Element.
Judge Merrick denounced the gambling
element in the severest terms and com
mended the citizens for the stand they had
taken against them. He pointed out to
them the manner in which they should
proceed against the people connected with
the pool room and he knew that States
Attorney Hampton Magruder would leave
no stone unturned to bring them to justice.
The judge said that 1t would be an i'm
possibility for the place to exist now that
the good people of the community had
taken SO active an interest in the matter.
The members Of the committee had shown
the proper spirit and he had no doubt that
they would succeed in the near future in
driving the people out of the county.
Referring to the rumors rejecting upon
the county officers, Judge Merrick said that
people who were responsible for them de-
served some punishment short of lynch
ing. and intimated that IL they were
brought to trial and convicted they would
get punishment severe enough to forever
keep them out of the state Of Maryland.
The judge said he would do all in his
power to assist the citizens of the county,
and If necessary would reconvene the grand
jury and have the matter thoroughly sifted.
Referring to the matter OF investigating the
business that is beng carried on In the
pool room, the judge said it is the duty OF
the sheriff to make the strictest investiga-
fjny, qy,dy mt fnp tha ri tn In 7 a
work
Attorneys Statement.
States Attorney Magruder assured the
court that there was no foundation what
ever for the rumors that had been in cir
culation and said he would defy any man
to openly make any such accusation. He
had some words with Mr.. MalIery a few
days ago. and had assured him that he was
ready and willing at any time to listen to
witnesses and proceed against the manage
ment of the place. He also said he knew
that Sheriff Middleton is willing to make
a move at any time against the gamblers.
He realized that it might be difficult mat
ter for the sheriff to get information within
the pool room, as spoilers were no doubt
about the place and would keep the pro-
prietors informed of the sheriff's move
ments.
Mr.. Magruder informed the judge that
he had heard of the rumor that had been
circulated concerning the county officials,
and had even heard the name of the judge
mentioned in connection with it.
Mr. Mallery and Mr.. Mohler acted as
spokesman for the committee. They told
Judge Merrick of the conditions existing in
the pool room and of how easy it was for
from 200 TO 500 persons to visit that place
and bet on foreign races. They said the
sheriff. or even the judge. could enter the
place at any time and place a bet, as the
only restriction was on account of age and
color. They said that although the pro-
motors of the game were fighting them they
still permitted them to enter the rooms and
obtain evidence
Bet and Lost.
Mr.. Mohier stated that he had bet 81 on
the races and lost. He produced the ticket
showing that bet ON "Veribest' at the
Belmont track had been placed Both men
assured the court that they had ample
proof of witnesses. some living in Wash
ington and others living in Prince George
county, and would produce them at any
time. Mr.. Mohler said that he was willing
TO swear out a warrant on the strength Of
the evidence he obtained yesterday in or
der to bring these people into court and
drive them out of the community Mr..
Mailery told the judge that he had confer
red with Mai. Sylvester and that the latter
had detailed some of the best men he had
TO procure evidence. In all they had about
one dozen witnesses and were only waiting
for the officials of the county to make a
move against the owners of the pool room.