The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-04-09
LOW MORAL TONE
BANE OF BILLIARDS
MAYOR JONES D1scUssEs ORDER
CLOSING POOL PARLORs.
.'Iid'' Is Applied Because Many Min
ors Spend Time at Games, Drink
Malt Tonic andsIIear Much Nasty
and Profane Language-Devotees of
Game "Knock', Executive.

CIT was necessary to take some dras-
tic action with regard to the pool and
billiard rooms in the CITY, said Mayor
David P. Jones today, II explaining the
sweeping order which put every. public
billiard and pool table in the city out
of commission yesterday. 4
Complaints have been numerous
of late and have come from all parts
of the city. Investigation disclosed
some startling facts. Many of these
places are Of such a character as to be.
come a serious menace to the youth 4Of
the city. They are crowded all day,
mostly with minors, mary,of these be-
ing CT a tender age. Profane and vul-
gar language, boisterous and. unseemly
behavior and a low moralstone. prevails
at all times. VIZ. : J
"Great quantities Of the so-called
malt tonic is consumed in these places.
While not classed as intoxicants, these
malt beverages contain about 2 per cent
Of alcohol, and when consumed in suffi-
cient quantities will have an intoxicat-
ing effect on boys.
Moreover, I am advised that certain
forms of gambling are carried on at
some Of the places. That they have a
degrading and demoralizing effect on
them can not be questioned and it is
high time that the evil was restricted as
much as possible.
Code Is Str1ct. ~,, -
ct question much whether it is legal
to sell malt extracts, or any other bev-
erage, for that matter, in pool and bill
lard rooms. I understand that the re-
vised code contains some stringent
regulations on the conduct of pool
rooms. This is a matter which will be
aorofr11v 1ooynl 1r4o r. 1->-
sible that the sale of all beverages con.
tanning alcohol in quantities. even less
than 2 per cent will be. prohibited ex-
cept in licensed places.
lit must not be assumed that I con.
slider billiard and pool playing immoral
quite the contrary. They are splendid
games for RECREATION, if properly con
Quoted. Doubtless many worthy and
innocent people We're affected by the
Saturday. It often happens that the
innocent must suffer for the sins of
others, but this cannot be helped, as It
is difficult to draw the line at PRESENT.
Much Knocking Done -
Entrances to pool and billiard halls
were crowded yesterday by swarms OF
young men who hoped against hope that
Mayor Jones' new rap at the lid was
only a joke and that they might get
a chance to while away a few Of the
drizzly hours.
They were doomed to disappointment
for the doors remained closed and the
click Of the ivory balls was heard only
IN exclusive clubs. and private resi-
dences. Not even in the hotels 3that
furnish temporary residences for trav
elers We're the poolrooms open. This&or
der was obeyed as faithfully as the
order closing the saloon on Sunday
and there were as many persons whc
were sore about it. - -
Players and owners of halls met in
little groups on the street corners ant
began some strenuous hammer work
money on all sides. There were NJ
billiards, no crowds and few cigars sold
1t was a dull day everywhere, Blu,
especially dismal about the hotels, am
1t was hard for the clerks to make the
guests understand hat there was NJ
possibility Of a little game. 4.