Evening star., 1906-09-03
GAMING IN BROAD DAY
Frequenters of Heath Ark Out
in Large Numbers.
STEAMER BARTHOLDf BUSY
Engaged in Carrying Passengers From
Alexandra City Wharf.
NO ATTEMPT AT CONCEALMENT
Players Observed by Those Aboard
Passing Vessels-Voices Heard in
Excited Discussion.
STEAMER BARTHOLDf BUSY
NO ATTEMPT AT CONCEALMENT

lHe DlS f1edtn aFk-tne reputtO NdOuto
Carlo of the riyer--which had been lying
| at anchor near the Potomac Park wall. on
| the Georgetown channel side. for several
days awaiting tide high enough to float
it upon the hull of the old ferry steamer
Columbia, was Saturday afternoon taken
back to its anchorage in the river below
Alexandria, and yesterday was doing the
usual business with the sporting fraternity.
The little steamer Barthold made frequent
trips between the ark and Alexandra,
| meeting the incoming ferry line steamers.
and transporting many persons who came
down from Washington to and from the
houseboat
Throughout the day a scene of open ac-
tivity was presented at the ark. which was.
during a good portion of the time. sur
rounded by little fiotilla Of various kinds
of vessels. bringing the eager votaries of
the gaming table. From the hour when
| the first contingent of patrons arrived until
late in the evening there was scarcely
moment when business was not booming on
the ark. ,--7-
The rooms of the spacious structure fairly
swarmed with men. while most Of the time
the decks were also crowded with loiterers.
who had apparently tried their luck without
success. Added to this crowd were those
arriving and departing.
Windows and Doors Wide Open.
All the windows and doors of the craft
were wide open. and the occupants Of pass
ing vessels coming within radius of few
hundred yards could easily see men seated
at the tables and hear their voices. which
were often raised in excited tones. Mingled
with the hum of talk. laughter and wran-
Cling was the monotonous drone Of the
croupiers calling out the scores.
Above all this occasionally rose the sound
Of the angry outburst of some unfortunate
player as the figures announced that he
had been ''stung.''
The strong south wind which was blowing
during most of the day carried the volume
of noises well up in the direction of Alex
andria. 1t was possibly waited with some
degree of distinctness to the southern por-
ton of the city on the river front From
both the Maryland and Virginia shore it
was easy for observers to notice the signs
Of activity about the ark.
Goes on Without Molestation.
Owing to the recent agitation concerning
the question Of responsibility on the part of
authorities for taking measures to break
up the gambling on the river. following the
publication in The Star, in which the prac-
tice was detailed. some Of the pleasure
seekers cruising short distance below this
city yesterday were on the lookout for
possible raid on the Heath ark. But the
little steamer Bartholdi continued to con-
yey parties to and from the resort through
out the day without sign or molestatlon
from any quarters W '.
1t is stated that the barge will be brought
back to the harbor this week, when an ef-
/ fort will be made to place 1t upon the hull
Of the old ferry boat. The plan Is. It Is un-
derstood to convey the converted houseboat
back to it's former moorings as soon as-the
changes have been completed. The altera-
lltion will give more room on the structure,
which is said to be urgently needed In order
tn q increasing crowds.
Attorney Brent's Opinion.
When the question of responsibility in the
matter on the part of authorities was called
to the attention Of Commonwealth Attorney
Samuel G. Brent of Alexandria city he
stated the opinion that if the inception of
the gambling is in Alexandria. as asserted,
then the police of that place have full juris-
diction He said that if the Barthodi came
to any of the wharves of the city and en-
gagged in conveying gamblers to the ark the
police could arrest every one on board tne
steamer before it leaves the wharf. He
added that he did not understand why such
action had not been AIKEN in view of the
fact that the Bartholdi had been for some
| time stopping at Alexandra and taxing on
board supposed gamblers who came to the
Virginia city by ferry boat from Washing
ton.
MT. Brent pointed out that under section
10 Of the compact entered into in 11S9 be-
tween Maryland and Virginia arrests for
piracies and other offenses committed on
the Potomac river may be made by the
authorities of either state. Referring to
section 1890 of the code of Virginia, under
which provision is made for the prosecution
of crimes committed wholly or In part
without the state and made punishable
within the state, he said that proceedings
might be had in any county or corporation
in which the offender is found
Arrest in Certain Contingency.
If his information concerning the facts
| in the matter were correct. he added, he
thought this section would authorize the
| arrest of the man conducting gambling on
the ark whether the ark were located near
| to the city or far from 1t.
Mr.. Brent added that If the Alexandria
police department did not take action he
would do SO himself.
1t is understood that Mayor Paff will hold
a conference with Mr.. Brent in regard to
| the matter at an early date with a view of
determining what measures, IL any, the
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