The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-07-07
in a Statement to the Public
He Lays Open Methods of
"Smi|ing Tom"
STATE HAS STRONG CASE
GOVERNOR SAYS INVESTIGATION
HAS LONG BEEN ON AT iNDI-
ANA'S MONTE CARLOS AND
PUNISHMENT WILL FOLLOW.

Winona Lake, Ind, July 6. (Spl)-
Governor Hanly today gave out a
statement relative to the proceedings
that have been instituted against the
gambling at Tom Taggart's French
Lick and West Baden hotels. The
governor went after Taggart in no
easy manner and showed that the
present action on the part os the state
is but the elimination of long inves-
tigation the state authorities have
been making. Governor Hanly said:
II promised the people of the State
of Indiana last September in a public
address, delivered at Hamilton, that
the Monte Carlos at French Lick and
West Baden should be closed if it
could be done lawfully. | gathered
information through special repre-
sentatives, on which to base an action
similar to that filed this would, and
would have instituted proceedings
then, but was assured that gambling
should cease and that the law would
not be further violated.
Il was informed, through what l
, believed reliable sources, that gam
bling di6 cease in December, that the
casinos were dismantled and the un'
lawful paraphernalia removed.
Shameful Disregard for Law.
"This condition, as | was advised,
continued until the latter part of
March or April this year.
"The evidence gathered last year, of
itself, though valuable. was not suffi-
cient on which to predicate an action
In the courts. |, therefore, proceed
ed again to collect. through repre-
sentatives sent to both casinos, the
necessary evidence on which to found
the present proceedings.
Some persons, well meaning, but
over anxious. grew impatient between
the opening of the casinos in April
and the filing of proceedings just be-
gun, and criticised the executive de-
partment for its inaction. The fact
that evidence was being collected
could not be made public without de-
stroying the opportunity of obtaining
it. Nor could the executive publish
in the newspapers his intentions in
the matter, until preparation was
made and the proceedings begun,
nor was such declaration from the ex-
ecutive necessary.
Thomas Tageart a Poor Jester.
1.-THE statement of Mr.. Taggart that
the French Lick Springs Hotel Com
pany has not and will not tolerate
gambling on its premises in the light
of recent developments and evidence
In the possession of the State, scarce
ly rises to the force and dignity of a
Jest.
IF the statement is true, what is
the meaning of the carload of costly
paraphernalia taken from the premis-
es of the hotel company? He ad-
mits himself that gambling has exist
ed His counsel yesterday in open
rourt agreed that it should not be
permitted between yesterday and the
18th instant, when the cases are to be
heard. Where did he find this new
power to stop it?
"The hotel safe itself has been us
sd for weeks nightly as place of
safekeeping for the money earned by
the casino.
Can Not Fool the People.
"Mr. Taggart will not be able to
fool either the people of Indiana or
deceive the people of this country in
tbs matter.
II believe that the suits filed by At
torney-General Miller to be we'll found
ed. If for any reason the law is in
adequate as now written, | shall ap-
peal to the people of the State, with
out regard to their party affiliations,
to elect a general assembly in Novem-
ber that will enact law clothing the
executive with such authority as will
enable me to reach such conditions"