Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1907-07-10

Vigorous sction taken by Governor
Swanson yesterday indicates his purpose
TO exhaust every means at his command
10 nut q stop to certain practices wlthir
the border of the State, and to bring Il
speedy Justice those who are openly VIC
lsting Virginia laws Of gambling, liquor
selling and carousing on the Sabbath
dsy. An interesting and far-reachine
case lie that of the ark in the Potomac
river. to while the Governor directed
his attention yesterday. This contrl'
ySnce. which has been In operation iot
some time, and which has dehed the
Virginia and Maryland authorities, Is
a sort of house boat said to be floating
bsrroom and gambling den, paying no
license and permitting its patrons 10
indulge in nearly every form oil Jaw
lessness. -,
II anchors somewhere near the Vir-
Oinja- MARYLAND line in the Potomac and
sends small boats TO Alexandria, Wash
Ington. Georgetown and, other nearby
points TO bring in the "sporls."
Common wealth's Attorney Samuel IT,
Brent. of Alexandria, has written Gov
arnor swanson a letter, setting out In
detail the conditions prevailing on the
ark. As result of this communication
the Governor has written Gov. Wsrfsld,
of MARYLAND, asking his cooperation IN
the matter, and declaring that ne IS
ready to 90 to any lengths in his power
10 rout this nest of culpritS.
The letterof Commemorative Attor'
ney Brent is as follows;
Alexandria, Va, June q, 1907.
TO His Excellency, Claude A. Swanson,
Governor of Virginia, Richmond, Va.
No Dear Governor,-I have been
called upon by large number ofcitfGenS
of this community to bring to your at
teption the fact that an ark boat or float
inc boat. fixed up for the purpose OF
gambling and the sale of Intoxicating
Iiouors. is anchored in the Maryland
wsters a short distance from Alexandria.
The patronage of this gambling establish
ment il furnished by the people OF the
citv of Washington, who take the ferry
boat in Washington and are landed at
the ferry wharf in this city. They are
then taken on board tug at the foot OF
King street, IN this city, and conVey'd 20
the ark or floating Boa, where they IN
dulse in all kinds of gambling and
drinks are furnished them until large
number become intoxicated. 49,.
The people remain upon this ark until
late hours of the night, and after leaving
the said ark, are landed upon The
wharyes of Alexandria city, a great many
Of whom are 10 a drunken condition. 1t
has become an intolerable and insufer-
able nuisance to this community, and
the people are snXious that 1t should De
broken up
As the unlawful gambling and sale
Of whisky is carried on in the waters OF
the Potomac, which is within the juris-
diction OF the State of Maryland. would
respectfully request that you call the at
tention of the Governor Of Maryland TO
this matter and ask him to see that the
laws of Maryland are enforced.
Mr. Fred ]. Pafl, Mayor OF this
CITY. some time ago called the Gov
ernor Of Maryland's attention TO
this matter, but he referred II 10
the sheriff of Prince Georges coun-
~ aud no action has been taken
10 the premises. think this is
a matter that ought to commend
itself TO the consideration OF every law-a3id-
ing citigeu of both States. Maryland docs
not suffer from this violation OF the law, but
the people of Alexandria are compelled 10 re-
ceiye in their community the scum ana MIN
Of Washington city. Any effort on your par
TO relieve the people Of this community OF
this nuisance will be greatly appreciated and
remembered. ,,,.L T
ipclose you a copy Of the letter which
have received in reference to the matter
Respectfully,
SAMUEL G. BRENT,
Attorney for the Commonwealth.
Governor Swanson has assured Mr.. Brent
that he will render him every possible assist
auce in breaking up this gang OF outlaws, ana
has addressed the following communication
to Governor Warfeld, OF Maryland Oh the
subject: 1o ,o,,
His Excellency, Edward Warfield, Governor
of MARYLAND, Annapolis, Md:
Nv Dear Governor Warfeld: | iOelose you
herewith copies of letters sent me in regard
TO matter in which j ask your most earnest
and active co operation.
You will see from the inelosed correspond
ence that there is floating boat which Is
each Sunday anchored in the waters OF Mary
land. and to which the people OF virginia
Washington and elsewhere go on Sunday 70
engage in gambling, drinking and other very
reprehenslble conduct. I will appreciate II
very much if you will take active measures 10
suppress this evil, or give me your permission
TO do so. The matter has become source OF
much annoyance and the cause OF much
disorder in the city Of Alexandria. | Will be
very glad, indeed, if you will give this matter
your immediate attention and cooperate WITH
me in every possible way in suppresslng TIM
lawleSsness.
Hoping to hear from you faVorably, | am,
with esteem and regard.
Yours very truly,
CLAUDE A. SWANSON,
Governor of Virginia
The governor declares that If Governor
Warfeld will cooperate or give his consent
for the enteri Of Maryland waters, by Nir
qinis officers, be will see that the ark is cap
tured and the proprietOrs brought to justice