The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-03-16
Regulation $40 Fine and
Day in Jail Has No
Terror for Men in
Business.

a rabbits foot, tied to two tobacco
bags, was suspended to ward off harm
1t swayed slightly in a faint breeze
which drifted through the room. and
the white inquisitor shivered as he
wondered what hoodoo might be work
Ing from that fateful paw.
Hc slipped out but not before n
pleasant invitation to call again was
extended to him. Others passed in
and out, and the business for the day
seemed to be thriving.
All Knew Where They Were.
Other shops were entered In turn.
Sometimes it was rather difficult to
locate them, but few whispered in,
quiries, a mention of certain numbers
dreamed. and a watchful eye were
found to work we'll. and a nod wave
of the hand or muttered word would
disclose the place. Several times the
inquisitor butted unceremoniously into
places that were found to be quiet
and orderly abodes. A TASTY apology
and another mention of those numbers
dreamed. smoothed the way, and often
the people would direct him on.
In one instance the reporter walked
right into a kitchen. A very diminu-
tive negro girl evidently Just returned
from school, was seated by the stove,
coming her days lessons. She looked
TO such intrusions. for she was not
alarmed. She directed the way to the
shop through another door, al there
her father was busily engaged writing
tick tersf GA half-dozen men.
Difficult to Enter.
The busiest shops are those in
Butchertown and on Seventeenth
Street. There are dens are not only Sc
GREETED behind bar-rooms and in for
bidding alleys, but mechanical genius
is called into play to ward off detec-
ton.
The writer opens and closes the door
/ by means of a string. one end of which
IL at his desk. A small window or loop
hole shows the approach of all, and
one must be careful If he would gain
entrance. If suspicion be directed
against him. he sees no more than the
door before him and pair Of eyes
peering at him from behind If he
seems to be all right the latch-string
lis pulled; he walks in and the ticket
il secured.
The writer in the shop in the alley
near the Pen Mar saloon is white,
This place is much patronized by white
men. Griffith's book is the chief book
here. Another shop is found by go,
ing through the front door of the
Monogram saloon. 1t, too, was very
busy. Factory hands were coming
home from their days work, and stop
ped by to lay a nickel on Grifftth's
book, Berry's, Ky, Jug or Little Junk.
Still another writer does his bust
ness in his living room. While he was
engaged writing off tickets his wife
was sitting by sewing, and a small
child romped on the floor. T.le place
was entered before he had a chance to
turn his head. 1t was far back from
the street. with several doors inter
vening, and lie had no pulley system.
He wrote a ticket willingly enough.
Much announcement.
In every instance the writer's We're
pollte and cordial. They have an en-
word for the losers, and
encourag cement is in use all the time,
Everywhere the shops are difficult Of
approach, and 1t would be impossible
for an. officer in uniform to gain en-
trance. Many of the gamblers have
been caught, however, by one means
or another; but all have returned to
the game. The maximum punishment
would break up the business or badly
cripple 1t. But the violators have been
on easy terms with the law, and thus
things so smoothly on. Owing to police
vigilance, the places are not run as
openly as they We're once, and. indeed,
at one time several of them hung out
signs that business was suspended for
a time. Operations We're Commenced
again, and small money streaEaed into
the Golfers of those who could easily