The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-22

finely fitted up ana every COiii1oft was eA- tended to patrons.
 ",rhe tobacco growers from the south ern counties and the planters from the eastern shore, made this their headquar- ters. and many a crop of wheat and to- bacco has been blown in over the tables at Cockey's. Indeed, 1t Is said that be- fore the war, after losing their crop money, the reckless planters often bet away their niggers
 "A different class of men from the present then frequented the gambling houses. It was very distinguished bunch that gathered around the tables at Cockeys, and to mention their names would be to call the roll of the first fam files of the state. Lawyers doctors, statesmen, business men and planters made up the clientele that made Cockey's famous.
 "so fascinating were the attractions of the house that 1t Is said that one speedy scion of a noted eastern shore family used always to have his trunk sent to Cockeys when he came to Baltimore, "During the war Cocliey lived in Phiia- delphla and it was here that he bought the colt Jim Gamble, afterward called Marshal Ney. After the war he associ- ated himself with Jim Gamble, William Cordry and Charlie Hipsley. They start ed a republican game on Fayette street, back of the Mechanics bank, where the News office now is.
 "Coekey was also associated with Doc Slater and David w. Bishop at No. S12 Calvert street. Afterward he was with George Harman In the block midway Of Monument square, where the postonice now stands Later Cockey retired from gambling and devoted himself to standing his colt Jim Gamble, taking the horse through the counties himself
 Robert J., better known as DOC Sla- ter, was the last of the great gamblers of Baltmore-ultimus Romanorum. lie lasted from before the war up to 1885, when his death closed the doors of S1s Calvert street for many years one of the most famous gambling houses In the country.
 "Slater was unique, forceful char acter, and in his time cut wide sWath in the affairs of the town. He was leader in politics and carried things in his own way for long time. Later, In an attempt to buck against the late l. Freeman Rasin, he was overthrown, and from that time on lost much of his pres tige and power.
 '"The fight with Rasin was the cause of the law being passed which provided inn prisonment as well as a fine for the
 
 the business. Under that law Slater, with many others, was indicted and Sla- ter was sent to jailN for five months. He was pardoned out after serving two months.
 Some sort of truce was patched up between the powers that were and Slater, and for many years S1a Calvert street was the only gambling house allowed to run in Baltimore.
 .a ri in Iaf b1Ifp inh eriting the business from his fath- CT. His first venture in the gamb ling line was in a small house at the coz ner of High and Fayette streets. Aft erward, with the backing of David W. Bishop he opened the house at No. SH Calvert street, which he occupied lp to the time of his death.
 Later Slater opened a house-tne CAnary'--at Cape May, where very high gambling was carried on. This house burned down. He was also interested in a house at Long Branch, where big game was played.
 "The place at BE Calvert street was known all over the country and became great resort. It was finely fitted up, and the suppers served there were famous. Lucullus in his palmy days had nothing on Doc Slater when It came to filling out toothsome menu. h ducks, Smithfield hams at s1 pound and every delicacy that the market could afford were served at S8. Cham- pagne of ancient vintage and wines ol rare bouquet were as free as water.
 "Slater had something of an artistic tenperament and this was shown in the appointments of his house. Fine pictures elegant silver and china showed mas ters taste.
 .IIigh rolling was the order at Skaters, and the man with light bankroll had no business at S1a. The patrons of Sla- ter's played them high-'high as the cats back'-and the house was always willing to make the ceiling the limit During the race meeting the play was especially strong, and many time a 5000 bet has gone on single turn.
 Professional gamblers from all over the country came to Slater's, knowing that they could get as strong game as they wanted Many a tough battle did these gentlemen give the bankroll, with varying results.
 "One day about 20 years ago profess sional called Chester George dropped into the house, and after protracted slt- ting. with John Murphy dealing, drew out $5000 winner.
 Turning to the coored boy who was waiting on the players, he said: Boy, bring me cigar and here Is 50 for you As the boy went for the cigars he put S on the high card, saying: I will win out that cigar
 ..The card lost. Then he put up $10 and that lost, and so until he was s2OO loser Then he set down and said: Give me $500 worth of chips, and began '--''-'---- --