The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1910-10-01

on the other hand came from men
whose families needed il, was also ad-
mitted. Fortunes went into the cot
fers of the houses from those who
could i'll afford it. lives were wrecked
through the varying successes and
failures. yet much OF these thousands
of dollars each day was distributed
through many channels TO the support
OF the city and its population.
From the very nature of such dis
tributlOn of large money with lavish
hand, contention gradually arose be-
tween different elements throughout
the city. This waXed stronger with
each report of an enormous winning or
a heavy loss. But the games attract
ed increasing throngs of players The
vaudeville performances connected
with some of the houses added TO the
excitement of the night and the or
chestras in all of them sent forth their
enlivening music. To witness 1000
men gambling and twice that number
looking on at 2 O'clock in the morning
was no unusual sight.
Like Latent Heat.
Finally the sentiment against it, as
latent heat, not raising temperature.
yet doing its work, manifested itself
in the adoption of resolutions by re-
ng1Ous organizations, sermons by local
ministers and a protest from President
Stubs of the state university. who de-
clared that gambling would, If per-
mitted TO continue. ultimately be the
destruction of the institution
BY this time, women not admitted
TO the games. had acquired the fever"
and longed fer chance TO tempt Dame
Fortune. Reno women quietly be-
came heavy players through certain
male friends who played their money.
The next movement against the
great curse" was a crusade by the
churches of the city, in which Evangel-
list Rev. Mr.. Bulgin played conspicu-
Gus part. For weeks he presented in
speeches, sermons and personal work.
the results of gambling among the
fathers of families and the young men.
wherein wives were heart broken and
children needed food. while the police
records showed cases of absconding
and self-destruction as the direct re-
suit of gambling losses.
The Reno Anti-Gambling league was
organized and after much agitation,
aided by other organizations of WO-
men. succeeded in inducing the city
council TO formulate an anti-gambling
ordinance. This was placed before the
people of the city at special election
on October 4. 1906. but was defeated
by a vote Of nearly 1900 against 1,20O,
the gamblers being well organized, but
not showing their strength until the
crucial moment.
This popular vote. however, indicated
sufficient strength on the part of the
NtuSducIS TO encourage Iultntf effort
and they began to direct their atten-
tiOp TO legislative action. Then the
question became a state political issue
Fearful of being finally routed. the
gamblers worked as never before.
The Fatal Bill.
On February 8, 1909, a bill was in
troduced by Senator Mcintosh, which
prohibited gambling, effective immedi-
ately, and which, as a compromise with
its ODnOpaDTS Was later made aratfve
on October l, 1910. and adopted March
1, 1909. In fact, the bill is so far
reaching in its prohibitions that il may
be amended at the coming session.
1t goes so far as TO make an ordinary
game OF cards at a home gathering.
where q reward is offered, illegal, and
everyone found with a pack of cards
in his possession for such purpose is
guilty Of a felony. subject TO a fine
of from s1O0 To $500 and Imprisonment
from one TO five years. The law holds
equally responsible one who plays. one
who conducts game of chance of any
nature. or who even possesses any
such devices. Bridge swhist games,
with. prizes at home and grab bags
at church sOcia bIes are equally under
the ban. The only person exempt from
prosecution is the one who will testify
TO any violation of this law. What the
outcome will be is a source of eager
speculation.
IEe gambling fraternity. contrary
10 reports. has accepted the situation
and decided to quito stop once and for
all and look elsewhere. They. how
ever, are saying little. determined TO
see that the letter of the law will be
complied with in its finest point, even
TO the innermost circles of the home
card game If possible. This means an
interesting situation prom
ised by the future. We can stand il
if the other folks can" declared one
prominent gambler. but watch out for
the fellow who shakes dice for a
cigar