Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-08-25

The mayor listened sedately for half
an hour to testimony which was strong
enough to convince him that gambling
mad been going on In rooms ad Iacent to
the poolroom at TIT Blake street. which
has been managed by James Ballinger
for Charles Hyde, both negroes.
The mayor then went through the mo-
tions of taking Hyde severely to task
for having a manager who would permit
gambling in or near his place, announced
that Hydes poolroom license would be
revoked, Fastening to add, without
trace Of evidence that he appreciated
what ludicrous thing he was doing, that
Hyde might take out a new license just
as soon as he fired Ballinger and got
a new manager.
Were not going to have this thing OF
gambling around in these poolrooms,"
the mayor stated pOmpously.
Four policemen, who testified to the bad
repute of Hydes poolroom, and the law
yers for both the prosecution and de-
Tense, looked their approval of the
mayors severity.
1t remained for the attendant Times
reporter alone to appreciate the burlesque
being staged, possibly for his benefit, and
to indulge in a heeting smile.
All the gravity of regular court of
law accompanied the hearing, which
was ordered by the mayor after receipt
of letter, several weeks ago, from Judge
Walter Pritchard of city court, in which
it was pointed out that the police have
raided the Hyde poolroom twice within
the last few months and found evidence
enough to obtain conviction that gam
bling was going on, and suggesting that
the mayor revoke Hydes license.
Mayor Jewett ordered his legal depart
ment to investigate the statements there
in. all of which resulted in a report from
Assistant City Attorney Harry E. Yockey
to the effect that James Balllnger. the
man convicted in each case was operat-
Ing the pool room. not Hyde.
This was the last heard of the matter
until this morning when it was learned
suddenly that the legal department had
Issued notice to Hyde at least three days
ago to appear for a hearing today.
Dixon H Bynum- assistant city at
torney, gravely made the opening state
ment against Hyde, telling how the po-
lice had raided III Blake street and
found it connected with 7l9 Blake street,
wherein they found evidence that gam
bling was in progress.
Sergt. Russell, head Of one Of the moral
squads, told how all the doors ana WIN
dows Of TO Blake street were barred or
boarded up so that it was necessary to
enter through III.
Despite the cross examination by At
torney Robson and a negro lawyer who
appeared for Hyde, the policeman left not
a bit OF doubt that gambling had been
going on in or near Hydes pool room.
He even told how Ballinger had plead
ed guilty in Judge Pritchard's court May
is and received a fine OF 50 and costs
No. there was no doubt that gambling
had been going on and that Hyde knew
all about 1t.
Hyde. who took the witness stand In
his own defense, said be had cautioned
Balllnger to obey the law after the FIRST
arrest and thought he had been doing
ali right since. even though be was ar
rested again on July 5 and sentenced by
Special Judge G. y. Orbison TO a $50 fine
and thirty days In jail.
The mayor was convinced.
''You should have fred that manager
as soon as you found out that he was
violating the law" the mayor said. You
are responsible for that license and what
goes on down there.
Now we haven't any disposition tom