Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-10-28
GAMBLING HE'LL FOR SALE
IN LITTLE SAN MARINO
fnv United Prcss.)


Republic of San MsTino-The dan
ger of being robbed of its prestige
as the worlds greatest gaming cen
ter, which threatened Monte Carlo,
is passed.
Today in San Marine they are tax
ing Inventories of gorgeous gold and
plush furniture, mahogany bar, or
nate chandeliers, luxurious carpets,
beautiful marble mantels, fine car
we'd ceilings and all the fittings which
surrounded the games Of chance de
luxe.
The gamblers paradise, dreamed of
by a number of Roman, Milan and
Pesaro spectators (and it is whisp-
cred, by a couple of American mon
led sports) has proved merely a cast
lie in the air.
In no country in the world today is
so strenuous a struggle going on to
maintain primitive traditions, as in
this unique little Republic of 1900
souls, founded in the middle OF the
Fourth Century A. d. by Marine, as
haven for Christians prosecuted
under Diocletian.
Although today it seems a toy
world, and its picturesque, primitive
and medieval customs make one think
of stage settings, the national spirit
ana the capable form of government
have been most practical in resist
ing insidious influences for sixteen
centuries.
For years speculative eyes have
looked ayariciously upon this little
autonomy on its high mountain, and
extending past its slopes for an area
of So square miles, as a remunera-
tive gaming center. Thirteen miles
from Rimim and with excellent au-
tomobile service connecting 1t not
only with this Adriatic city but with
other railroad towns it offered an
ideal for q second Monten Carlo.
Although completely surrounded by
Italy and having certain custom ALI
ances, the Republic is a perfect au-
Jonomy and free to follow its own
laws.
The immense wealth which would
pour into its eXchequers from the es-
adjustment OF a gambling palace
would be inestimable.
But always the Sammarincsi have
refused to listen to the Turing call
Of gold. To them the traditions of
their peaceful, simple life was a
thing they could not touch.
Last year, however, spectators,
believing it Impossible that even San
Marine could be unaffected by the
changing ideas rampant throughout
the world, took a LONG chance. With
out asking government permission or
explaining the exact nature of their
project, they leased for a term of
years the largest palace in the re-
public, in the center of the city, op-
poSite the Hotel Titanus.
No money was spread in convert
ing this old palace into a gorgeous
gambling paradise, such as made the
Sammarinesi gasp. But the place
was not for them. The hope was that
all the gaming world Of dance would
flock to this new and picturesque and
secure gambling haven.
Tiled baths, modern kitchens, tele-
)hones. smokers, gaming rooms equal
to those of Monte Carlo, a fine bar,
a luxurious lounge and private rooms
above We're created like an Alad-
din's palace. Then came the grand
opening.
The government officials were in
vited but not one Of them accepted.
! Private citizens were asked and they
too refused to attend, The opening
was q fasco. And then little San
Marine, un 10 this time secure in its
right doing and protected by its pat
ron saint encircled by every moving
doves, on the angie of the govern
ment palace, began to realize what
had happened. Che government i'm
mediateiy passed law forbiddins
! games of chance What before hat
| been a moral law, traditional senti
ment, became,a legal code.
And so today if you care to com
IL