Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1922-04-13

Charged With Selling Admis'
sionS to Bail Game at
! Illegal Price.

As a result of complaints lodged
by the Washington Base Ball Club
with the internal revenue bureau
that its patrons have been fieeced by
spectators who obtained tickets for
the opening game of the season yes
terday, action has been instituted by
government officers against two per-
sons and the arrest of others may re-
suit if investigation proves the law
against ticket scalping has been vio-
lated
Several instances where grandstand
tickets having face value OF 81 had
been sold for $3.25, and box seats
listed at $40 had been disposed of
for sums ranging up to IS were
brought to the attention of officials
Of the ball club. who probably en-
listed the aid of the government
officials in an investigation that VIII
result in vigorous prosecution OF the
offenders.
The men who are being questioned
b. agents of the internal revenue bu-
reau and whose names are oelne
withheld by the government of1iciais
pending the outcome of their inveStl-
eation are said to claim that they
acted merely as selling agents for
principals whose identity efforts now
are being made to establish. One Is
said to be a clerk in a prominent club
and the other an empoye of a news
stand in a large hotel in the bust
Mss district.
Fine of 500 Provided.
The law in regard to ticket scaiping
al outlined by William E. Mack, dep
u1y collector of internal revenue. who
il in charge of the Investigations now
under way, provides that a person
reselling tickets must be registered
al a broker and that the price at
which he sells them must be plainly
stamped on the back of the ticket
AZ service charge of 80 cents for each
ttcket is recognized by the bureau as
fair when this IS indicated on the
tbokel, but any charge in excess of
50 cents over the established price
makes it obligatory for the seller to
cent of all overcharge, and failure to
do SO or to have the ticket duly
stamped at the price it is sold renders
the broker liable to fine not exceed
ing 800.
an statement issued at headquar-
tsrs of the ball club today it was set
forth that every effort had been made
ID prevent tickets for the opening
fame being obtained by scalpers. that
prompt steps for the investigation OF
AL complaints had been taken and
that all offenders apprehended would
pc vigorously prosecuted. 1t was
pointed out tnat there IS no way 10
prevent INSCRIPTIONS persons from
Obtaining tickets through messenger
boys or porters actings as their pur-
chasing agents, a pair at time. when
the public sale is opened, and selling
them at advanced prices.
Urge Filing of Complaints.
Tit was further stated that in none
Of the instances being probed did the
men accused or any one in their place
az employment obtain tickets in
blocks. In no case, it was asserted,
had complaint developed from such
civic organizations as did receive
tickets in large lots for the con-
venience OF members.
- The ofilcials of the club assert they are
anxious to have any person with knowl-
edge Of illegal trafficking in tickets re-
port tho facts to them, pointing out that
they will not only thereby help protect
the public and assist the government in
enforcing the law. but be comforting a
favor on the ball club. whica is willing
to 90 to any expense or trouble neces-
sary to safeguard the interests Of its
patrons A phone call with statement Of
facts to either club headquarters, North
2707, or the internal revenue bureau.
Main 1915, is sufficient to insure speedy
action.