The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1925-02-24
MONTE CARLO LURES
AMERICAN VISITORS
NUMBER TOTALS $4,000 YEAR
LY AND is REPORTED TO
RE ON THE INCREASE.

Five years ago only 5000 tourists
from the United States visited Monte
Carlo. in Monaco, the most famous
osubling resort in the world. Last
iear 10000 Americans visited the place
sSd this year 100000 tourists from
tmerica are expected to stop there.
Five years ago little money was
le-t in Monte Carlo by the American
visitors, but last year, it has been es-
tmated, millions OF dollars were play
ed and lost on the turn OF the wheel
ar the flip of the cards.
Monte Carlo, which has a perma-
rant population of only about 5000
persons. is a city of many peoples.
Eot only in nationality do the visi-
tor, differ, but also in social standing,
For the American visitor there may
r,b shoulders with forgers, blaCkmail-
a~s and even murderers, beside lot
nj lesser rogues. Crime is not trouble
some in Monte Carlo so long as there
are ruffles on it.
All classes of Americans, according
to keepers of hotels and inns at Monte
Carlo. visit the famous gambling place
esch wear. There are bankers, business
men of all classes, school teachers,
honevmooners and many men and wo-
men who are simply enjoying a world
t1rr for the first time in their lives.
Mixing shoulders with the cult OF
Monte Carlo the Americans 'soon get
the gambling fever, too, and are eager
r. trv their luck at roulette or cards
there, but many, many more lose per-
haps all they have.
In Monte Carlo, close to the dealer
at the biggest roulette table is the Ia
nous suicide chair" Rumor has it
that some Americans have been seated
in this chair when they lost their mon
ev and then, following the traditions
of the place, went forth and ended
their lives.
Hospital for Victims.
Monte Carlo is kind, to certain de-
gree to the men and women it breaks.
Near the Casino, where most OF the
gambling takes place, is a little hos
ptal where nerve-racked victims OF
the game may rest for a time. There
are attendants who lead the losers
from their places at the tables to this
little hospital.
Despite its desperate pace OF life
Monte Carlo hates scene. That IS
the reason for the hospital-and the
reason tradition forbids losing gam
bier from blowing out his brains in the
casino. The border line of France is
not far away, and those persons with
suicidal intents are compelled to hurry
to the border.
MANY thrills have been enjoyed by
American tourists in Monte carlo.
They have seen desperate criminals
arrested there and taken to other
countries to face imprisonment or
even death. They have seen pistol
duels and suicides, while fist nights
are not uncommon.
Fine clothes cover a multitude OF
sins in Monte Carlo Everybody, from
the sneaking blackmailer or murderer,
who is always looking over his shout
der in fear of police, to the innocent
and pleasure seeking tourist wears
fine clothing. Thus Monte Carlo has
an atmosphere OF prosperity which IS
real however only insofar as it con
Germs the proprietors o. the gambling
places.
1t is the lure OF this strange gam
bling resort and the odd lives OF Its
habtues, therefore, which is held re-
sponsible for the increase in the num-
Der of American tourists who go there
each year.