Evening star., 1934-03-08


nesses to testify, but pointed out that
the pending bill will make the mere
possession Of the gambling apparatus
found by the raiding squad prima
facia evidence OF intent to violate
the law and thereby put the burden
Of proof on the occupants of the
building
Garnett said the prosecutors cfice
has notified landlords of buildings
where there Is information OF gam
bling activities and said that II the
law puts the burden of proof on land
lords who knowingly permit property
they own to be- so used he believes
they will see that it is not rented for
such purposes.
Doors Heavily Armored.
The District attorney testified that
in some cases the stairways and doors
are Of battleship plate armor covered
with wood paneling, and he expressed
the belief that landlord would know
such equipment would not be installed
for lawful purposes.
He described the numbers game"
as the most vicious" form of racket
today and declared the operators take
number plays from high school chill
dren as we'll as from persons In many
walks Of life
Senator Copeland. Democrat, of
New York. asked the profit of the
operators. and the District attorney
said all that Is not paid out for WIN
nings.
Lieut.. Little added that the odds
in the numbers game" are 500 to /.
How about slot machines?" Cope
land asked.
They are already unlawful" Gar
nett replied
Senator Copeland then inquired
about the section Of the bill which
would make the possession of these
slips or tickets evidence of q violation
Garnett explained that If a person
could establish to the jury that he
merely bought the ticket or slip it
would not convict him. The purpose
of this section. the district attorney
said. is to give the police a means Of
catching the runners who deliver the
slips and make collections for the
operators Of these games.
Ought to License Gambling.
You ought to license gambling and
regulate it If you are going to leave
the law as it stands" the district at
torney declared. 1T makes q farce
Of my office"
Garnett expressed the belief that
the churches and the newspapers of
the city are in favor of the bill.
While Lieut.. Little was being uues-
toned as to different gambling games
that are played here. Senator Davis,
Republican Of Pennsylvania. humor-
ously referred to having read that a
Nevada judge once held that poker
is a game of science and not of
chance"
Hes right" Senator McCarran.
Democrat of Nevada, replied. but
never knew the science"
Won't Invade Homes.
Several Senators inquired whether
the bill would affect private homes.
Garnett said there is no intention to
invade homes to stop a card game.
and that what he is after Is CONNER
cial gambling
Judge Given told of his long expert
ence as a prosecutor before becom-
ing Police Court judge and said the
proposed changes in the law are
urgently needed.
After Bride had presented the sew
eral amendments to strengthen the
bill, all but one Of which were ac-
cepted by Garnett and the commit
tee, the corporation counsel pointed
out he will complete his period Of
service March Is and wanted to ex-
press his hearty appreciation of the
courteuos treatment accorded him on
all occasions by former Chairman
Capper, Chairman King and the other
members Of the committee.
Chairman King said no one has
been more efficient or more helpful
to the committee than Bride.