A CONVERTED GAMBLER ON CARD PARTIES.
I HAVE been in the saloon business, with a gambling room attached, for the last four years, and claim to know something about what I am now going to tell you. I do not believe that the gambling den is near so dangerous nor does it do anything like the same amount of harm as the social card party in the home. I give this as my reason: In the gambling room the windows are closed tight, the curtains are pulled down, everything is conducted secretly for fear of detection, and none but gamblers, as a rule, enter there, while in the parlor all have access to the game, children are permitted to watch it, young people are invited to participate. It is made attractive and alluring by giving prizes, serving refreshments, and adding high social enjoyments. For my part, I never could see the difference between playing for a piece of silver moulded in the shape of money and silver moulded in the shape of a cup or thimble. The principle is the same, and whenever property changes hands over the luck of cards, no matter how small is the value of the prize, I believe it is gambling.—Last Days.