Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 February 1911 — BAR CIGAR LIGHTER [ARTICLE]

BAR CIGAR LIGHTER

Those Who Use Them in France Arrested. -xx k Government Hae Monopoly on Matches and Betting Machines and Intends to Keep Strong Hold on* Both—Case to Be Fought. Paris.—" Liberty, Equality, Fraternity/’ or the French equivalent, chiseled in stone, looks down upon the French population from the front of every public building, but more and more the people are asking why. Certain threatetned acts of legislation and performances by the police authorities have served to stimulate their wonder recently. X Automatic Cigar-lighters, carried In the pocket and performing their office at the pressure of a button, have gained considerable popularity here. They provide a flame whenever one la wanted, while one French match in three may be counted upon to 4teappoint the man who attempts to use It. But the order has gone forth that every person seen using one of the little machines is to be arrested and fined ten francs ($2), and the automatic lighter confiscated. There Is even talk of enacting a law to prohibit the use of stationary lighters In the cigar stores. The object of these moves Is to Insure a clear field for the government match-making monopoly. With all substitutes out of the way everyone willy be compelled to bny the matches manufactured by the republic of France, shat many of them refuse to light is of no Importance. Their pur-

chase helps Insure the national revenue. Several men who dare to carry automatic lighters have been arrested and fined. Alleged competition with another government monopoly was given a blow at the Auteull racecourse the other day. M. Thlebaux and M. Bally Btood side by side watching a race. “I believe my horse is going to win,” said Thlebaux, studying the field with his glasses. “I don’t think so," said Bally. “I’ll bet you two to one that it does," challenged Thlebaux. “Done," responded his companion, “fifty dollars to twenty-five." Then each man was tapped on the shoulder. . A man behind them Informed them that he was a detective, that they had broken the law forbidding private betting and would have to answer for It. Under the French law all bets made must be placed with the “pari-mutuel,” which Is government operated. This case will be fought In the courts as a test of the law.