Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 93, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 August 1901 — A New “Hell Hole” in Lake County. [ARTICLE]

A New “Hell Hole” in Lake County.

The Republican has received from Indianapolis a circular letter enclosing a poster, which, it is said, is being sent broad-oast, by the men backing the project. It gives pictures of what is termed the only Monte Carlo in AmericaOtherwise a huge gambling estab* lishmeut, where, according to the illustrations on the poster, any kind of gambling can be indulged in, as long as the dupe’s money holds out. 11 is located in Lake county, Ind., near the Standard Oil Company’s works, at Whiting. The huge building for this purpose is enclosed by a high board fence which is always well guarded. It is situated favorably so that three railroads run within a half block , of the place, the Pennsylvania being one of the three. Back of the enterprise are a number of Onicago’s wealthiest gamblers who up to this time have succeeded in keeping the facts quiet. Full operations will not begin until the race tracks about Chicago are closed when foreign book making will be carried on. No interference has yet been made. No Chicago paper has ever mentioned the existence of the place. Lake county officials are silent. None of the newspapers seem to know anything about it at all. The famous building was erected in one night. The carpenter work was done in pieces which were carried to this suitable spot on night about a month ago and put together. Not a soul in the vicinity knew anything about it until they saw the building standing the next morning. The poster above referred to makes the surprising statement. “No interference from county or state officials. Open the year around.” Atty. General Taylor is said to be investigating the matter and Gov. Durbin is quoted as declaring that the establishment will not be permitted to run. » The letter which accompanies this gamblers’ poster is as follows: TO THE CITIZENS Of THE STATE OF

INDIANA. The enclosed is being sent out broad oast by these vipers and corrupters of public morals who would debauch the youth of our State by their glowing invitation to visit this “hell-hole.” They have been banished from Illinois so have come to our State where as they brazenly say, they are immune from any molestation from our public officials. Are we going to remain passive and let this plague spot exist in our midst? What is th© .matter with the sheriff and other public officials? It looks as if they will not do their sworn duty. There is evidently something “Rotten in Denmark.” Stir your Governor to action; let him do what his predecessor our late deceased beloved Governor Mount did. Clean them out, if he cannot accomplish it with the County Machinery, then let him use the armed forces of the State if necessary, as the existence of this inferno is a blot on' the escutcheon of the State of Indiana