AMERICA'S MONACO.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1072, 12 October 1883, Page 2

AMERICA'S MONACO.

Long Branch (a newspaper correspondent declares) may truthfully be called the Monaco of America. Gambling has long bean a feature of life at *his wellknown summer resort of Americans, but never has it been so general as now. This season an effort has been made to enticq the ladies into the “ hells,” by making the ante-chambers luxuriant restaurants, but so far without success. The Pennsylvania Club, which was originally built by two “ring" politicians, has lately had its attractions increased, new capital having been pnt into it. “ The property consists, of about the finest building and grounds along the shore. Close-clipped hedges, velvety sward, tastefully arranged flowerbeds, and gravelled walks, beautifully surround the large and handsome building. But for a flag floating the name “ Pennyalvania Club " this would be mistaken for tho summer residence of a millionaire. There is a rather extensive restaurant, whore a few well-dressed women may be seen dining or supping among a much greater number of turf men, for this is a kind of head-quarters for the professional gamblers interested in the races." The “hell” itself is said to be the most luxurious in America. “The handsomest apartment in all Long Branch,” sajs the correspondent, “is very spacious, consisting of two dofeagonal ends, with a corridor-like connection. The roof is high, trussed, and over the two octagons it extends into lef>y domes. This architecturally varied roofing is made further ornate with elaborate painting in oil colors. I know of no finer decoration of the kind anywhere. The floo ■is covered with Wilton carpet of the most delicate hues. The furniture is of the heaviest mahogony, in pieces and shapes to gorgeously fit out a gambling hell.” ' “ Our expenses are 500 dols a day,” said the manager of the Pennsylvania C üb; “this room aqd what’s in it coat 40,C00d0b.” The club is as open as the beach to the public.. .Of the new “hell” it has been estimated that not less than 200,000d01s “ will be requisite to cover the property and make a solid backing for the bank.” The play at these places is said to be uncommonly heavy. This sudden and extensive development of gambling at Long Branch is believed to be due to the operations of Comstock’s society in New York, the professional gamblers being driven out. '