GAMBLING AND THE FATE OF EUROPE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 72, 14 March 1908, Page 4

GAMBLING AND THE FATE OF EUROPE.

Cards have often ufl«uU'd the fates ol individuals, but not those of nations. Once, however, the passion for gambling went near to having a profound effect on the history of all Europe. It is not- "jenerally kuown that the Duke of Wellington was in his young diiVb a confirmed gambler. As a young oflicer lie* filially got sc» deep in debt that there 'wa* nothing for him to do hut io ><?]) liis commission. IFe made a elean breast of it to his brother. Lord Moruington. who, in tur«i. went to Ijord Camden, then Viceroy >f Ireland. and begged l'»r any appointmenl. a< Conmii —ioneisbip of Ciw- j t<>m and Revenue. which the \'iceroy had in his gift, for his brother. Lord Oumd-ii >«'n! for Captain Wellutev. much surprised to hear he intend"d leaving the Army, and \vh- n he learnt the truth generously paid his debts and supported him for two years at the French Military School at Angers. Vrom I that J-iv WrdVmiiit'i) n"\t-r tombed a ' card. ! "When Ooi-kr'nrd'- famon- "nuihlin-,' club (now the Devonshire* was oiienfM in St. .Tmii"-'- Street. Loudon, the Dii'-e I became a member, but only, as he sir'donicallv told a friend, "so that T may blukbill Hiv Had not Lord Tarnden -O Colli'- to the fooli-d) young mari'< n'nl. NapoVnn might never hove nv.-t his maHi!