The Great Seattle Gamblers' Bailout: How the City's Elite Let Off the Hook
In a crowded courtroom, dozens of men accused of running illegal gambling rings were released on massive bonds, while the sheriff’s office scrambled to account for thousands in cash.
GAMBLING CASES.
A large crowd gathered yesterday morning in the King County Courtroom for the hearing of the gamblers' case. The arrest of the members of this fraternity had been made by Sheriff Cochran and his deputies, and the courtroom was densely crowded by those interested in the outcome.
Judge Morony presided over the proceedings. Upon motion of Judge Haines, Justices Soderberg allowed all defendants to give bond in lieu of the cash bail previously deposited at the same amount. The bonds were accepted by P. V. Bissell and G. Nixon, both in the sum of $500 each, for Charles Mullen, T. B. Guthrie, a lawyer, Tom Tilden, Jack Thompson III, W. Way, and James E. Griffin, all charged with dealing, playing, and being connected with faro, blackjack, and wheel-of-fortune games in Seattle.
Miss Bachelder and D. Jackson, charged with dealing faro, gave bonds with K. Kelly and G. H. Bissell as sureties, in the sum of $100 each. Charles Mullen also qualified for Harney Hoey, who was charged with dealing stud poker, in the sum of $50.
Averett was accepted as surety in $50 for T. Dalb, charged with dealing in the Grotto. On motion of Deputy District Attorney, the examination was postponed until today at 10 p.m., the necessary witnesses not being ready for the investigation.
The money deposited as bail was ordered returned to the gamblers, but soon after the sheriff had exhibited all the cash received, it was found that $267 taken during the raid at the M. and N. saloon lost its identity as such. Colonel Haines, on behalf of defendants, asked the court to return immediately also that sum, as there was no statute upon which he could hold it as evidence; in any event. The Deputy District Prosecuting Attorney objected to such proceedings until he had consulted with his superior, District Attorney Donald.
It was finally agreed after some debate that the question should remain open until the district attorney returns, which will be in a day or so.
This 1906 story captures a moment of civic ambiguity where law enforcement raided illegal gambling dens only to release the operators on bail, highlighting the porous line between vice and business in early Seattle. It resonates with modern debates over the decriminalization of certain activities and the challenges of policing underground economies.
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