Chief Butterfield's Night Raids on Two Gaming Houses

Chief Butterfield last night raided two gaming houses: the 'M. & N.' on Commercial street, and the 'Bank Exchange' on the corner of Commercial and Washington streets. The gamblers had been on the alert ever since Chief Butterfield’s appointment. They were impressed with a belief that he would lose no opportunity for carrying out the instructions of the council to suppress gambling. For several days games were shut down or run with great secrecy, but as nearly a week passed without any demonstration, the gamblers began to feel secure. Yesterday, they opened their games in such a public manner that Chief Butterfield swooped down on them.

The 'M. & N.' was the first place raided. As a close watch was kept on police movements, arrangements had to be made with secrecy. About half-past 8 o’clock, Chief Butterfield sent Roundsman Kent, in citizens’ clothes, into the saloon to locate the back room where games were conducted. The Chief went to the rear, while Captains Kinley and Jones walked into the front entrance. As they marched in, a signal was given and a man jumped up to lock the door. Roundsman Kent, who had been watching, rushed to the door and, showing his star, opened it for the officers. There were fully 100 men in the room, but the officers only arrested the proprietors: John O’Day, Sington Clein, and Peter Chandler. They also captured two faro layouts, cards, and chips.

The news spread rapidly and all gambling was suspended. Shortly after 10 o’clock, however, it was reported that the 'Bank Exchange' had resumed. Chief Butterfield and his men surrounded the place, reaching it by circuitous routes to avoid suspicion. At twenty minutes past 10 o’clock, the officers met and marched in. Warning was given and gamblers attempted to shut the money drawer, but were prevented by an officer on the inside who flashed his star as he kicked the drawer out of the table and took possession of it. When the officers reached the door they found it locked, but Chief Butterfield forced it in with his boot. William White and William Emerson, who were dealing faro, were arrested, along with $973.75 in cash.