Chief Butterfield Raids Two Seattle Gambling Houses in 1889

Last night Chief Butterfield made descents upon the Louvre and Grotto. The Louvre was the first place raided. W. H. Johnson was sworn in as a special officer and sent around to the rear, which was the Louvre restaurant on Washington street, to watch the frame and the door on the inside when Chief Butterfield swooped down on it. Mr. Johnson went to the place, and during a half hour or so that he had to wait for the officers, he became interested in the game that it cost him $2. When he heard the officers coming up the stair-tread he showed his star and placed the dealer and faro keeper under arrest. The door was locked, but the officers battered it down and relieved Mr. Johnson of his prisoners, who gave their names as Z. Morton and Frank Lyon. They were taken before Justice Rivers where they each deposited $50 cash bail for their appearance next Monday. A. Roode, proprietor of the Louvre restaurant, and John Boyle were also placed under $30 bonds for appearance at the same time, although neither one was in the room when it was raided. As he was returning to police headquarters from Rivers' court, Chief Butterfield noticed indications of a game in the room over the Grotto saloon on Occidental Square. He immediately made a run up the stairway, closely followed by Captain Jones. Their movements had been observed, however, and when they reached the door they found it locked. Before they could gain an entrance to the room, all the evidences of gambling except the table had been removed. John Maegher, the proprietor of the game, was arrested and taken before Justice Rivers who admitted him to bail in the sum of $50.