The Semi Weekly Leader

"Blind Tigers" in Wet Territory.

Sunday Constable Chas. Stites, accompanied by Constable Hamilton, arrested Simpson Gray, the negro who has been running a whisky boat in front of the city. Gray was yesterday tried before Justice Murch on a charge of unlawful retailing and was fined $50 and costs. The costs amounted to $8.85. Gray paid the money. His attorney was Theo. McKnight. The negro ran the gasoline boat known as the "Goat." This boat is not a large one and its excursions have not been extensive. Indeed at one time when the machinery was out of order Gray contented himself with simply pushing the boat a few feet from the landing after he had secured a passenger. After the passenger was supplied with drinkables the boat was pulled back to the landing again. Constable Charles Stites says that for some weeks the boat has been operating in front of the city on Sunday undisturbed by any officer of the law. The constable had been lying in wait for the offender for some time, but it was not until Sunday that he was able to get the desired evidence. Sunday the officers walked on the boat and so busily was Gray engaged in selling intoxicating drinks that he did not notice them for some time. This gave them all the evidence they desired and they summoned a number of witnesses to appear in the case. Gray would not say who was behind him in the business, contending that he bought the liquor himself. The "Goat" has been extensively patronized in the past, but doubtless its operations in the future will be limited.

The above is copied from a late issue of the Vicksburg Herald. As Vicksburg is very much of a saloon town, it is one of many good object lessons to those who falsely argue or would have it appear that "blind tigers" are only known where the prohibition law is in force. It will also be observed, that this negro tiger operated "for some weeks in front of the city on Sunday, undisturbed by any officer of the law," just like tigers are sometimes allowed to do in dry counties by officers who are in sympathy with their infamous business and secretly patronize them. It will be noticed likewise that it was a constable and not one of the well-paid police force that at last "lassoed" the beast that was helping the saloons furnish the thirsty denizens of the Hill City with booze, the policemen apparently being of the regulation kind who are paid to carry their eyes in the back of their heads whenever any devilment is being carried on by the liquor element.