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lotteries, Gambling is no doubt very general but I have seen it on a small scale and I have evidence to shew that it is more than the ordinary amusement of the lower classes, and to shew that it leads to idleness, improvidence, family trouble or crime. On the other hand the habitual interference of the police with gamblers and the constant raiding of what are called gambling houses does no good. It is admitted that hitherto it was proved futile for any purpose, and it probably tends to place the police and a large class of the people who cannot by any fair rise of the term be called criminals, in constant and irritating opposition. My advice would be to leave gaming houses and lotteries alone, except in cases where there is some reason to suspect they are worked for the purpose of defrauding innocent persons.
(signed) Edward L. O'Malley, Attorney General.
April 16th 1883.