Inspector Swansen, of Scotland Yard, had had interviews with Jenks as
to particulars respecting the Club. Jenks told him the Club was open
in 1882, and he had bought the lease of the premises. He explained the
game of baccarat. After two o'clock the banks were put up to auction.
Each bank paid one per cent, and each player five shillings for
card-money up to 2 A.M. After that time, five shillings until 5 A.M.,
when £1 an hour was charged, in order to make the game prohibitory.
The profits so derived went to the proprietor. One per cent was also
charged for cashing cheques. The rules of the Club prohibited the
introduction of any stranger to the card-room. The profits realised
were from the subscriptions and the card-money. The kitchen had been
a loss, and wine and cigars were sold at cost price. On a subsequent
occasion, Mr. Jenks told witness that members' cheques were cashed,
and one per cent was charged as an insurance against bad cheques. He
stated that he did not cash cheques beyond a reasonable amount, which
he estimated at £300. In cross-examination by Mr. Russell, witness
admitted that Jenks had given all information freely. The Club, of
which he was the proprietor, consisted of from 200 to 300 members,
comprising gentlemen well-known in society.
The night steward of the Park Club was called, and gave evidence as
to the play in the card-room. Baccarat was not played there until
Mr. Jenks took possession of the Club. Play began about 4.30 in the
afternoon, and a break would be made about half-past seven for dinner,
after which play was resumed and kept up till two, three, four, and
sometimes eight o'clock in the morning. The average bank would be about
£100.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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