Gambling; or, Fortuna, her temple and shrine. / The true philosophy and ethics of gambling

CHICAGO: The Craig Press. 1891
COPYRIGHT, 1891. JAMES HAROLD ROMAIN.
America is free and her people boast of her freedom in every realm of thought and every department of activity. Her pride is a form of discussion from which no man is excluded because of the opinions he may advocate. We declare a man should be heard in the very face of prejudice or passion.
Mr. Romain’s book, in our judgment, is entitled to publication for other reasons than those above mentioned. It is replete with learning, and original in conception. The philosophy is broad and the tone dignified. Patient research is manifest in every page. Every branch of knowledge has been made to contribute its force to the argument. The work is a mine of information in political speculation, social science and moral philosophy. Mr. Romain is obviously in sympathy with the widest possible circle of culture. For that reason, if for no other, what he has to say is entitled to a respectful consideration. His book is unique in design and wrought out with vigor. His appeal is to philosophy, science and history; not to idle curiosity, purposeless gossip, or the unimportant “personal equation” to which others have been so prone.
In the interest of fair play, but, confessedly, with no sympathy for gambling, the book is offered to the people to decide as to the correctness of its conclusions.
Adam Craig, Publisher.
This book is dedicated To the Hon. John Cameron Simonds, by the author, as a token of esteem for his fair-mindedness and sense of justice. Although that gentleman is not a gamester, nor in sympathy with the pursuit, yet the author desires thus to acknowledge his indebtedness to him for many valuable suggestions in the preparation of this work.
Two doughty knights, clad cap-a-pie in burnished mail, once journeyed forth in search of martial adventure. Their noble steeds all caparisoned for war, both wandered up and down through the world, defending the fair and protecting the weak. Betimes they chance to meet where stood in majestic beauty a bronze statue of victory. In her right hand the goddess clasped a sword, while in graceful pose her left rested upon an ægis richly wrought in the precious metals. Approaching from opposite directions, to one warrior the shield appeared as of gold, while to the other it was of silver. Low were bowed their crested helms in courtly salutations.