The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-12-22
THE CLERGY ENLISTED.
A Big Petition TO Repeal the Horse
Gambling Law.

MINIMIZING i<aWs
As shown below, the clergy are about to
enter upon an united assault for the re-
peal of Section 2, Chapter 1850, the noto-
rious provision of the Public Laws 81
Rhode Island which permits horse gamb-
ling In the State OF Rhode Isiand-the
only law Of the kind in the United States.
The pastors Of the churches are re-
quested TO speak upon the subject early
in Jenuary with view to securing signi-
lures to the petition, copy OF which is
found below.
The General Assembly meets on Tues
day, January %, next. These petitions
ought to be ready by then.
The Assembly, IL may be said, is pre-
pared TO act favorably on these petitions.
But the people of the State must show
the strength of their sentiment on the
matter by numerous signing of the pc
tition. Let the Assembly understand
that the overwhelming sentiment of
Rhode Island is opposed to the law. and
IL will be repealed without the show OF a
contest.
The following circular has been sent out
to pastors all over the State:
REvEREND AED DEAR BROTHER;
Whereas. Rhode Island is the only State .n
Union. so far as We know. which permits by
Law pool-selling and gambling as carried on at
Narragansett Park: we. the me embers OF the
Union Minister'S Meeting Of Providence and
vicinity. recommend 10 the ministers Of the
State OF all denominations:
/. That every pastor. soon as possible, by
special address, say Sunday, Dec. 80. or early
In January 1899, call the attention of his con-
Rregatlon 10 the resulting evils and perils of
our Dresent rn icfOuS levislafion.
2. That petitions oe circulated in every
town In the State for signal ures OF voters who
arc in favor of the repeal OF the present pool
laws
3. That public meetings be held in every
district and town throughout the State for the
purpose of intensifying the public sentiment
already existing against legaiized gambling
and Of securJng the concensus OF public opin-
ion upon this evil.
L. That we earnestly solicit the immediate
influence and power OF the press for the re-
peal OF this law and for the accomplishment
OF this necessary moral reform.
sPlease Icurn these petitions when signed TO
Rev II Bixby. ID. D., 4s susan street, Provi-
dence, X. l., before the last week in January, the
time OF the meeting Of the General Assembly.
Here is the notorious section OF the
law:
SEC 2. Every incorporated agricultural So
ciety owning n race track Is hereby permitted
To run or trot horses for purses upon its own
track. for the purpose OF improving the breed
OF horses whether for the Improvement OF the
thoroughbred or the trotting horse: Provided
however, that such racing shall be confined TO
the period between the 18th day OF May and
the 10Th day of November, in each year, ana
the provisions of Section of this act shall not
apply TO the grounds OF the association on the
days when the races aforesaid take place.
Following is the petition. THE NEWS
will keep this standing for the present and
all persons who may not be reached by
the petitions are at liberty 10
place their signatures on the
card here printed. Cut out the
card and bring it or mail 1t to THE News
Office. They will be properly arranged
and sent to the Assembly In due season: