The sun., 1895-05-27

first 10 raise q protest, and the refrain Of
Down with jackson City" became genera;
throughout this State.
When the Legislature mot in December,
1903, there was general demand for law
which would wipe out this place. Senator
George w. Mushback Of Alexandria City pre-
sonted n bill which he was sure would put an
end to jackson City. and 1t was passed. AL
though Gov O'Terrall didn't liko tho bill. he
signed II at tho urgent request OF Capt. Mush-
back. who assured him that 1t would have tho
The law resulted however, in n clear case Of
the frying-pan and the fire. jackson City was
killed. but tho law gave birth to other evils.
bade bootmaling, pool selling, or betting ex-
cept under the auspices Of agricultural associ-
atoms state fairs or driving marks which were
prior to the passage of the act lictting OF any
Kind is allowed under these conditions. provid;,
ing II is dono ut tho track where racing Is held
and with tho consent OF the managers OF the
races.
The trainers OF tho bill looked over the list OF
such organizations and argued that. being char
tered and ofllcercd by Virginia gentlemen. no
the 'nf
without its host, for there was then in ex-
istence an old organization OF farmers.
Of aerieuiturni % interests, which was destined to
the purpose @ f Of tho law. This association whieh
had had its headquarters In Falrfax, county,
was not IN n nOurlShlnK COnultlon. anu ltS ScC-
cretary was enabled for more song to pur-
chase u controlling interest In the stock, which
he sold to Jenes Bros, the well,kno%n WI book,
sum. reported at between $4,000 and $4,000,
Then all was smooth sailing. The Alexander
Dominion track. was started with It's auxiliary
gambling dens and Tireinians woke up to their
powerlese; that he cannot revoke a charter
granted by the Legislature; that the county
courts and its officers must act. but as yet
they huv fa lpd fp m ka n
1t Is openly declared that the county officers are
interested to q considerable extent In the enter
harm for their pains, remain neutral Thus this
state OF affairs exists In spite OF the protests OF
the people of Washington. Alexandria City, and
In February last the State sued out an injunc-
tion against the race track people at Alexander
Island, but IL resulted in compromise. the race
track mon agreeing to discontinue racing until
the lst Of Of April when ,, i was promp,y re,
and granted as courtesy to the State. was not
made permanent. The State did not push 1t,
knowing the result could not DO otherwise than
The great trouble in Virginia is with the law
Itself. Under II those @ who have an old agrlcul.
and wager money as much as they want to do
SO. The only consolation the trainers have is
Bookmaking in the cities on races at a dis
tance is also, entirely prohibited, But where
there Is actual racing, whether u be by goats,
dogs, or terrapns, the gambler can bet as much
as he pleases.
The richmond klu1ng ana Driving AsSocla-
tion of this city held Incetiog here recently,
and more books were made than had ever be-
fore been seen In this city. During the state
fair last fall open books were kept without
molestation.
The St. Asaph race track. which is a neiEhhor
Of the Alexander Island track and IN operation
until outlawed recently by the Jockey. Club,
was conducted under an old driving park char
ter
The Governor says that when the Legislature
meets in December next he will recommend
prompt action, and he is law Will be
passed which will remedy the present evils.