New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-02-22
RACING UNDER THE GRAY BILL.

ANTHONY COMSToCK THE ONLY MAN WHO or
POSES THE PASSAGE OF THE MEASURE.
ALBANY Feb 2.-Representatives Of the leading
racing associations appeared before the Assembly
Codes Committee this afternoon. The hearing which
attracted them that given on Mr.. Grays Dill
providing for Incorporation of associations for
the improvement of the breed of horses. Several
clergymen also present and listened aiteniivey
10 the arguments.
Anthony Comstock was the only person who ap-
reared in opposition to the bill. and said he was
glad of the chance. He especially severe on the
"so-called respectable men who 'whacked up with
the racetrack gamblers. and related the efforts OF
his society TO suppress the latter. Taking up the
hill nv sections he asserted that il II was passed 1t
would legislae against the decision OF the Court OF
Appeals II would permit horse-racing for forty
DAYS without molestation 1t did not authorize pool
sailing booknreking other gambling; but II spe-
cihcaIly said that horserace was not gambling IN
the face OF all the decisions In existence Tne bill
also proposed make the racetrack men moor
porated under 1t legislators for those who might
desire 10 go into the business afterward. 1t made
MONOPOLY of racing for the jockey clubs. He said
the racetrack men apparently knew that II repealed
the anti-pool law and provided only minimum penal
ties for offences. He then dwelt a. length on As
semblyman Wilde's bills. which prohibit pooiselling
and authorize racing without betting These, he as
serted were respectable and could be consistently
enacted.
August Belmont the next speaker. lie SAID
a. ubat Mr. Comstock had said was true he would
not himself be present. He asserted that the bill
WAS honestly framed 10 prevent the very abuses OF
which Mr. Comstock complained. He did not be
Neve the Constit Itona Convention intended 70 pass
a prohibitive measure aimed at betting. II did, how
ever aim TO prohibit the abuses OF the racetrack
So did the Jockey Club, which not interested
in the raceracks at all. He said the object of the
bill was TO prevent the persecution OF reputable men
who raced horses for pleasure. II did not propose
10 violate the feelings OF the people or the law But
Jockey clubs felt they had as much right 70 protec,
their interests as had Mr.. Comstocks society 10 DO
what it did He denied that the Jockey club got
an income from the tracks, Mr.. Comstock had
suggested. and closed by saying that all the horse
owners asked was fair treatment.
w II. Bowman. Of the Rochester Driving Park
Association. attacked Mr.. Cornstock master Of
Billingsgate. and said 1t high time he learned
not TO abuse his betters. just good men as Mr..
Comsrock engaged in the racing business. They
wanted to continue improving horses and thought
they had done more for horses than he had for men
In behalf OF the horsemen who wanted TO perfect
the bill. he asked an adjournment for two weeks
Jockey Club. said that association had paid 5000
last horse-owrers in purses alone. II pld
s27cOo to the State in taxes. Among its di-
rectors were Some OF the leading men in every walk
OF life These directors believed that the Constitu-
ZION would wipe out this association unless the Leg
stature stepped ,s In oo The cHb had previously con-
could not keep these contracts unless the Legis,a-
ture said 1t was lawful to do go The question now
The bill forbade all the wrongs Of the poorooms
and the betting the tracks. as II had been done
II did not legalize gambling had been strongly
asserted. In reply to Mr.. Wilde he said he OBJ
5ected TO the other bills because they stopped all
racing
Mr. Auerbach. Of New-York. representing the
Jockey Club assailed Mr.. COmstocks analysis OF
the bill. He discussed the several sections, show
ing that the first, against which Mr.. comstock had
been especially severe was copied from the bust
ness corporation law. II Mr.. Wilde and Mr.. Com
stock wanted added penalties for pOolselling the
norsemen willing 10 have the bill changed so
- 70 make II more stringent .
MI Andrew Miller. Of New-York. also spoke In
'Avor OF the bill.
week ~