The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-07


ter up there was marked hesitance on
the part of the committeeman to take the
initiative in the matter, and there was
silence for fully minute. Finally Super
visor Benjamin moved that it be reported
favorably to the board, Supervisor King
seconding the motion.
II oppose the proposed ordinance on
several grounds" said Supervisor Dimond.
In the first place there is State law that
was passed by the Legislature for the ben
eft Of the racing at the State Fair that
brings such matters under the jurisdiction
of the State, and any ordinance passed by
the Board of Supervisors would conflict
with that statute. We should be careful
not to place ourselves in such a position.
"In the second place, by passing such an
order we would ruin the racing interests of
the coast, and by so doing would strike a
deathblow at the horse-raising industry,
which is worth millions 10 California.
This industry has grown steadily for years,
and now instead .of sending their horses
East for sale such raisers as Haggin and
others keep them here, for the demand is
equal to the supply.
1.-THE racing brings men of means and
influence TO this coast and they spend their
money here"
Supervisor King, in a burst of virtuous
Indignation, exclaimed: "Who are these
men that come here to attend the races?
Gamblers, l think, and men who come for
the sole purpose OF gam bling"
Supervisor Spreckels interposed to say
that the Dryers and Lorillards could
hardly be classed as gamblers, and that
many men of their class were among the
tourists who journey to California to attend
the winter races.
Supervisor Dimond stated that without
the betting the racetracks would be profit
less, as the gate receipts alone would not
pay more than one-third of the expenses
of the association, and that the amount
received from the bookmakers for the
privilege OF carrying on their business
kept the track going. He called attention
to the fact that the large amounts paid
monthly to the track employees benefited
the tradesmen about the track-in fact
constituted almost the entire business.
Supervisor King attempted some sarcas-
tic remarks about the interest taken IN the
matter by those who make their living
through the racing, but was cut short by
Supervisor Spreckels, who said that per-
sonalities should not be allowed to enter
the discussion. But as long as the Super
visor from the First District had opened
the ball be might be asked whether his
paipable fight in favor of the poolrooms
might not lead to a belief that he had
some interest in them. That would Ger
tainly explain your position IN this mat
tor" he said.
Mr.. King fastened to disclaIm any such
interest or ownership, and the original
motion was called for.
Supervisor Taylor offered as substitute
a motion to lay the matter over indef-
nitely. This was opposed by Supervisor
King in a speech breathing purity, fair
ness and other things with which the
Supervisor from the First has recently be-
come familiar, in every word.
w hen the vote was taken the stony
faced four-Dunker, King, Morgenstern
and Ben jamin-voted against the subst-
tute, It's three supporters being Spreckels,
Taylor and Dimond.
Then the vote was taken on the original
motion, the Solid Four voting in favor OF
a favorable recommendation on the ordi-
nance.
Supervisor Spreckels stated that the
passage of the ordinance would result In
Immediate litigation to have it decided
illegal, as conflicting with the State laws,
and sad that he had been informed by
competent legal authority that there
would be Lo difficulty in having it SO de-
clared.
The next meeting of the board will quite
probably be interesting, ast two ordinances
one prohibiting pool-selling in the City
and County of San Francisco except with
in the Enclosure OF q racetrack, and the
other entirely prohibiting the sale OF
pools-both reported favorably by the
Joint Judiciary and health and Police
committees, will be brought up for passage
to print.
There are $1,000 distinct varieties OF