New-York tribune., 1906-03-18
CHURCH SPLIT ON RACES
ReU. Mr. Slicer against Cassidy
Lansing BW-Mac4rthur for 1t.

The Cassidy-Lansing anti-racetrack gamb-
ling bill now pending in the Legislature at Al
bany. has divided the clergy into factions some
favoring the measure in the interest Of good
morals and the others opposing # on the ground
that II might help the poorooms.
The Rev. Thomas r. Slicer. Of the State Con-
ference Of Religions, did not retreat one inch
yesterday. from the stand he and the conference
had taken against the bin. and the Rev. DR..
Robert s. Macarthur entered the controversy as
a champion Of the measure abolishing race
track betting. Mr. Slicer also reiterated his
statement Of an existing agreement between the
Jockey Club and the Conference Of Religions.
under which the gambling element attendant
on horse races is TO be minimized. although it
IS agreed that betting never be entirely
abolished. and at best only restricted.
II the agitation for the elimination OF betting
At the race track is successful, and the Cassidy
Lansing bin becomes a law. it is recognized by
horsemen that the racing OF thoroughbreds In
this state viii have received death blow
The law viii place on the same footing the
poolroom keeper, whose only interest In horse
racing is the bets which his patrons make, and
August Belmont. James r. Keene and other
horsemen who are interested in racing for the
sport itself. and not for its gambling possibilities.
Those who race for sport resent being classed
with the gamblers, and according TO the state
ment OF a horseman last night, they viii, If
forced to ii, seek more advantageous fields for
their sport probably Europe. where they may
ship their stables.
THE Jockey Club" said this person. has
taken steps 10 discourage the making Of large
bets and viii help minimize still further race
track gambling, and far as the club is con |
oerned ii has no official relation with the betting
feature of the sport Its mission is the breeding
and racing OF horses. nothing more"
WILL DISrpT-P hEEr EAzgpTIN--
Il was intimated that the Jockey Club would |
20 further in .ts efforts TO discourage general |
betting by eliminating the bookmakers' States |
so that the latter may discriminate in the mat |
Ter o. accepting bets. Yet with all these prom
ises the club members would have it believed |
that they DO not expect the Cassdy-Lansng |
bin 10 pass. II IL does il win probably mean |
the closing OF the tracks. for after all the
age racegoer takes an interest IN the game be- |
cause he can put bet down"
The statement Of Philip J. Dwyer that there
was no agreement between the State Conference !
OF Religions and The Jockey Club regarding the /
restriction Of betting is correct in at least one
particular. The agreement, it was said yester- !
Gay, is not with the state conference, which |
represents the entire state, but with Mr. Slicer |
as member Of the legislative committee OF that /
body. However, this appears TO be only tech |
3icaIity, as Mr.. Slicer was authorized by his |
colleagues 10 use his own discretion in coming |
10 an understanding with the stewards Of the |
Jockey Club. This he could have done without ]
the knowledge OF Mr.. Dwyer, who IS not a |
steward Of the club.
Dr. Macarthur had this to say OF the attitude |
Uf Nr SIcer:
7 have every confidence IN Mr.. Steers good |
intentions, but ! cannot help feeling that some
one has imposed upon him by giving him only
hand, is a Of high character, TOO, with wide
experience and penetrating Judgment in matters
of this sort. I consider him strong ally OF all
good measures. With only the klndest feelings
toward NJ. Slcer. 1 am fully disposed TO accept
uncuestiOned his purpose IN the case
Mr. Slicer. however. continues in his argument
against the bill that IS designed TO stop gam
bling the ira ks and is satisfied that his agree
11ent with the Jockey Club IS the better plan
for treating the evil The terms OF this agree
Iueut lie refuses 10 divuIge, and racing people
are speculatilg as TO its character.
The bookmakers are especially Interested in
the proposed reforms. although they express no
fear of its results. It is the poolroom keeper
who is aimea at and he VIII be the principal
sufferer II the Cassidv-Lansing bin fails OF pas
cage and the agreement between the Jockey Club
and the Rev. Nr. SIiCer is adopted q means OF
IaCetraCk betting reform