The San Francisco call., 1906-10-07

- HAT race track gambling is not
only recognized but fostered by
the United States Government
is contention which is apt TO
be challenged wherever made.
Especially would the very idea be
secuted as preposterous in communi-
ties where the local authorities
have promptly and successfully put
their feet down on any attempt at
bookmaking in public. even between
individuals.
Yet that Uncle Sam recognizes the
gambling instinct as one OF the potent
factors In the success OF racing be-
tween thoroughbreds is. according TO
an eminent legal authority. amply
shown in the fact that the protection
Of gamblers is one Of the duties of the
PostofIice Department.
While the occasional visitor to the
race course who may admit having
judgment with real money is apt to
resent the assertion that he is a gam
bier tho term can hardly be regarded
IS harsh or uncalled for when applied
70 those who regularly pay for expert
information from one or more Of the
numerous tipsters, who offer as an ex-
cuse for charging for their advice the
statement that they are or have been
owners, trainers. jockeys, checkers. etc.
DO you know that "old Reliable Bill
Jones. expert clocker;" Former Jockey
Smith" William Brown, the man with
the old sombrero" and the rest OF the
tiDsters. who charge from 81 a week to
$50 per day for information regarding
bottled UP sleepers" are compelled to-
file their selections with the postoficc
Inspector long before the races in which
their so-called good things are
ceIed2
This is one OF tho methods by which
Uncle sam safeguards plunger and
pizer. student aud regular" alike.
Nor does the protection stop here.
The literature that passes between
tpster and customer or prospective
client often finds its way into the
hands OF the wide-awalze inspector.
This official somstimes gives his entire
attention to the work Of keeping the
tipster from making misstatements or
misrepresentation OF any sort either
in print or through the medium Of
neatly worded and nearly always al
Turing fypewritten letters.
Many OF the tipsters boldly ask that
money be sent to them to be played on
certain horses on stipulated dates Nor
are they modest ia the sums suggested.
Commissions of $500 and even more are
sometimes asked for and occasionally
forwarded.
Unless the would be Commissioners is
known 10 be reliable and as honest as
betting commissioners can be he is apt
TO fad his communication ignored.
II Uncle sam gets hold Of one OF
these send me -all-the- e-money-you-can
spare circulars stop order is imme-
diatelv issued and this is invariably
followed by a permanent fraud order.
When Special Inspector Leland went
10 New York last winter he made no
secret or his intentions regarding GER
tain tipsters who were reported to have
exhausted the patience OF some OF their
clients by methods which were beyond
Tie pale Of the law.
Mr. Leland determined that no tip
ster should be allowed to make any
false statements regarding his re-
sources. his methods or his attain
nents.
To this end tlpsters were invited to
Tor comparison with any subsequent
claims that might be made.
How Tips Are Sold.
Here is almost a fac-simile OF a COM
munication received in answer TO this
request. only names being changed, the
letter head proper in two colors:
WM. JONES
(Oid Reliable BID
twenty-five years experience on the
Tace course as owner. trainer and
Jockey
TODAY'S SELECTIONS.
First race.-Hanover is q pipe. This
IS one bottled up good thing. Should
breeze home. i.ampiighter will get all
tie place money. lie is in fine fettie
Take old bones Raceland for e small
end Worked a mile ia 40 without
cracking a rib.
Second race-HindOo will come home
alone. Worked seven furlongs in the
dead Of night so fast the eight poles
looked ike darning needles to his
pilot. Watercress and Salvador Will
fight IL out for the place positions
They should finish placed.
Third r2ce.-Hamburg on the chin
strap. Nothing to It Saw him work a
mile IN 81 while concealed in the tall
grass early yesterday morning. Char
ade III lead tie rest of the bunch by
~.