New-York tribune., 1908-03-20
COMBINE TO KILL BILLS
HUGHES MEN HOPEFUL.
Reports of 80 Votes against Gamb-
ling Measures Not Credited.
TBy Telegraph 20 The Tribune. J

Republican Senators against the anti-racetrack
gambling and the direct primary nonii-
rstions bill has been formed the result OF
conferences here last night which sur
rounded with the greatest secrecy. Men who
were at these meetings say there will be seven
Democratic votes and if necessary fifteen
Republican votes against the racing bills, which
are scheduled for execution first Anti Hughes
men are chuckling in unhoIy slee and Offering
20 bet large sums that the anti-gdmbiing bills
sre killed beyond any change of resuscitation
Despite the fact that beyond question there
has been much political manipulation in con
junction with the racing interests, which has
taken form at last in this combination coHserVa-
tive and well informed Senators who are not es-
r,aciallv ro-Hughes cannot see whefe the neces-
sarv votes 10 Kill the racing bills can be found
The Democrats counted on by the racing people
-,,ay s-ans firm, on both propositions: the Re
,.,,,,licans may vote against the direct nomlna-
,ions hill but there few here outside OF those
,,,oeo nigh ;s father to the thought who will
s.. -ha possibility OF withstanding the tre-
,,so,,s continent for the passage OF the anti
gambling bills ,-,
-r;ands Of the bills admit they have been over
,,sdent and now are suffering somewhat from
che natural reaction. They admit. too. that
far cfererer campaign is being carried on
against the bills than they had expected from
the nature of the open opposition before the leg
islgttve committees. They concede they may
have q very hard fight in the Senate But the
much discussed combination against the Gov
@rnor's projects. they maintain, is much more
likely TO pass the bills than to harm them.
DETAILS GUARDED WITH CARE.
Details OF this combination are being guarded
with care Hughes say that II is little
hat. he fact az a
should be spread broadcast without any details
90 suhstantiate the claims of the adversaries
Of racing that they can swing the necessary
votes. II Is admitted that Senator Raines,
whose antagonism the ballot reform features
Of The Governors legislative programme is
known, is not counted on TO lead the fight, or
even as member of the anti-Hughes combi-
nation Senator Horace White, who fought BIT
terly last year against the direct nominations
hills, is talked of possible head OF what
ever Republican forces may join the anti
Hughes camp 1t may be doubted. however. If
Senator White will enter into any such schemes
against the anti-gambling bills. He is credited
with strong desire to have second place on
the Republican state ticket this autumn. More
over he is man OF high character.
Supporters of the anti-gamblng bills have en-
countered in the last few days traces Of very
clever acceierstion' In the rural districts which
-hey attribute to the racing interests Agricult-
1ral societies one legislator said to-day, were be-
ing put under tremendous pressure to declare
against the bills. Business organizations in the
smaller towns have subjected to this press
ure too Liberal promises of future support
and pecuniary aid and comfort, upstate men
say. are being made to these organizations
There are hints even that the ''acceleration'
has gone further
One Of the notable features OF this new plan
Of campaign is stirring up Of sentiment among
business men In the upstate districts. Senator's
from rural counties in the last week have re-
ceived by the score letters from such constltu-
euts arguing that ii might be a bad thing HkelE
20 disturb business conditions, If the Percy
Gray law were repealed. To he sure. letters by
the hundred have come in 10 them from the
ministers and their parishioners in those same
communities arguing for the bills. Yet appar-
entity q well planned campaign has been begun
10 divide the expressions of public sentiment
All this IS fitting nicely into the plans Of the
anti-Hughes men here
STRONG EFFORTS TO DELAY PASSAGE
Strong efforts are being made in the Senate
10 defav the passage Of the bills until this di-
vision in public sentiment can do its work 1t
lie considered significant, too. by some Of the
friends Of the bills that a mistake IN printing
ore Of The Assembly bills prevented their being
or the calendar for consideration to-day Inc
copy Of the bill sent 20 the printer was correct
IL every detail a mistake in printing the Pub
lie Service commissions bill last year vas dis
covered at a time to cause some delay
There is in both houses active opposition 70
the direct primary nominations propositlon'
Senators favoring racetrack gambling ana the
e&Vocaies Of the present system have taken aa-
-antage OF this and hy their arguments nave
obtained promises OF the votes OF some Repup-
rtcap Senators against the nti-gambling bills in
return for promises of support against the ol-
rect nominations proposition. That at the pres
ent IS the extent Of the auti-Hughes combination
a part Of the re-v campaign Of the racing an1
gambling interests.
IN spite Of al this renewed fighting the Senate
Judiciary Committee to-day reported the bill
amending the Percy-CFay law without weaken
Ing amendments No heed was given 10 the
request Of the Jockey Club for another hearing
This bin can be discussed next week, possibly
when the code amendment is taken up in gem
eral orders. Those who voted for reporting II
we're Senators Davis. Armstrong, Aids, Cooo'
Page, Hinman, Smith and Raines. Grady NC
Carren, Taylor and Cohalan Democrats ana
'Irsttan, Republican. absent All save
Iaylcr, whose attitude is in doubt are against
ne bills. Grady said if present he would have
voted against the bill, but Kill not submit
minority report
The Assembly still is firmly for the bills, ac-
"ording 10 Assembymen Murphy and Hart
Tley can he passed there next week, and prob
ably wili be. Hart wants TO have them dis
elssed IN second reading Monday night.
Much talk Is being heard again of caucus
of the bills in the Senate II the anti-HuShes
combination gets too vigorous in its manifesto
F9.gy, ha hSH