New-York tribune., 1908-03-02
THE WEEK AT ALBANY
Hearing on Gambling and Other I'm
pOrtant Bills on Calendar.
LRr Telegraph 70 The rrlbuns. !


Aibsnv March 1-Anti-race track gambling leg
islation will come the front again this week
when the second hearing on the Asnew-fiart bills
following Governor Hughes's recommendations viii
be held This is scheduled for Wednesday before
the Codes committees OF Senate and Assembly
Representatives Of the agricultural -ncieties will
appear TO argue against the constitClionality Of
the proposed legislation
This reform Of the Governors is destined 10 be
the OF the present legislative session
The bitter battle which the racing people and pro-
fessionaI gamblers promised $ being waged in
many ways and openly and under the surface. IN
fuence of various sorts is being brought 10 bear
against bills Interests closely connected with
the Jockey Club. according TO here. have
sent word broadcast to agricultural societies and
civic organizations OF every sort in the state urg-
ing them to pass resolutions against the measures.
or if this course met opposition 10 take no stand
whatever Lawyers retained by racing people drift
around the corridors daily. and Hughes men expect
that before ths fight is over there will be a plain.
old-fashioned lobbying OF the kind which Charac-
terzed Legislative sessions several years ago when
the Black Horse Cavalry was IN commission
Supporters of the bills feel reasonably encouraged
by the declaration Of Senator John kaines that
they viii pass the Senate. The Hughes men argue
that when he expresses publicly opinion of that
sort important legislation II is based pretty
definite knowledge of the situation. \ caucus
called by him on the gambling measures,
they say. thus would be rather certain to make
the bills party affair. II the bills adopted
by the party caucus they would be passed. OF
course in the Senate. and this action would have
great weight with The lower house.
1t is il the Assembly that the real danger 70
these measures lies. Their antagonists. though
lately they have been saying that the Senate Codes
committee might not report the bills always have
built their hopes or the Assembly committee and
the feeling Of the House Itself There The
known attitude Of the Speaker VIII have influence
although everybody who knows him believes he
would not in any way his Office affect the
actions or views of members Nevertheless, the
mere fact that the Speaker does not favor q piece
of legislation carries its weight with Assem-
blymen. and the racing people making the
most OF that
The hearing this week now that he bills have
been amended in important particulars surely Will
not be the last before committee action is taken
them The racing people doubtless will want 10
be heard the bills in their present shape. and
in view OF the impression held certain quarters
THAT credit system OF betting would be possible
under them as they stand. the antagonists OF pro-
fessonal gambling will that point cleared UP
beyond doubt Thus. unless sentiment this uues-
ton crystaliizes in short order, 1t Is hard
how final action these bills can be taken in time
to permit adjournment of the Legislature early
April.
Several other important hearings are on the cal
endar for this week. The Senate and Assembly
Banks committees Tuesday will give hearing
to all the committee bills designed carry ort
the reforms proposed by Superintendent Williams.
except that series introduced The latter
While little opposition is expected de
yelop toward this legislation when once Il Il
ported in hnal shape from the committees. there
IS great volume Of detail work In the commit
tees stin to he done. and OF the bills
come up Tor passage for two three weeks yet
al Isas'