The Washington herald., 1908-04-11

When the United States marine who IS
doing that service blows his bugle for
the races to begin at the Benning track
next Tuesday. it win be for the last time
in the District Of Columbia, with the ac-
compartment of the rush of bettors TO
get their money down before the race be
gins.
In other words. the present race meet
at Benning is the last at that track at
which gambling viii be seen. When the
next meet IS held it viii be a clean,
wholesome sport. in truth the sport OF
kings" cleansed of the demoralizing in
fuence OF the bookmaker and profess
sionaI gambler.
This consummation, most devoutly wish
ed by the thinking majority Of the people
OF the District OF Columbia, was assured
yesterday when the Senate Committee on
the District OF Columbia decided 10 re-
port to the Senate. with the recommenda-
tion for passage the bill to widen the
Benning road. to which the House at
District code of law so as to prohibit
gambling anywhere in the District
It was stated after the committee ad-
journed that Senators Johnston. OF Ala
bama. and Paynter, of Kentucky. had
tsted against the anti gambling amend
ment but both Senator's. when this state
ment was repeated to them. denied that
it was correct. Both said that the vote
10 report the bin fayorably was unani-
nous.
Discrimination Is Abolished.
The section of the code, when revised
in accordance with the terms of the
amendment viii read as it is printed
at the top Of this column. At present It
contains a clause which limits the pro-
hibi;ion against gambling TO the cities
OF Washington and Georgetown and with
in one mile Of the limits thereof" The
amendment which the pending bin car
ries simply strikes out this clause. thus
doing away with the present indefensible
discrimination which keeps one part Of
the District free of the gambling free
hooters and blacklegs and permits them
10 flourish untTammeled in the territory
outside Of the mile limit.
The action of the District Committee
was taken yesterday, in spite Of a last
stand which friends Of the gamblers
made to preserve their ancient right,
under the present law. Of relieving men
who are too weak to withstand the
temptation OF this species Of get-rich-
quick game OF money the loss of, which
in the majority of instances means. pri-
walton for themselves and their families.
and IN fewer, but too many cases, the
commission Of crime.
Vague Promises Made.
S. S. Howland, president Of the Wash
ington Jockey Club, and Henry T. Ok
nard, beet sugar magnate and breeder
Of thoroughbred horses. presented them
selves when the committee met and asked
10 be heard in opposition TO the bill.
Mr.. Rowland pleaded for delay in pro-
hibiting gambling at Benning, and sug-
gested that Congress let the pending bill
die with the present session, as the
Jockey Club Itself was considering a
measure which would produce the same
result. The club, he intimated. would
possibly bar gambling at the track at
future meetings
Mr.. Oxnard, however, somewhat weak
ened his companions testimony by stating
that racing could not be continued with
out the support given it by the gambling
element. lie said that he was, breeder
Of fine horses in Virginia, and he feared
that If the pending bill should pass he
aRa other breeders would have TO give up
that business. as IN his opinion without
betting there could be no racing. and with
out racing there would be no demand for
high-bred horses for the track.
Proposes English System
Mr.. oxnard proposed as substitute for
the Sims amendment one which would
compel the use in the District of what he
called "the English system. whereby bets
are made on paper, and no money passes
between the bettors on the grounds of
the Jockey Club. He contended that as
this method makes the payment Of a bet
by the loser depend upon the losers
credit and standing among bettors. il
would shut OUT all but wealthy men from
gambling on the races. It would, he said.
reduce race track gambling so per cent,
and eliminate all who could not afford to
run the risk of losing. Including govern
meht clerks and the wage-earning class.
Senator Paynter. of Kentucky. took a
similar view. and opposed the retention Of
the Sims amendment, or the prohibition
Continued on Page 4, Column g.