The San Francisco call., 1908-08-07
GIlLETT SILENT ON
ANTI-TRACK FIGHT
Crusaders Against Racing Aban-
don Hope of Help From
State Executive
Leaders of War on Gambling
Turn to Linc0In-RoOseveIt
League for Aid

BERKELEY, Aug. 6.-Ineffectual at
tempts to secure the Endorsement of
the work of the California anti-race-
GiTett have caused EarlI H Webb, pres
ident OF the league, and Secretary Mer-
edith Spencer to give up all hope of
aid from the chief executive of the
state. The workers against the race
track have cast their lot with the Lin
colin Roosevelt league The machine
politicians have shown their hand in
the fight against the corrupt track and
the league will endeavor to secure the
/ Endorsement of the anti-racetrack bill
from the Lincoln Roosevelt men.
Correspondence between President
Webb of the anti-racetrack league and
Governor Gillett. which was made pub
lie today, revealed Gillett's hand. The
! following statement has been issued
as a result:
To the voters of California;
Inc governors OF the states OF New York,
MI sOuri. Louisiana and washington recognizing
the great evil Of book making and pool selling on
the results Of horse racing, have assumed the
leadership in the night for clean sport-for the
blers.
The officers of the California anti-racetrack
league have asked Governor Gillett for his sup
port In the fight being made in California The
result OF this appeal is revealed In the following
correspondence.
Berkeley, July Z, 1905
TO his excellency Governor James " Gillett,
Sacramento, Cal:
Dear Sir-As you are no doubt aware the
movement against racetrack gambling, which
has spread over the eastern states has reached
california, and now an organized effort is be-
ing made throughout the state TO have a law
passed at the next session of our legislature
prohloitlng book making and pool selling on
races In this state
The legislation proposed by the California
ant-racetrack league is practically the same
law passed by the New York legislature and
known as the Hughes bill, copy of which is
herewith inclosed for your consideration
Al you, as governor OF this state, will pub
lley declare that you favor such law, that
act VIII go far toward bringing about the de-
sired. legislation.
On the other hand, if we do not have your
cult the accomplishment of the much needed re-
form.
The great majority of the people of this
state are in favor Of this legislation, as is shown
by the attitude of the press the resolutions of
lndorsement passed by the various chambers of
commerce and the earnest appeals from the
pulpit.
"As you know. the nenaI code of California
contains no provisions prohibiting gambling on
horse races and practically makes lecitinate
this evil which the supreme court of this state
declares is against public policy and immoral.
Mlu you. as governor of this state, make
special mention Of this matter in your frst mes
/ sage to the coming legislature, advocating this
proposed measure in strong terms, and this
ume pnolicly declare that you are IN sympa-
/ thy with the movement and viii do what you
can properly as the governor of this state to
have such legisls tion passed 2
BY replying to the above communication you
will greatly oblge. Yours respectfully
.,EARLL II. WEBB,
President California anti-racetrack league
Governor Gillett replied as follows:
state OF California, Executive Office Sacra-
mento, Cal, July II, 1908.
Earl ID Webb, 211T Addison street, Berkeley,
Cal:
Dear Sir-Your letter of July at hand and
In reply thereto Will say that I shah in all
matters carefully consider any legislation com.
ing TO me from the legislature and do my duty
IN relation thereto, as l understand it, for the
best interests Of the state Yours truly.
u. y. GILLETT''
In reply to the governors letter Mr.. Webb
wrote:
July IL. 1908
To hs excellency Governor James \. Gillett.
Sacramento. CAL
Dear Sir-Before giving our correspondence
IN relation to racetrack gambling to the press
l thought It but fair that you should have an
opportunity TO add TO your letter of July IL 50
as TO more fully define your position on this
proposed legislation il you desired. You state
IN your letter of the 11th inst. that YOU will dc
your duty for the best interests of the state
In your judgment would the adoption of the
law proposed b. for the best interests of the
state? Respectfully
'.EARLL II. WEBB"
No reply has been received to this second let
ter to the governor. although his secretary ac-
knowledged its receipt. stating that he had for
Warded 1t to the governor AZ Eureka