New-York tribune., 1908-03-10
GAMBLERS SEEK DELAY
judiciary Committee Hearing Post
poned at Request of Racing Men.
tRv Telegraph to The Tribune.


ALBANY March e-pelay, considered the
strongest weapon of the racing people anu gam
bIers in their fight against GovEnor fusheS p'o
posaI to abolish racetrack gambling. was brought
into the contest for the first cine to-niSht SEN
ator Davis chairman of the Judiciary COMMITTEE
announced that the hearing scheduled Tor Wednes-
day on amendment to he fercS-OrdS Id"
would be postponed to March lS
This was done at the request OF the racing men,
Last week Judge Coyne. for the Jockey Club. an
nounced that speakers would not be able to at
tend on Wednesday. and asked an Adjournment
Senator Agnev protested agai nst any delay. say
ing that the friends of the bills would be ready.
and II meant Il great deal more for them to attend
than did for the racing people, since the sup
porters of Wills paying their own expenses
and not receiving fat fees for appearing Never
theless Senator Davis decided that postponement
would be wise.
Another indication of delay was Senator Hihs
statement that tho Codes Comnitte which tenta-
lively had arranged take up 4he bill tomorrow.
would do so until the regular meeting on
Wednesday. As the likelihood of action by the
Senate committee neither its chairman nor any
member will predict. At that meeting indefinite
delay Will be advocated by anti-Hughes men, who
will demand that the codes bin be not reported
until the Judiciary Committee is ready 70 act the
companion bill and the Finance Committee has
taken up I'm the bill making up to the
agricultural societies the money they now receive
from the per cent tax on racing gate receipts
Still another evidence of the battle against the
bills was the introduction by Senator Wempie of
concurrent resolution constitutional amend
Tnent removing discrimination OF any kind TO
gambling penalties. The resolution would add the
following to the section Of tho constitution which
prohibits gambling:
But no shall he enacted granting allow
ing any discrimination of offences penalties in
of any place of sale of lottery tickets, pool
selling. boOkmaking or any other kind OF gam
bling
Senator Wenlple explained that 1t would prevent
the passage In the future of any measure similar
to the Percy-Cirsy law, which permits betting at
racetracks but makes IT felony outside. II IS
generally looked upon attempt TO incorporate
the arguments of Ex-Governor Black into the con-
stitution by prohibiting gambling of any kind or
the passage of any which would permit
a young woman TO wager pair of gloves or box
of candy on the result of boat race or football
game.
The Assembly Codes Committee will meet on
Wednesday and consider the bills, but 1t is not
absolutely certain that they will be reported then.
sThey have good friends in the committee. and
their friends are the strong members" said Chair
man Murphy. 'It is possible that the Senate would
consider 1t discourteous committee to re-
port the bills before the Senate committees have
finished their hearing, | cannot say just what
the committee will do. Wen talk that over care
and 1 feel confident they will pass this House
easily" The committee at present STANDS 10
for the bills.
AssembIyman Hart said tonight that If the bills
were reported Wednesday he would try to get
them passed next Monday night.
Il don't think there will be great amount or
difficulty in getting them through" ne said. "Of
course, the Speaker is against them, but the sup
port among people of ranks of life in all parts
OF the state is strong that conscientious MEM
Der must think long and seriously before detylnS
this sentiment by voting against the measure