Arizona republican., 1915-03-24
HUNT vGTOEs PARtMUTUEL
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 ize the use or the pari -mutuel system where horse race meetings are con- ducted''
 This measure, as is suggested by the title, is designed to create state racing commission of five members, three of whom shall be appointed by the governor, and all of whom, acting in behalf of the state, shall annually issue licenses for race meetings and conduct under certain restrictions and regulations a system of betting on horse races known as the pari- -mutuel
 It cannot be gainsaid that both the adherents and opponents of the plan set forth in Senate Bill No. 125, are able to adduce some plausible req sons in support of their beliefs. Those who favor the measure argue, for example, that the pari -mutuel system would abolish frauds in horse racing. and would stimulate clean form of spOrtsmanship, greatly to the business interests of the state, and prevent abuses of the practice of betting.
 Those who oppose Senate Bill No. 125, are on the other hand, equally emphatic in their denial of the ad vantages that might result from the pari-mutuel system, and in their pro- testations against a law which, as is pointed out, might have a. deleteriOus effect upon public morals. It is such opponents that contend, briefly, by way of illustration, that state, which expressly prohibits gambling in all it's forms, should not become a partner to the practice. and that any devia- ton from such an expressed disap- proval of games of chance. might have a subtle and nsidiOus effect upon the general morality of the people, especially the growing genera tiOns
 They equally cOnvincingly point out that the whole tendency of the state in recent years has been toward the Encouragement and prohibiting of gambling, and other forms of vice, while the proposed enactment con- stitutes a step in retrogression. As an indication of the widespread interest, which has been manifested in Senate Bill No. 125, it may be
 
 office are 326 signatures of petition CTS in favor of the pari- mutuel mea sure, as compared with 1927 signers of protest against the enactment be- coming a law. These figures, while they are not. of course, at all con- elusive as barometer of public sen timent. strongly indicate that the pre- ponderance of opinion throughout Ari- zona is adverse to the measure under ! consideration.
 While disclaiming the remotest de- sire to thrust my personal opinions l into the controversy that has arisen | over Senate Bill No. 125. I am, ne- l vertheless, most earnestly desirOus of l having my action on this measure reflect, so far as possible, the true feeling of the great majority of the 1 citizens of Arizona. whose executive servant I am, and whose actual wishes must necessarily give direction to my l official acts.
 Viewing the situation broadly, moreover, I am firmly convinced that the ultimate adoption or rejection of the pari- mutuel system in this state | is, as a matter of fact. very slightly contingent upon the course which l shall pursue affecting the measure un- der discussion. Should I, for reasons however plausible, affix my sigma = ture to this bill. or file it without endorsement in the office of the sec retary of state, it is certainty, as evidenced by the adverse petitions al ready submitted, that the referendum would be speedily invoked In the Ievent moreover, that l disapprOve of the measure through the exercise of the veto power, the proponents and defenders of the pari- -mutuel system would not thereby, be deprived of their opportunity to present a similar bill to the electorate of the state al the next general election under the provisions of the initiative. The lat ter course, if pursued. would undoubt- eGly be attended by justice and fair ness to all those people who either Icommend or condemn the purposes of the enactment, since the citizenship of the state would thus, as whole become the arbiter of an important ! bly, vital, bearing upon the material land civic interests of Arizona.
 For the reasons above collocated Ltherefore, and animated by an earnest ldesire to faithfully discharge the re- lsponsibility placed upon me, without visiting any injustice, however slight Iupon a very considerable minority having this issue at interest, I am withholding my signature from Senate Bill No 125. and am filing the or- ginal measure in Your office, as pro- vided by law.
 Very respectfully,
 GEO. w. P. HUNT.
 Governor of Arizona.
 The Honorable,
 The Secretary of State.
 State House.
 Two Other Bills Vetoed
 Because he believed that it tended to decrease the penalty for fraudulent check artists, the governor yesterday bad check bill"
 The bill provided that in cases lwhere the amount of the check was less than $10O the offense should lconstitute a misdemeanOr and made the guilty person liable to a fine and to jail sentence in the county jail This. the governor pointed out
 lessened the existing penalty of not less than one cyear in the state pri- son, and would tend to increase the number of bogus checks signed foI amounts under the $100 limit.