Evening star., 1934-06-03
Citizens Group Opposed.

Citizens Associations, the WdSnlng-
ton Federation of Churches and
number of other groups. Against the
bill also were the District Commis-
sioners, whose unfavorable report
was submitted by Corporation Coun-
sci Prettyman.
Advocates of the bill included the
Merchants and Manufacturers As
sociation, the Washington Hotel As
sociation. the Washington Central
Labor Union and the Maryland
District of Columbia Federation of
Labor. Representative Loring Black,
Democrat, of New York also appeared
in favor of the bill.
Testimony was given during the
hearing to the effect that Mr.. and
Mrs. John Hay Whitney are consider
ing purchase and development Of the
old Benning race track, and that
about Sl,000,000 would be spent on
the project if the bill passes.
Trade Boon Is Seen.
Supporters of the bill emphasized
that its passage would create employ
ment for labor. stimulate business dur
ing the racing meets each Spring and
Fall, and increase District Govern
ment revenues through the tax on
gate receipts and on the amounts
wagered.
Opponents centered their attack on
the fact that the measure would
legalize gambling and greatly increase
it. They also contended that the
sentiment of the people of the District
is against the measure. The commit
tee apportioned the time between the
two groups. Witnesses in favor of
th~r DILL were presented by Levi H.
David an attorney, while opponents
were introduced by Rev. DR.. William
Sheafe Chase, superintendent of
the International Reform Federation.
Each side was given an opportunity
for rebuttal, during which the speak
ers took issue with and replied to the
arguments of the other.
The statement that the Whitneys
are interested in the possibility of
racing here was made by Harry c.
Weston, who read a telegram he said
he had received from James W. Healy,
trainer for Mr.. and Mrs. Whitney.
The wire stated I'VE expect rAcing
plant at Benning to cost approXi-
mately Sl.000000" Weston said the
telegram was presented because some
doubt had been expressed as to how
much might be spent in establishing
racing here.
Couple Not Track Owners.
Are they owners of the track?",
Senator Copeland inquired.
mo. but they are trying to buy the
property if the bill is satisfactorily
passed" Weston said.
Arthur L. Winn. ir. represent
ing the Washington Federation of
Churches, asked whether any one
other than the Whitneys is consid-
ering spending that much.
w. c. Murphy, an attorney. arose
and said he represented interests
that would spend more than a mil
lion dollars if they can get hold of
the track"
Speaking for the Merchants and
Manufacturers Association. James E.
Collif1ower said his board of gov
ernors approved the bill because it
would bring revenue to the District.
Senator Copeland asked if the Or
eanization concluded it would reduce
illegal betting. The witness said it
would mean more orderly betting and
that money going elsewhere would 60
to the District. Supporters of the bill
estimated the District would receive
$50OC00 a year in taxes and fees.
The views of the Central Labor
Union and other labor groups were
presented by E. j. Roche. Frank ].
Coleman and R. A. Dickson. Roche
said the Central Labor Union rep
resents $4,000 residents. He said labor
is urging the bill chiefly because it
would create employment and give
the District revenue to meet the cost
of new legislation.
Hight Favors Measure.
Frank S. Hight, representing the
Washington Hotel Association, COM
prising 81 hostelries. argued the bill
would stimulate business and bring
more people to Washington. r. j.
Hickman. who lives in the Benning
section. also testified in support of
the bill.
Launching the opposition, George
r Sullivan told the committee the
Federation of Citizens Associations
voted against the bill on two occa-
sions. by a ratio Of five to one. He
said the opposition was not on reli-
eious or business grounds, but on
the fundamental basis that the bill
Is against sound public policy"
I'VE oppose the gambling feature"
said Sullivan. There is no law