Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1937-08-16


the District under the parimutuel
system, subject of controversy in Con-
gress for several years. was taken up
again today with the opening Of new
hearings before a Senate subcommit-
tee
Expressing confidence that senti-
ment here is against the measure,
Senator Capper, Republican. of Kan
sas took the lead in opposition. Spokes-
men for labor organizations and
representative of Walter E. OHara,
who operates the Narragansett track
in Rhode Island were the chief sup
porters of the bill.
After Capper suggested that few
persons knew of today's meeting
which was announced Saturday, Sena-
tor Reynolds. Democrat of North
Carolina. chairman, said the hearings
would be continued and an oppor-
tunity given all who want to be heard
for or against.
Those who testified today included
w. c. Murphy and Frank J. Coleman
Of the Central Labor Union: Walter
H. Kilbourne, representing O'Hara. and
j. W. Williams of the Building Trades
Department IF the American Fedora
ton of Labor.
Murphy placed in the Record
list of other organiza tons he said
have Endorsed the bill, including the
District Federation of Business Men
and several citizens associations.
Cites Opponents of Bill.
Senator Capper also placed in the
Record the names of list of civic
bodies that have opposed the bill on
previous occasions, including citizens
associations, home and school associa-
lions and the District Congress OF
Parent Tea cher Associations.
With Congress striving to adjourn
within a week of 10 days, there ap-
peared to be no prospect for action
on the measure at this session. Capper
said he would not consent to re-
port on the bill until after full
hearing
At the outset Capper pointed out
that supporters of the bill have not
been able to obtain House action at
this session. The House District Com
mittee recalled the bill after having
favora bly, reported it early in the
session. Murphy said he understood
this was caused by "a wrangle of
New England interests over the bill"
Murphy, after pointing out the
House passed the bill in previous
Congress, contended the feeling now
is that it is time for the Senate to
act
That is just an excuse" Senator
Capper replied They know that if
they are for the bill the best thing
they could do would be to pass it
again
O'Hara "StilI Interested"
Coleman. after placing the Central
Labor Union on record for the bill.
read telegram he received yesterday
from O'Hara in response to query
as to whether the Narragansett oper-
ator is still interested in opening a
track here. OHara replied. in part:
Am still interested in D. c. race
bill provided citizens of Washington
want it and Congress sees fit to pass
same"
When other witnesses estimated be-
tween 100000 and 81 500, 900 would
be invested in construction of a track
here if the bill passed, Chairman Rey-
noldS asked what assurance there is
that any one would venture that
amount if there are four major tracks
in Maryland
Coleman referred to the telegram,
in which O'Hara indicated he was still
interested in building track here.
When Senator Capper and spokes-
men for the labor organizations dis
agreed as to whether the weight of
public sentiment is for or against the
measure, Reynolds suggested that pas
sage OF his bill to allow the holding
Of referenda on public questions here
would be useful in determining an
issue Of this kind. The referendum bill
was introduced about 10 days ago.
Capper Expresses View.
Il find sentiment Overwhelmingly
against the bill if it is going to permit
gambling on races" Capper declared.
Senator Reynolds raised a question
as to whether it Is gambling to bet on
a race horse. He answered his own
question by suggesting it is a matter
Of skill in selection.
Capper wanted to know why races
could not be staged without the
gambling feature, pointing out that
at State fairs in Kansas races are part
of the program, without wagering.
Murphy contended that under the
pari-mutuel system the public joins
mutually in pool. thereby setting
the odds themselves. He argued 1t is
! different from the handbook DAYS