The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1949-02-04
why NOT LEGALIzE BANK R0RRFRY

INSTEAD?
Last week this publication discussed to some apob Tho
economic and political implications the proposed eeazno
Oh pig me gambling To dwell at length this on the
reasons why HB113 should passed would be superuous
other than reiterate firm that the price
homes under-nourished children and growing noticaI Of
fuence of Montanas underword would be terribly high
price pay in return for what little egazation would
bring to our state government
Mote: Nevada Tax Commissioner William G. Galaobar
reports that that state Melted only off types
gambling in 1948 on its cent tax gross wnnings)
This week would like to call your attention another
called revenueraisng measureHB138 This measure
duced by Rep Domkes revenue and taxation
would egalze the operation of lone armed bandits every
saoon drug store cafe etc. provided proper
censes had been paid into the State Equalization
There be doubt the state would gain should
this be enacted For that the
increase its if egalized bank robbng aordng
full protection of the law to all safe they
all pertinent fees secured burglary kits that certain
specified state Standards etc. etc. And when the overall eff
fects of both considered I'm the egazng of
the latter wouldn't be the least harmful the people whole
Bad the implications of HB113 they paed by the
even more sinister implications OF this slot machine proposal
Under the former the taking the cleaners would
be more less restricted places of business who's principal
motive for being in business would be just that In the latter
however, such restrictions would prevail At every
adults and children alike would face face with the
cement to fter away few nckes and dimes in the vain
hope of making money quick. But kids
wouldn't be permitted to play the bandits the law has stiff
penalties for nfracons That sounds good on paperbu
how does it work out in practice?
some indication latter you the ZEN
forcemen currently surrounding egazed punchboards
Of I'm not in position speak about violations of the
punchboard laws the whole but lend
light enforcement it practiced in Heenahe seat
of state have positive proof that at least two
business establishments the east side of townone grocery
the other conectonaryare paying little attention to
the portion of the punchboard law prohibiting the playing OF
the by These both respectable business
for believing them be other than
representative segment of retail merchant fra
ternty.
Should law there to believe that
practice will not be permitted to play the machines
be for business to have stools made
smaller of the small fry reach high enough to
pull (Ths actually happened in Helena just
few years ago.
approving either HB113 HB138 may suggest
legislature give consideration two other proposals.
of these SB61 by Senators Hagh Cd. Fergus) Wor
acted put operation slot machine ocal option basis
in the Sc counties. -
The other HB 4O3 of the 947 session. which will
by Lobe 3D. Lewis Clark while not
ar-reachng SB 6 would approved end the existence
the thoroughly obnoxious nonprofit slot machine social
clubs This would limit eligibility for licenses on
only those fraerna veterans and other charta-
groups been in existence for five and are
a part of national organization
the legislature must face up to the fact that
of such proposals lib 13 and HB 1885, though pur
portedy only result IN the weaken
ing of the economic political and moral fibre OF the stae
that in the long what additional they may bring
TO the state than offset by the cost in broken
homes and the the welfare financial
burden and in enforcement.-Harry L. Billings.