Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-11-28
Jai A|ai backers
FearRoadbIock
In Legislature

Promoters trying the estab-
lish the Spanish sport of jai
alai in Maryland's Anne Arun-
del County. conceded yesterday
that they face a possible road
block in the attitude of the
General Assembly.
Wilbur r. Dulins Annapolis
attorney and vice president |
of Auditoriums. Inc, which
wants to build a jai-alai arena |
in the Fort Meade area near
the Washington Baltimore ex-
pressway. told press confer
ence here he doesn't believe the
legislature at its 1858 session
legally can prohibit" the game.
Then, he admitted that ham,
pering legislation could be in
PRODUCED and. If sponsored by
Senator Louis N. Phipps of
Anne Arundel County. would
face a good chance of passage. |
Mr.. Dulin, longtime political
foe of Mr.. Phipps, said it would |
be unusual" for the lawmak-
ers to override Mr.. Phipps on a
piece Of so-called local legisla- |
ton.
The So million jai alai project
got started when the county
commissioners issued a license
at a fee of 100000 to Audi
forums. Inc.
Church and civic group OPP
position was followed by the
filing Of two court suits chal-
longing the validity of the
license.
Mr.. Phipps, joining the oppo-
nents, charged that the COM
missioners catered to selfish
interests" in granting the
license.
State Shares in Issue
The issue of State action
arose when the promoters re-
vealed that the license pro-
vided for no State share of the
profits. as in the case of har-
ness and fiat racing in Mary
land.
F. Joseph Donohue, former
District commissioner and pres
ident Of Auditoriums, Inc, said
he would not find fault" with
a State share of net profits If
1t was not 'inordinate.
He disclosed that the plans
call for Anne Arundel county
to take a five per cent bite"
out Of each dollar involved
In the pari-mutuel betting, |
and the promoters, IL per
cent.
The county. he estimated.
would get 100000 to $780,
900 a year from the jai alai OPP
Grafton.
Cites Attraction
Mr.. Donahue, who waxed
lyrical on the spectator attrac-
ton Of the game. said his group
does not want to impose upon
the morals or conscience of the |
people anything they haven't /
indicated they'll accept"
Mr.. Dulin said Anne Arundel
county residents have favored, |
by a I'll vote, legalizing bingo
and slot machines. The coun- /
ty take" from these is $780, /
600 a year. he said. He said |
he would have no objection to
a referendum on jai alai.
The press conference also
heard announcement that one
of the Is stockholders identified /
on Tuesday had withdrawn
from the operation. He is
Milton Elsberg, president of /
the Drug Fair chain. To the
list was added the name of
Melvin Gelman. Montgomery
County real estate developer.
Mr.. Donahue said the group
hoped to attract other inves-
tors. but that no public Offer
ing Of stock would be made.
Against More Gambling
Meanwhile. there were two
other developments on the is
sue in Anne Arundel County.
States Attorney c. Osborne
Duvall joined the list of op-
ponents. declaring that the
county's crime rate, principally
burglary, had gone up because
OF slot machines.
Il am opposed to the intro
duction Of additional gambling
in the county," he said.
Auditorium. Inc, took a full I
page advertisement in the
Annapolis daily paper today
TO ask the question, why all
the Juror about jai alai when
It's common kno@ledge that
wagering is legal in Anne Arun-
del County?"
The advertisement said the
sport would increase the pros I
pective county revenue almost
81 million" a year. 80 per cent
OF which will come from tour
lists from out of the county.
The statement. signed by Mr..
Donahue. asserted ANY infer
ence that the gentlemen asso-
clated in Auditoriums, Inc, are
'racketeers' has absolutely no
basis in fact. and there is not
single shred OF evidence TO
support such statements"