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PRESIDENT MINTOFS REPLY. TELLS GOVERNOR UTTER THERE IS NO ALLIANCE WITH BETTING RING. Says Providence Track Will Be Closed Rather Than Recognize the Bookmakers Expresses Desire for Favorable Legislation. New York, January 22. Governor Utter of Rhode Ifland is out with a statement that he will not permit bookmaklng or poolselling at the Providence track this year; that he allowed the practice to go on last season because he was not wholly familiar with the nature of speculation on horse races. In response Maurice M. Mlnton, president of the Narra-gansett Breeders Association, made reply Saturday to the Governor which goes on to say that the Governors action is perfectly fair and commendable. If the law has been really violated in the past. Mlnton also states that the association did not permit bookmaklng or poolselling last year, but simply "provided an opportunity to see fields of thoroughbreds, well matched, cleverly ridden, under the most exacting rules, In fine contests of speed and endurance, the like of which had never before been witnessed In New England." Furthermore, Mlnton dt-clares that if some of those who witnessed these contests made a practice of "backing their opinions" -with wagers, it was equally true that as many mere did not. After- at tempting-to. show the benefits resulting from the Providence meeting, Mlnton concludes his statement with a desire for legislation favorable to racing, but declares that before the Narragansett Association enters into any alliance with the bookmaklng element it will close up the track. In other words, the track assumes the same position as those operating under the Jockey Club in this state complete Independence and no relations, direct or indirect, with the betting ring, where wagers are made on the result of a race be- , tween individuals.
