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GOVERNOR COXS MESSAGE. Governor John I. Cox. who in ids ateasage to the Tennessee legislatare Wednesday asked that body to create a law that will forever prevent betting on herse racing in that state, is to be succeeded on Wednesday next by Mr. Patterson, who for the coming two years will be the chief executive officer in Tennessee. Mr. Patterson is regarded in Tonnes-,, o as a friend to nsctng and it is said of him that he entertains no Puritanical notions about betting !t is not lielieved by those who know him best thai nt would place his signature to so radical a measure ns that introduced by Senator Faust, should the legislature pass it. unless it lie passed by tin overw.ic!. cling vote, which is not likely. Governor Cox. however, has left no doubt as to his attitude on the question of lietting. As a senator lie did much to pass the law that was knocked out ley the courts, and this is what lie bad to say in his message: "The last legislature passed a law prohibiting gaasbllng on race courses in Tennessee. This act was declared nnconstitotlonal by our courts cm account of defects in the draft and form of the bill. The objections to the act, as found by the court, were purely on the ground that the form of the ,i!| did not conform to the fundamental constitutional requirements. This objection can be easily overcome by a bill properly drawn. "Racehorse gambling is regarded a- one of the nicest pernicious and dangerous s| ecios of gambling known to modern times. To me it is alarming, appalling, that at this day the Christian people of this state pernUt to remain on their statute books a law authorising, making legal and recognising this ruinOUS species of immorality . Why should a racehorse gambler ! c favored by our lawmakers and s crap shooter be sent to the penitentiary? I therefore recommend that you enact a law forever prohibiting racehorse gambling in Tennessee.
