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i i ; i 1 i i I : • NEW YORKS ANTI-RACING LEGISLATION. New York, March 17. — There is little really new on the anti-racing legislation matter at Albany. The judiciary committee will hold a hearing tomorrow on the Percy-Gray amendment. Today Agnew tried to have his bill amending the penal code made a special order for tomorrow, butfiis attempt was defeated by Senator Grady, who objected on the ground that he must give one days notice in writing. Senator Raines then moved that the senate adjourn and Agnew was shut out. It is not thought that these bills will-be reached this week, as there is a long calendar ahead of them. It is reported from Albany that Senator Cuvilller has four amendments to the bills as they now stand, which he will present. The first amendment will be identical with the McCarren amendment in the senate, making the bills take effect September 1, instead of immediately. The second will provide an alternate penalty of 50 to 00 fine instead of a years imprisonment. The third will give the court discretionary power to suspend judgment, which is denied under the bills. The fourth will affect the Percy-Gray law- solely, providing that where no money is passed, the wager is not a bet in the eyes of the law. Here in New York the racing forces arc ail very quiet but by no means inclined to believe that they are beaten. There seems to be a certainty that they have a majority in the senate, but there are members who are harangued so much by their churches and their friends that it is doubtful whether they can be induced to vote as they feel on the mat- ter. The papers are gradually taking a turn somewhat in favor of racing and a strong effort will be made to pass the amendment making the bill take effect September 1, if nothing better. James R. Keene. it is said, will send ten or a dozen two-year-olds to England at once if the bills are passed. A number of these are entered in the Derby and other big events for 1909. Jockey W. Knapp was denied a license at the meeting of the stewards yesterday. A number of trainers licenses were also laid on the table, among them being Benny Beach, A. W. Claxon, Jack Thorn- by and Charles Hill. Empire City stakes filled well, but manager Winn refused to give anything out as yet. Fred Burlew is back from New Orleans and will take charge of his stable at once.
