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1 j - " NEW YORK SITUATION IN A MUDDLE. Ambiguity of Recently Enacted Legislation Leaves Status of Racing in Empire State in Doubt. New York. May .ML — Coniineiiting upon the decision of the lacing organizations ol Sew York state to ask Governor Hughes for a delinitiou of the provisions of the recently enacted Aguew Perkins bills. August Belmont, chairman of the Jockey Club, is imotc.1 as follows: "Tiie wording of these bills is so ambiguous that in justice to the racing public and the Jockey Club associations we have asked Governor Hughes for a hearing, with the idea that persecution mav Ik- prevented. As the bills BOW lead, we believe fant then-will he much difficulty experienced In correctly Interpreting their real meaning. If Governor Hughes ■ signs them in their present form the ihror will be ■ pened to a long series of litigations, to which perhaps few persons will be willing to expose themselves. There is lo he an extra session of the Legislature and if we can convince Governor Hnghea that there will be persecution which may result in the killing of racing be may see his way clear lo bring about legislation thai will leave no room for ih.uhl as to the intent and enforcement of the measures. . "Kach track under the jiiiisli.tioii of the Jockey Club is licensed hy the state through the Racing Commission to hold running meetings. That legalizes racing as a sport, yet one of the Agnew Perkins hills would hold track owners and trustees directly responsible for so-called 1 kuiaking- and gambling. Il it is the purpose of these bills to prohibit all betting 011 horse races, we believe the fact should be made clear in these nieasuies so that the lackey Club and the county authorities will know just what is expected. In framing the bills the terius b.ok-ni.iking and gambling1 have been used without specification and if the bills become laws there is bound to he endless persecution which will drive patrons away from the tracks and make it impossible for racing as a sport and industry to survive. "It is extremely ditlicult for me to believe although I have tried to convince myself to theeon-brary, that those who have been pushing these measures are not really trying to slop racing instead of BO-called gambling. That is why we are anxious to have the matter cleared up so that we can proceed accordingly. "As we interpret the law. racing will continue en the Jockey ilul. tracks until September 1. when the proposed new laws go int.. effect. But after that •Lite it is my private opinion that owing to Undoubtful meaning of the measures now awaiting Governor Hughes- signature, it would not he wise l..r anybody lo attempt to race. I cannot apeak, however, except for the Westchester Racing Aaao-eiaiiou." The decision to appeal t.. the governor for a hearing was reached at a conference attended by Mr. Behnonl and Harry K. Knapp. representing the Jockey club. Philip .1. Dwyer of the Brooklyn Jockey ciuh. Richard T. Wilson. Jr.. of the Saratoga ss.i-ciati.-n. a representative of the Coney Island Jockey Club and Joseph S. Anerbech, counsel for the Jockey Club.
