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LITTLE HOPE FROM LEGISLATORS. Express Opposition at Albany to Pari-Mutuel Incorporation — Measure Would Be Unpopular. Albany. N. Y.. January 27. — Governor Whitman since he took office has pursued a liberal policy with relation to the race tracks, but Governor Whitman would scarcely be- a factor, should a plan be set on foot to have the legislature pass on the the proposal advanced by the Racing Commission. Constitutional amendments do not come be -fore governors for the exercise of their veto power; they are- ratified or rejected by the voters themselv s. It would be left for some successor of Mr. Whitman to act on any legislative measures that might be passe-el. once the fundamental law had been amende el so as to render su.li legislation practicable. Whitman Not Expected to Act. Of course, iovernor Whitman might recommend to the legislature that the constitution be- amended to pave the way for tin- pari-mutuel, but it may be stateel on the highest authority that he will not assume that responsibility. Senate leader Illon R. Rrown said tonight that he- was not even aware that the Racing Commission had rec-omineiieled pari-mutuel betting. Brown was asked what in his opinion would be the fate- of tiny me-asure based on their recommendation that might come- before the legislature. "In the ahaence of any sin h measure I would not even attempt to answer this c|iiestion." was his reply. "I would have- to know how the plan had been worked out. I do not know what my own attitude would be cm such a measure, and I certainly do not knew what the legislature would do with regard to it." "I we aid grossly misrepresent my constituents should I vote in favor of any such proposal." said senator Charles W. Wicks of Oneida county. "The people- in my district are strongly against racetrack gambling." Senator Charles Frederick Murphy of Kings, said: "I imagine any proposal to legalize pari-mutuel betting in this state would be extremely unpopular with the prevent legislature. I do not think there will be any changes in that direction adopted at this session." Ex-speaker Bush Opposed. Former speaker Robe-rt 1. Rush, of the assembly, had this to say: "I am absolutely oppos-d to giving c institutional sanction to gambling in any form, and pari-mutuel betting is a form of gambling. True, gambling is going on at the race tracks in this state now. but it is carried on in violation of the law. and the offender, if caught at it. can be sent to jail. It is better to have it that way." Among the few member* s f the legislature- who remained at the capital tonight, the great majority declined to express an opinion in advance of the introduction of a measure embodying the pro pi led plan. The argument advanced by the racing commission that without flourishing race tracks the horse- breeding industry would experience- a disastrous decline, is familiar since the days of 1888, when the Hughes anti-race track gambling bills were before the legislature. It did not prevent their passage then, and it is not to lie expected that it will prove more effective as a idea this year. The only way in which the plan of the- racing commission might be made to appeal to the- legislative- leaders here would be by giving practical demonstration that pari -materia can be us. el as a means to swell the public revenues and bring funds that never were more urgently needed than now into the well-nigh empty coil lis of the state.
