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WEST VIRGINIA MIGHT PROVIDE RACING Legislation Sought for a State Commission and to Legalize Fari-Mutuel Betting. NEW YORK, X. Y., February 3. Word comes from West Virginia that a bill has already been introduced in the legislature, or is to be introduced shortly, legalizing horse racing with mutuel betting and making a penalty of 00 a day for the crime of what is termed bookmaking. From what can be learned there appears to be little opposition to such a bill in West Virginia. In fact, it is said that favorable legislation is sure to pass when the time comes for action. According to report the proposed measure provides for a State Racing Commission and the season- extends, from. -April 1 to December l. the commission to serve for four years, with a remuneration of per day. Efforts have been made before to pass .a bill in West Virginia, but there was always some objection owing to political differences which placed obstacles in its way. Under intelligent government horse racing in West Virginia would be of great benefit to the turf and breeding industries. Race courses would be built in or near the larger cities and meetings of short duration held, which would provide for the cheaper class of horses as well as encourage the local farmers and others to enter breeding. With racing in West Virginia it would be within range of Pittsburgh, as well as introducing the sport to Wheeling, a city with a population large enough to support a meeting of a week or two during the spring and fall months. A .
