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FARMERS SEEK RACING AID Maryland Agricultural Fairs Stoutly Support 0,000 Daily Tax Measure. BALTIMORE. M4., February Tt. — liaaatltftw of the Maryland AsswieatSM of Agricultural Fairs. Incorporated, last week urged the senate committer on finance to pass the proposed amendment to the Bark* racing bill, which will change the fees to be paid by mile race tracks from 88J888 a day and 18 per cent of the net profits to a straight license fee of 0,000 a day. This, it has been calculated, would increase the total amount paid yearly by the race tracks by about 15,000. and the amendment provides tint £100.000 of this increase shall be divided equally among the twelve county fairs represented in the associations. It was explained thai none of this money could be used in paying dividends. Members of the committee added spice to the hearing hy constant efforts to get speakers representing the fairs to say whether they thought pub lie sentiment would justify the senators to vote to retain legalized race track Lotting, even if ngrii-.il lure should be benefited. Most of the speakers sidestepped the question, saving that was a matter for the senators to determine for themselves, that what was under consideration was giving them I slice of the proceeds if racing were permitted to continue, as they believed it would be. The general tenor of the speakers was that the agricultural fairs are struggling and need money to pay higher premiums, whieh would greatly stim iila te agricultuie. Special stress was laid on the eneouragement of boys and girls clubs. It was pointed out that ■ bill for a direct appropriation for lairs was passed two years ago, but that Governor Ritchie felt compelled to veto it because it did not provide for raising the revenue. It was assorted that the bill was uot sponsored by any racing association.
