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ANOTHER MARYLAND ATTACK ] Propose Amendment to Anti-Betting Bill That Will Kill All Racing. BALTIMORK. Mil.. March IS.— An amendment to the a n I i race track betting bill, which will kill all rai ing in Maryland, except at bona fide agricultural fairs, is being prepared, it is understood, in tiie senate finance committee. It is expected this amendment will be attached to the bill when it is reported lo the senate, probably this week. "nder . lhe amendment, it |a said, it will be made unlawful . to conduct any horse race for a purse, except by a bona fide agricultural fair, and then for a period of not more than five days. Two years ago a similar bill was proposed and defeated. The difference was that the 19J0 measure prohibited racing any horse against another in any contest for speed or endurance. Whether lhe sentiment in the legislature or in the state has changed sufficiently in two years to make possible passage of a hill killing practically all racing is questionable. Opposition to commerctalized gambling is strong in the present general assembly. It area demonstrated in the eetlea of the house in passing by a safe majority lhe anti-race track betting bill. It is re- garded as strong enough in the senate to in-ure passage of the bill prohibiting belting. The temper of the two houses on the proposed amendment, however, has not been determined. The bill as passed by the house was regarded by many as a bookmakers bill. It was claimed the measure would prevent betting under state regulations through the pari-mntuels. hut would not stop betting through handbooks, a condition which exists in other states that have passed similar legislation. This iioint, with loss of revenue now accruing to the state from license fees, was emphasized by opponents of the bill. Those who would eliminate betting were frank in many instances to admit the truth of this claim, but declared that the state had to make a start against gambling and the bill was the means of making this start. The racing fight is expected in the senate this week. It is understood that the amendment would put it up to those who are supporting the measure with the declaration that if those supporters are sincere iu their view and efforts they will get behind the amended measure and put it across. Some members of the legislature are wondering whether the amendment will bring out the nice track men. Race track representatives have been conspicuous by their absence from Annapolis despite the consideration of a measure affecting the track* future. The assertion was made that, rather than injuring the tracks, such legislation would redound to their benefit inasmuch as they would be relieved of the SMi.OOO ii day tax now collected from them by the state and. as in olher states which have banned legalized betting, have interest in racing maintained throughout the operation of hamlbook-makers. -♦
