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I ILLINOIS RACING BILL TO THIRD READING * Measure, Amended by Local Option Clause, Expected to Be Voted On Favorably Next Week • SPRINGFIELD, 111., May 28.— The Mitchell racing bill, after the adoption of an amendment providing for a county referendum, was advanced to third reading in the House today. It is now believed that the measure will come up for a vote next Tuesday. The amendment introduced by Representative T. J. Grady of Chicago provides that on petition of 10 per cent of the voters of any county the question of establishing horse racing and contests of speed and endurance within the county must be submitted to a vote at the next general state or county election. If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote in the negative, the state racing commission would be prohibited from Issuing licenses for horse racing in that county. It was on March 4 that Representative Benjamin Mitchell of Chicago introduced the racing measure, sponsored by the Illinois Jockey Club, into the lower house. This bill calls for a racing commission of five members, appointed by the governor, and permits the operation of pari-mutuels as the means of speculation. On April 30 the Mitchell measure met the approval of the license and miscellany committee, to which it had been referred when it recommended it for passage by a vote of 14 to 1. Then on May 6 the bill was advanced to second reading on the House calendar. Todays action places the bill in a position for a vote and its backers expect a roll call on the measure next Tuesday. The adoption of the amendment providing for a county referendum is believed by the sponsors of the Mitchell bill to assure its passage in the House. There are said to be quite a number of representatives who are not adverse to voting for such a measure if it was left up to the people of the various counties to decide for themselves whether or not they desired racing with pari-mutuels in operation in their respective communities. The local option feature enjected by means of this amendment, it is said in well informed circles, to have removed much antagonism to the measure. It has been intimated that the bill in its present form may meet with the approval of Governor Small.
