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DUNNIGAN ANSWERS CRITIC Declares New York Ringmaster, Cavanaugh, Should Be Willing to Give Up Part of Income. ALBANY, N. Y., April 30.— Senator John Dunnigan, Democrat majority leader in the senate and sponsor of the pari-mutuel betting amendment, today made the following statement: "John G. Cavanaugh, ringmaster at New York state race tracks, declared yesterday, according to stories in several newspapers, that it was meddling in a private business he has maintained for forty years. It appears to me that after forty long years Mr. Cavanaugh and any others there may be receiving fees from that source should be willing to relinquish part of their large yearly incomes from bookmakers to the state of New York, as monies are badly needed for the support of government and welfare purposes. It seems to me that Mr. Cavanaugh was meddling in my business when he boasted that my pari-mutuel resolution would not be adopted by the legislature. Today," said Senator Dunnigan, "I wrote the state racing commission the following letter: "It is my understanding that the state racing commission is in favor of pari-mutuel betting at New York state race tracks. I believe that at various times you have stated your reasons for being in favor of that form of betting. "John G. Cavanaugh, well known ringmaster at New York state race tracks, I have been reliably informed, has boasted that the concurrent resolution bearing my name to amend the constitution of this state to permit pari-mutuel betting will not be adopted by the legislature. "Not being a member of the legislature, it seems to me that the racing commission should investigate Mr. Cavanaughs remarks on the subject. I believe that your commission should ascertain whether or not there are others employed at race tracks who are receiving incomes in any way comparable to that which Mr. Cavanaugh has enjoyed for forty years. "I might mention that betting at race tracks in this state is the only big business which is not taxed. "At a time like this, when the legislature is seeking monies for relief purposes with which to feed the needy, I believe that a form of taxes which would in no way be burdensome, should be imposed. Further, it appears to me that those opposing such form of taxation, especially during times like these, do so for purely selfish reasons. "I understand that New York is the only state having racing in which the pari-mutuel form of betting is not in use."
