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! j | SWOPE INTERPRETS OPINION I Believes Attorney Generals Ruling on New York Betting Removes Taint of Criminality. NEW YORK, N. Y., May 7.— Herbert Bayard . Swope, chairman of the New York State Racing Commission, said: "I have read the opinion of the attorney general, and while I have not yet called a meeting of the commission, this is my interpretation: "The attorney generals opinion is in support of racing as now conducted. The opinion definitely robs betting of any taint of criminality without attempting to establish any legitimacy. "Betting is not formally recognized at the tracks. No tokens are exchanged. The wagering that is indulged in is free from any penalty, except that it is subject to civil recovery. The laws of 1934 lifted wagering out of the criminal code. This means, as I see it, that betting is permissible. It certainly no longer is a crime. "I am heartened by the decision, because it supports racing, in that it removes betting ! from the field of even a possible misde- j j meanor. It will remove the sport from the harassment and annoyance of those who i raise their eyebrows at it. Racing exists, not by favor, but by right."
