view raw text
NEW YORKS GAMBLING BILL ALBANY, N. Y., May 9.— Senator Phelps, Manhattan Democrat, moved today to discharge in the Senate judiciary committee his bill for a popular referendum next fall on the question of removing the gambling, ban from New Yorks constitution. The committee refused to report the measure. Phelps said his measure has nothing to do | with the merits iqf legalized gambling, but only with whether the people should be allowed to express their views on the subject. "Many of you will find that your own districts are heartily in favor of the legalization and regulation of gambling," he said. Phelps said the revenue from legalized gambling is needed. "We know that gambling can be found in any section of this state," he said, "despite the fact that our constitution says it is illegal and while the state stands by with a smug expression, racketeers are getting rich on gambling, as did the bootleggers in prohibition days."