view raw text
1* i | .* tl I ] * i ] ] j ■ I 1 i J [ i ] ■ j " Selfish and Un-American AN EDITORIAL . _J The recent action of the Maine state legislature prohibiting night running races is one of the most selfish and un-American in the sports annals of this country. The vote was the result of the open and brazen influence of the harness racing interests. This is in direct contrast to the tolerant atti-; tude~ that has been displayed by thoroughbred race track owners in states where night harness racing has made tremendous progress under privileged tax set-ups. If the governor of Maine should unwisely permit the new statute to become law, it might ignite the fuse of retaliation against night harness racing which now enjoys such a privi leged position in many states. It is a known and obvious fact that the prohibition of thoroughbred racing at night would sound the death knell of the sport in the state of Maine. Though day racing is preferable in the large centers, night racing is the only hope for the sport in the state of Maine. Gov. Frederick Payne should veto this un-American action without hesitation and at the same time castigate the legislature which permits itself to be subjected to such selfish influence.