Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 170, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 July 1913 — CREDIT GAMBLING AT THE RACE TRACK [ARTICLE]

CREDIT GAMBLING AT THE RACE TRACK

Governor Will Probably Send Militia When Next Effort is Made to Conduct Races. Governor Ralston announced Thursday that companies of the Indiana national guard probably will be sent to Mineral Springs to prevent the opening of a second race meet scheduled to begin August 21st, in case h.e becomes convinced tbait the promoters of this track are cognizant that gambling is now going on at the track by means of “an underground system.” Burt New, legal clerk to the governor, had been at the Porter track and in surrounding cities for three days, and on his return immediately made his report to the governor. He said Chicago gamblers were using the Porter race track foj gambling purposes to practically its fulest advantage on what is known as the “credit system.” No open gambling is evident at the track. Mr. New said Chicago gamblers place their bets in Chicago and then journey to the track and cash their bets on their return to Chicago following the races. Governor Ralston said he did not see how calling out the national guard at this late day would he of benefit to the state. The present meet is scheduled to close Saturday. Militfa companies could not be mobilized at the track before Friday night. This would cause an enormous outlay of money to stop the gambling for one day. The governor said he would inv&fcigate the conditions of the present meet thoroughly during the interim between the two meets.