[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—Sir Leo Chiozza Money,
in his admirable article, does not offer much hope of our not becoming a " nation of bettors." But there is a remedy, too drastic for the Govern- ment, no doubt. Suppress or muzzle the " betting Press " and the " mugs " and others will be deprived of their greatest help and inspiration. All day long the country is flooded with editions of the racing Press. The young City clerk is taught to bet in hiS lunch hour, the foolish wife is encouraged to stake the housekeeping money on a horse, while flaring placards announce the " Colonel's Double " at Kempton, or the " Tippler's Final " at Bath.
The " evening " papers, which are published shortly after breakfast, make little or no pretence of giving any general news, but offer a profusion of betting tips, and mass of racing literature, embellished with the endless hackneyed phrases such as—" Whatever beats Pepperpot will win," or " I will row in with Lord Snook's smart youngster for the 3.45." The racing literature continues in the Sunday papers, which devote pages to the following week's programme, and suggest systems and other methods of losing money. And so there is no rest, except on the rare occasions when there is no racing.
--I am, Sir, &c., GORDON DUFF. 29 Vernon Terrace, Brighton.
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