SOMETHING FOR NOTHING

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 127, 25 November 1926, Page 17

SOMETHING FOR NOTHING

(To ifco Editor.) Si r _—i h a vo no intention of participating in the correspondence concerning investments on the "tote" other than the contribution of this one jiote evoked by "Anti-Tote's" trenchant assertion that "it is both immoral and unsportsmanlike to attempt to get something for nothing." So far as backing horses is concerned, it must be admitted that the backer risks his moneywhatever the sum may be—so that he is not exactly attempting to get something for nothing. In this respect he 13 on a par with the speculator in the necessaries and luxuries of life, the dabbler on the stock exchange, and other highly respected citizens. ' My fancy was tickled by "AntiTote's" assertion, because I could not help thinking at once how much we do get for nothing in this world. Most of us have had life thrust upon us— we did not ask for it. The sun, air, wind, rain, all the gracious or destructive elements are ours for nothing. From early childhood we learn to make use of simple and inexpensive devices, such as smiles, kind words, and coaxing looks, in order to acquire a variety of things we desire. The denizens of field, forest, air, and the mystic sea live, move, and have their being, enjoying life, and all it means to them, apparently without giving anything in exchange to one another, and they are exploited by man who, broadly speaking, gives them nothing in exchange that is comparable to the risk taken by the punter making a bet on a racehorse. What is esteemed to be the most precious possession of all, the gift, popularly known as "salvation," is freely offered "without money and without price,' etc. Are we immoral if we attempt to get it? I am sure "Anti-Tote," and very many others who think with him, could flatten me out to their complete satisfaction and triumphantly demonstrate the essential immorality of gambling. But maybe some other of your readers will find a mild and innocent pleasure in reflecting on how much of "something for nothing" is wrapped up in this interesting universe of ours.—l am, j etc., NOBODY MUCH.

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