The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1872-09-12
The Rucc Course.

eSAAP tkkkli SEPT - ict-.
Editors Democratic Statesman.
Many of those old soldiers who, ia days Of
yore, aroused b the tocsin of war, bivouaeed
on that broad PLATEAU thes known as Camp
Terry, and were there initiated into the mys-
teries of a long and d eadly strife, viii hardly
recognizs in what is bow known "a the Gem
trail Race Course, that historic spot around
which, to them, cluster so many hallowed
associations connected with the past. Many
fond "reminiscences will crowd upon the
memory Of those who will be present at the
races during this and the coming week. But
obi many bitter pang will find its way to
with the past; the recollection of gallant
spirits, Of noble forms who stood 10 the pride
of manhood then, but now sleep beneath the
sods of the valley where neither the roll of
the drum nor the bugle's sound can arouse
them to deeds of glory again, can never be
entirely effaced By time. But what mighty
changes have been wrought 10 a few years.
War 20 longer deTsststes our land, aud We
once again resume our peaceful ovocaIiOns.
Instead of tented fields where the art of war
alone is taught, We are invited to meet with
cordial feelings and enjoy pleasant oeca-
sion, and at the same time contribute to that
which will enurs to the benefit ard prosperity
of our country.
The splendid race track, the numerous
buildings that deck the grounds, and the
many improvements visible on every hand,
indicate that the ravages of war are fast be-
ing wi. ed out, and soon our State will vie
with the older ones, not merely in the quality
of the soil and the productions, but also il
the character of fine blooded stock, which
will soon supercede the Mustang and Span
ish ponies that have so long overran the
country. But TO return to Camp Terry.
1t will be happy reunion for the battle
SCARED veterans to meet on this occasion
their old comrades, and amid The pleasure
| and excitement Of other scenes talk over by
| gone d1ys, to renew old friendship aud
/ pledge Tith one another warmer and heart
Ter fraternsl FEELING for the future. We hope
to see large number in attendance.
The hundreds of springs, from which gush
forth pure, cool and crystal water, to Le
found on the Costley farm, aud the Colorado
river flowing at the edge of beautiful, Gle
waited plateau, brings it largely into con-
sheraton as the proper place to locate the
Travis county fair grounds The directors
would do we'll to examine it.
AS the time draws nigh when the confess
tants in the various grand races are to test
their speed over the Central course, we obs
serve an increased interest manifested among
our turfmen as to which ones will bear of
the prizes. Each animal has plenty OF friends
all of whom seem to be confident of the sue.
cess OF their favoriie. Besides the regular
entries for purses on different days, the match
races being between horses of acknowledged
speed engage no little attention. On the
first day, Thursday, the grand match race
will be between Rabbi and Nellie R., two
animals whose names stand high on the turi
register for pedigree beauty and speed, a SIM
gle dash ola mile for purse Of $4,000 coin
NJ. Askey and Fulshear, their respective owns
Qrs, are veterans of the turf aud eacl
seems confident OF victory. Ga the second
day another match race comes off between
Roach, entered by Jas. N. Brown, and Cub
entered by J. H.Martin, for $1,000 coin; and OF
the Monday following one between Jacl
Walker, entered by o. Fulshear, and Ella
, Harper, entered by q. Askey, mile heats for
5000 coin. There are various other matche;
, made up which will be of interest. As the
! track is in admirable condition, Ct a spring
= nature not easily affected by rain or drout
and accurate in measurement it is confidently
Z expected that the best time will be shown
ever before made in Texas, the friends ofeacl
l horse do not seem loath to back their judg-
ment and appear to have plenty Of The filth.
lucre to test the matter. r.