The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1884-08-02
PostpOuement Of The Races.

The races which have been extensively ad-
vertised come off at the Butte course, to COM
mence the Goth Of next month, have been In
definitely postponed. Among the reasons A.
signed for the postponement is the unwilling
ness of the owner of the track to assume all the
pecuniary responsibility of put ing the grand
stand IN order to accomm odate visitors aud to
erect the necessary stable room for the large
number of horses which was expected at the
meeting The proprietor had been notified by
owners of tro.ting and rnnning ttock In Utah,
Wyoming, Washington Territory, Oregon aud
throughout Montana Of their intention to be
present with their flyers. These comprised the
best horses in the West: Looking over the situ-
alton the proprietor Of the grounds came to the
conclusion that he could u0t, in justice to him.
self, assume all the risks incurred In preparing
the grounds and hang ng up the purses to be
competed for.
This is to be regretted. The meeting prom
ised to be the largest and most interesting one
that has ever taken place in Butte. The best
and fastest flyers in this and contiguous Terri
tories would have been upon the grounds ac-
companed by crowds Of men from every sec
ton with money to invest in the pool box and
on the races. The meeting would have thrown
thousands upon thousands Of dollars in clrcnla'
ton in Butte filed its hotels and restaurants to
overaowng, for a season at leas', and made the
times lively in every branch of business. This,
however il the harrow view to be taken OF the
damaging result Of the postponement. The
man of broader views will regret it on account
of the opportunity lost to Montana horsemen to
h do nd fn
pare them with those reared in other sections
of the west.
It is Justly claimed that Montana is the true
home of the horse. Its elevation, its pure, brac-
ing atmosphere and its strengthening grasses
are the essentials which make it the favored
breeding ground for thoroughOreds, the famous
bl Ie grass region of Kentucky not excepted.
But without race tracks, without race meet
ings, without racing associations, breeders OF
thnrouehbreds may go on and raise world
beaters without knowing it. They are simply
lighting costly lamps and hiding their light
under bushel. They would find no sales for
their animals, the business would become un-
profitable and would finally be abandoned.
Hence it may be seen that race meetings are
mutually profitable 10 the stock owners and to
the places in which the meetings are held.
For these reasons alone the epostpouement ofthe
races Is to be regretted. But no blame can
attach to the prophet Of the grounds From
a business point of view no one single.handed
would be justified in assuming all the risks Of
carrying out a liberal programme of races in
Butte. Two or three days Of had weather
might render the enterprise losing one which
a single individual ought not to be called upon
to sustain, while the same loss borne by
corporation composed of fifteen or twenty solid
citizens would scarcely be felt 1t is hoped.
however, that by next season the grounds will
pass under corporate control, new and COM
modious buildings be erected and such other
be made upon them as will make
the Butte race course the favorite reeort Of west
ern horsemen and the central point In the
Montana circuit.