The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-23
DEMORALIZING.

Brooklyn Union.

Brooklyn Union.
A reporter was at the Brighton Beach track
recently, and us he sat near the entrance. he
ticed at least two thirds of those who came in
were women unaccompaned by gentlemen.
They of all ages. from the blooming maiden
OF sixteen, to the gray haired woman of I'M
mentionable age. There was blaSe appearance
about the most of them, that induced reflection
and led to observation Many of them, before
entering the stand. spent some time in the re-
freshment room, where they drank beer and
were handsomely dressed, while others were
poorly attired. All were feverish and excited,
and talked horse in a way that would have
aroused the admiration of stable boy
All of that reserve and modesty that is becom-
ing In women was swept away and 1t was really
distressing to one of fine sensibihties to see the
deteriorating effect the racing had on them.
One woman of small stature and evidently
possessed of limited means. fitted nervously
about now talking to jockey and now to
another, and then to some regular attendant at
the track getting points and discussing the
merits of the horses. "Oh," she said to woman
who was sitting near her, 'if could only get
one winner to-day that paid large | would be-
happy. All | want is one" On another corner
two well-dressed women We're talking to a
homely negro, whose particular forte is hurdle
racing. You sure she saying, that
this horse will win in this race, and this one in
the neXt?"
Sure as gospel" was the reply
Another group consisted of well dressed
women and coored woman. The latter had
been to Monmouth Park and had lost, and she
was saying: Use come heah to win" One of
the white women suggested making up purse
with her for luck. She consented, and they
made up purse, a striking illustration of the
fact that horse racing, as well as politics, makes
strange bed fellows
In one corner of the grand-stand sat woman
who was betting heavily. She was as nervous
as person with ST. Vitus' dance When she
lost her face was a painful 81 to witness, and
when she won she was like school girl in her
gee.
''There is no use talking, said an old and we'll
known attendant at the race tracks. 81 have
watched 1t for long time, and | tell you the
racetrack is thousand times worse for women
than for men. / have known respectable mar
knew nothing about 1t, and in a short time
become moral wrecks. 1t is a fearfully de-
grading sport for women. They cannot stand
it. 1t is all right for man to take his wife once
in a while to respectable track. but when he
lets her bet on the race he is leading her into a
path which will end in his disgrace"
YES" said another, cit is easily brought
about A woman comes here alone. She bets
her money on horse and loses. She does not
know what to do. Some fellow gives her money
and helps her out. He meets her the next time
she comes and gives her points. After that he
becomes a hero in her eyes, and then begins
what ends in the old story of disgrace. A track
is not a fit place for a woman to attend alone,
stone about her neck that browns her. l am
not mOralist and bet as much on races as the
average man. but | would rather see my wife
dead than to have here mixing with the crowd
and betting money when carried away by ex-
element"