Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-09-05

THE DEGRADING EFFECT OF VISITS
SOME SCENES AT BRIGHTON BEACH.
From the Brooklyn Union.
TwO-thirds OF those who came in to the Brigh-
ton Beach track the other day were women I'M
accompanied by gentlemen. They were of all
ages, from the blooming maiden of sixteen to
the gray-haired woman of unmentionable age.
There was a base appearance about the most of
them that induced reflection and led to Obser-
walton. Many of them before entering the
stand spent some time in the refreshment ROOM
where they drank beer and talked with Jockeys
getting tips. Many of them were handsomely
dressed. while others were poorly attired. All
were feverish and excited, and talked horses in
a way that would have aroused the admiration
of a stable boy.
One woman of small stature. and evidently
possessed OF limited means. fitted nervously
another, and then TO some regular attendant at
the track, getting points and discussing the
merits of the horses. Oh she said to a wom-
an who was sitting near her, elf could only
get one winner to-day that paid large, would
be happy. All want is one" On another cor
ner two well-dresscd women were talking to a
homely negro, whose particular forte is hurdle
racing. ''Iou are sure" she was saying, "that
this horse will win in this race, and this one in
''Sure as Gospel" was the reply.
Another group consisted Of well-dressed
women and "a colored woman. The latter had
been To Monmouth park and had lost. and she
was saying: use come heah to wn." 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 Que corner of the grand stand sat a woman
who was betting heavily. She was nerv Gus
as person with st. Vitus dance. When she
lost her face was painful sight to witness, and
when she won she was like school girl.
There Is no use talking" said an old and
welLknown attendant at the race tracks IL
have watched it for II long time, and / tell you
the race track Is u thousand times worse for
women than for men. / have known respect
able married women to come here when their
husbands knew nothing about ii, and in a short
time become moral wrecks 1t Is o fearfully
Degrading sport for women. They cannot stand
1t. 1t Is all right for u man to take his wife once
In while TO respectable track but when he
lets her bet on the race he Is leading hen into
path which will end In his Disgrace
Yes" said another. ut Is easily brought
about. Awoman 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 tit place for q woman to attend alone
| and when she begins to bet she hangs the inst
stone about her neck that browns her am
not u mOraist, and bet as much on races as the
| average man, but would rather see nv wife
| dead than 10 have her here mixing with the
| crowd and betting money when carried away
by excitement"