New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-05-06
SPORTS IN THE OPEN AIR.

The reason for outdoor amusements IN this
mart OF the country is now well under way. This
will not be q year Of the startling and the SEN
sationnl to the extent that las characterized some
former seasons There will be no great inter-
national yacha race, no competition by Trans
atlantic teams on the rifle ranges, no match WIN
English boat crews, and the patriotic spirit VIII
have TO expend itself chiefly on local rivalries.
But although the famous Americas Cup will not
be contested for, there will BIO no lack OF spirit
in Yachting. The still unsettled battle between
keel and centre board will be fought anew. The
splendid sloops that National pride has Tut upon
the water in recent years to meet the crack English
boats will take part in regattas, and yachtsmen
will be busy even if the general public is not to
have dts blood stirred by the spectacle or the ue-
feat Of u Genesta o Galatea or Thistle in New
York IIarbor Yachting, enormously expensive
as il IS and serious as its demands are upon owners
and clubs, does not lose ground. In fact, 1t Is
Gaining year by year. More boats and better
ones are put in commission. This is consplcuously
true Just at present OF stcam-yachting In sailing
vessels there will not be great number OF nov
elites this summer, but new steam yachts ore
coming out and contests Of uncommon Importance
will occur between these.
Rife shooting except means Of practice
for military organizations is under cloud. The
popularity of Creedm0or has waned. skill IN
Workmanship, which at one time so won public
favor that q wel-llnown New-YorS Judge gained
his position on the bench through his ability TO
send O rife ball straight home to the bullseye,
is little talked about among people generally.
This is unfortunate for rifle shooting exemplihed
in its best and highest development by the cham
pion teams which America got together In former
years, is u wholesome, sanitary sport with many
excellent features.
In the use Of the bicycle, in canoeing, in lawn
tennis, lacrosse cricket, and other forms Of amuse
ment q more extended interest seems to be taken
ench year The number of clubs for the pursuit
Of these diversions is rapidly increasing, and
the membership Of the older organizations expands
steadily These forms of entertainment give much
qualification to host of people and are generally
free from the extreme excitement which attends
racing AMI the characteristic sport of baseball.
Trotting in America has not taken any gigantic
strides since Maud SIS famous record was made.
| Many of the trottng tracks have been cursed
| with serious scandals Swindlng in stopping
fast trotters laying up heats and other forms
| Of fleeing the public have been practised with
| freedom. or course there are many honorable
| and upright owners Of fast trotters, but not q
few of these in recent years have become thor
oughy disguised with the loose management and
loose ways VI lFOlJlnx Trucks ana 90 not nes-
| tate TO denounce the great majority Of trotting
| trainers and drivers as ENTHUSIASTICALLY and dis
honest. The number Of fast trotters bred in this
| country is far greater than ever before, but o
| larger proportion each year is used simply for
private driving, without regard to purses or
| pools.
| But while the popularity Of trotting contests
has diminished, thoroughbred racing, on the other
hand. has gone forward at a tremendous rate
From May 10 TO October Is. the regular season in
and near this metropolis, there viii be this year
an almost unbroxen series of races Sundays
will give practically the only leisure for the men
interested in the turf. Stakes have been az
ranged which exceed In value even the richest
OF those decided In England and France. Every
temptation is held out for the breeding and racing
Of thoroughbreds OF the best strains, and yet at
the sales OF yearlings this spring in the South
west there has been notable falling off. and
| there are rumors all sides OF prominent turf
men retiring from the arena. This state Of things
is due simply to the shameful neglect OF our
| Jockey clubs 10 suppress or check dishonest prac-
tees. Fraud OF the most fragrant sort went on
without impcdiment last year. Tho public is get
ting suspicious OF thoroughbred racing, il has
| long been of trotting. and our jockey clubs must
! take note Of this and act accordingly. So long