Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-09
SPORTING MATTERS,
Fred Parke Explains the EX-
position Track Affairs.
A MISLEADING CHARTER,
Annual Meeting of the Local Base
ball Club.
GROUND SECURED FOR 8 YEARS.
Something Definite About Harry Smith,
the New York Runner.
GROUND SECURED FOR 8 YEARS.
GENERAL SPORTING NEWS OF THE DAY

There has really been so much written
and expressed recently about the local race
tracks that a reminder to the effect that
both tracks are still in the same place as
heretofore may be pleasing to sporting
people. At any rate q plain statement as
to how matters stand will be of interest TO
all local patrons of horse racing and the
local tracks.
The public was told on Saturday that f.
A. Parke had mysteriously disappeared to
Philadelphia with the object OF handing
over a document called 'the charter of the
State Fair Association" Mr.. Parke was
in the CITY yesterday, and during a long con-
versation with the writer he said:
u am not responsible for where newspapers
place me. Ihave not been at Philadelphia this
trip, but | have been at Chicago on business
regarding myself. l want this understood, be-
cause the public, without a correct under
standing of the matter, may think that some
gigantic scheme is going on TO swindle some
body.
THAT PHILADELPHIA MEETING.
81 have been in Chicago and not in Philadel-
phia, but 1 am interested in a meeting to be
held in Philadelphia regarding the Tri-State
Fair Association. OF course THE DISPATCH,
along time ago, published the fact that an
effort was being made by some people to Sc
cure the charter of the Fair Association. Sew
eral parties were after it, and we have offers
for it vet: that is. we can sell the charter and
its right to any new company. / have the
charter and l can dispose of it to anybody.
We are making no great effort TO part with it,
nor are we burdened with applications. want
to have it applied to Exposition park. lam
not inclined to interest myself in horse-racing,
but only want a portion Of the park TO utilize
for theatrical and variety performances. Now
I state that everything is covered, so that
the public need not be mlsled any more IN the
matter
Mr.. Parke was definitely asked about the
provisions of the charter. One question was:
Does the charter clearly permit poolsell-
ing
way. As far as l know the charter provides TOR
trials of speed among horses. Not a word is
said about poOlselling, bookmaking or any
other form Of betting. We think that by infer
ence the tracks will be allowed poolselling. but
I admit that there is nothing stated directly IN
the charter which means this.
THE CHARTER RATHER sHAKY.
The matter may stand an argument in court,
but the charters strongest term is that provid-
ing for trials of speed Nothing is said about
betting.
"sWeIl, l am disposed to allow the charter to
20 to the Exposition Park Association, provid-
ing I can secure an interest in the venture. l
only am concerned in the amusement part of it,
sand nothing like racing every day. l really
don't know what will be done. l suppose we
must wait until we see what the Legislature
will do with the amendment TO the pOOlselling
law. When that point is settled our position
will soon be determined"
Without doubt part of Mr.. Parkes state
menu is of the greatest Importance to horse
racing patrons. He states that the charter, con-
corning which there has been so much talk. is
devoid Of any direct provision IN favor OF bet
ting or pOolselling. Mr.. Parke has never come
out so plain and. strong before, and 1t may,
therefore. be taken for granted that the only
hope for the local tracks is the amendment to
the pooisellinC law. 1t further knocks on the
head all these wild stories about the charter
being able to provide races every day.
Mr.. Parke stated last evening that he Will
have a conversation with the Secretary of EX-
position park on the matters to-day. II the
Fair Association charter is what Mr.. Parke
now saws it is, it is not likely that any move
may be made to purchase it. The truth is, it
seems TO be useless. A gentleman connected
with one of the local tracks yesterday after
noon said:
II am certain that nothing but a new law will
permit poolselling on our race tracks. The Fair
Association charter is useless. and when it is
examined my statement will be proven correct.
Of course We and the HomewOOd track officials
are all eager to have race meetings this year.
If there is no legal poolselling there will be no
races