Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1902-02-28
Agricultural Society Meeting.

Mr.. Editor In reference to the call re
Gently issued for a special meeting of tn
members of the Agricultural Society, hav
q suggestion 10 make for consideration b,
the members.
10 the first place am heartily in favor o
a hall mile track. II properly managed
believe il will enlarge the Fair In every de
partment and be of great advantage to thu
breeding aud agricultural interests of thu
county. II will also stimulate the trade o.
Rockville and draw more attention to oul
little town, which is not without its attrac
tons as place OF residence
The Legislature, in its wisdom, has en-
acted law permitting moderate amount
Of racing in the State, and in order to have
satisfactory contests Oi speed without danger
oil injuring the animals 1t is necessary Ia
have a half mile track. The plan upon
which the track is to be built will also in
crease the beauty and attractiveness of the
Fair Grounds and Is as economical As posi-
BILE.
To attain the above objects | was upon
first consideration In favor OF placing a
mortgage upon the grounds for $4,000.
Upon more mature reflection, however,
am doubtful not only OF the possibility OF
securing such loan, but also OF the advisa-
bility of il AS business proposition. Think
q much better plan would be to convert the
association into stock company OF five
hundred shares at $40 share, Tor the fol
lowing reasons:
First, Because there would be no interest
to pay. Certain privileges in the way oil
tickets OF admission could be allowed the
stockholders in place OF interest.
SaOnndlu IN. 10 uUnnlh hA lrpn nj
debt and In case OF failure to make ex
penses for year or two on account OF bad
weather or other causes floating debt could
easily be carried. If the grounds are mort
gagged, 10 case of failure for year, or Two
years at most, there would probably have to
be q sale, as If the premiums and purses
should not be paid any year there would be
little chance OF having another successful
Fair.
Thirdly, BY the distribution of the stock
about the county and In the District body
OF people would be secured who would be
Interested in the success OF the Fair every
year, and by electing directors IRON the
stockholders they would be more likely to
assume their share OF the work Of prepara-
ton, instead OF leaving II all TO lew, MS is
now done
Fourthly, l believe the $40 900 could be
raised in this way aud do not think II can
be secured on mortgage, and l believe with
proper MANAGEMENT sufficient attendance
can be secured from the District aud county
10 make the Fair success on n larger scale.
This plan would not Interfere with the re-
ceipt Of the $500 from the State, though II
il posi- lie aud probable in time the Fair
would be- 80 successful rs To pay iivldends
on the stock, IN which event the $500 would
not be paid 10 the association.
offer this plan not Tor formal consldcra'
ton at this meeting, as that would not be
lawful, but 10 order To secure II possible an
informal expression Of opinion upon which,
II possible, the directors, ii they think pro, er,
could have the Legislature, at this session,
pass bill authorizing such change To be
made, which change could be ratified II II
is found practicable 10 secure the necessary
OF stock at another special
meeting OF the members Oi the association.
II mortgage is secured and sale made un
der ii, it will put the grounds IN tue hands OF
u lew people, and put such damper upon
future efforts as ~ prevent further SUCCESS
iul exhibitions.
The resolution for Il mortgage can be
passed, however, aud an effort made TO Sc
cure the loan, il It is considered desirable,
bu should regret To see the Fair A,socla
ton become overburdened with debt
1t might be we'll to combine both plans,
10 convert the association iuto stock CON
pany and sell two hundred or two hundred
and fifty shares of stock and mortgage the
grounds for the balance.
Very respectfully,
j. ALRY HENDERSON