New-York tribune., 1904-10-09

who slept in the barrooms on cots. and visitors
who slept not at all.
To this great throng was added another as
large which journeyed to the racecOurse by
special trains. leaving this city at unearthly
periods in the small hours. Across the Thirty
fourth-st. ferry travelled hundreds OF big tour
ing cars. their occupants swathed in furs and
oyercoats. over the sandy Long Island roads.
long before daybreak automobiles OF every size
and complexion travelled. snOrting. contemptu-
ously hinging the pebbles out the mere pedes-
trians who trudged sturdily along toward West
bury.
II was heyday for whatever farmer had any
kind OF travelling conveyance for hire Horses
years beyond the pension limit drew vehicles
equally antiquated filled to the utmost with
automobile enthusiasts. from the railroad sta
items to the starting point. Disputing the roads
with them were everywhere the lordly auto
mobiles, their humble cousins the motorcycles,
and the pIebeian bicycles. Smart traps there
were. with their smart occupants, the women
burying their pink cheeks IN heavy furs-
Long before daybreak the starting point at
Westbury was the focus Of activity. Toward 1t
gravitated all the visitors. The roads for
couple of miles in each direction were choked
with automobiles and carriages. Huge touring
cars grumbled in deep bass. side by side with
little electric runabouts From them all
dsgorged those who had hastened 10 the grand
stand or previously selected vantage poInts
along the road
Gradually the great bare grandstand began TO
fill Dainty women In winter furs. their escorts
wearing heavy overcoats ard fur gloves. came
from the cars along the roadway. Later arrl-
walls hurried into places. intent on seeing the
departure Of the very first machine Down
on the track long. lean racing cars. gaunt steel
frameworks of almost sinister aspect quivered
and snorted. their drivers, beyond recognition
in their greatcoats. caps and dust glasses bend
ling over them with affectionate regard, care
fully inspecting every part of the mechanism
from which they expected so much in the race.
over in the judges stand telephone bells
jingled. bringing reports from special agents at
every part OF the track. a little knot of judges
and track o.-- ais gathered In momentary con-
ferences. dissolved that its members might
visit entrants. foregather with perturbed driv-
ers. hustled obstructing sightseers off the track
and picked up the thousand and one loose ends
Of the moments Immediately before the start
Of the great race.
William X Vanderbilt, jr In his automobile
cap and great fur coat, seemed to be every
where. Long before the start ne was on the
ground arranging the details. He 1t was who
gave the signal, just at o'clock, when the
first car Stevenss big Mercedes, had been
puShed up TO the tape, that started II down the
course leaping ahead to the plaudits OF the
grandstand and the shouts of the throng which
lined the roadway. He it was who superintendent
every detail OF the starting of each subsequent
He 1t who kept in closest touch with
the judges stand and the bulletins which were
received there; he who peremptorily waved
back the excited throng which rushed over the
track Immediately after each car passed and
he jumped into waiting and. calling a
physician, drove like the wind down to Queens
when word cane of the accident to Mr.. Arents.
As the morning began to acquire strength. the
throng OF spectators in the grandstand filed it
TO its utmost capacity. Fully half the number
were women, most OF whom had been there
when the race began. 1t was healthy clean
cut lot, who testified by their keen interest the
love they bore for outdoor sports. AS the sun
came up. furs began to disappear, and wells
thrust back disclosed flower hats. Prominent
in the front seat Mrs. w X Vanderbilt ir
who keenly followed the race and when the
struggle between Heath and Clement became
close sprang to her feet to cheer the American
each time he plunged past the grandstand.