Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1906-12-18
ASCOT RAGING
WILL CONTINUE
CITY COUNCIL AMENDS POOL
SELLING ORDINANCE
Favorable Action Taken In View Of the
Fact That Jockey Club Went to
Much Expense Before An.
neXation Election

to the end OF the present meeting.
Acting on the request of the city and
county consolidation commission the
city council yesterday amended the
present ordinance prohibiting pool SELL
ing with the understanding that the
Los Angeles Jockey clubs counsel
would at once desist in attempting to
block annexation with San Pedro.
Technicalities have arisen through
the filing of a restraining suit against
the secretary of state preventing the
issuance of annexation election certi-
ficates at Sacramento, together with
developments in San Pedro, which
moved the commission to decide that
a compromise was the simplest and
quickest way out of the difficulty
If another election of freeholders
were held in San Pedro-as is threat
ened-and annexation gets a black eve
before the troubles at Sacramento are
settled, the shoestring district propo-
sition would be endangered
Fair to the Track
On the other hand, the Ascot park
authorities went to heavy expense to
advertise the races and horsemen sent
their stables on short notice, thus in
curing an outlay of no small proper
tons. In fairness to them, the commits
sion agreed, concessions i'm the interest
of fairness should be made.
The law committee of the commission,
through Judge Dillon, stated the case
before the council urging the necessity
of having the annexation election de-
clared valid by issuance of the certifi-
Gates, and suggested that the simplest
way was to brush aside restrictive leg
islation regarding races temporarily.
The representatives of Ascot who APP
preached councilmen with proposition
of this kind previous to the session
promised that in case the ordinance
passed not attempt to operate the track
will be made after this season. 1t will
be abandoned at the expiration of
ninety days and the buildings will be
torn down, they say.
Ih1s was the understanding under
which the municipal body acted yester-
day
Judge Delivers Speech
Judge Dillon, in addressing the coun-
ell, said in part:
1--WE come before this body with a
request. The litigation started by the
Ascot park people is interfering very
materially with the work of this COM
mission. We have duly annexed the
strip contiguous to San Pedro. Your
body has canvassed the vote, but suit
has been brought enjoining the secre-
tary of state from issuing certificates
of election.
THE commission deems it of the ut
most Importance that this litigation be
terminated SO: that consolidation may
be made effective early. 1t recognizes
that by successive applications for in
junction the final determination could
be postponed indefinitely.
Permitting the club fO conclude tho
present race meeting, thereby terminal
ing litigation, is the simplest and fair
est way to settle matters.
1.-The freeholders' charter election is
called in San Pedro in January, and if
it is adopted consolidation with Los
Angeles will be impossible
Citizens Not Hostile
1--WE wish that the present race meet
ing be concluded on terms mutually
satisfactory. We do not feel that the
citizens are hostile on the subject. We
and they propose to be fair to horse
races. We give criminals a square
deal"
Councilman Houghton interrupted
with: II object to criminals and horse
races being referred to in the same
breath. / go to races"
Judge Dillon, resuming:
II have returned from a trip to Eng
land, Ireland and France and found
the best people there. Racing is all
right. 1t depends on how 1t is carried
out"
Councilman Houghton-Racing, as
carried on here Is the cleanest of any
anywhere.
Judge Dillon-Another reason why we
should give them a square deal
Houghton-That is right. Be fair.
have seen nearly every one here at the
track except Mr. Summerland.
President Summerland, laughing
You're right. I'm a cheap sport.
Attorney Sam Haskins of the jockey
club then took the floor.
by the recent election for annexation
our property was included in the strip
of annexed territory, and under the law
pool selling had to be stopped. We had
advertised the meet extensively and
horsemen and others, at great expense,
prepared to come out. We believe in
the fairness of this honorable body,
representing a fair people, that we will
be allowed to carry out our promises.
The question can be settled by amend
ing the ordinance to except pool selling
within racing Enclosures. Then we will
dismiss our suit"
Council took a five-minute recess to
let the attorneys get together.
BaIk on Time Limit
When the ordinance, as drawn up by
the city attorneys office, was read it
was found to specify a limit on racing
on April / next
Attorney Haskins declared that this
was contrary to the spirit Of the agree
ment and ii was finally stricken out.
Judge Dillon-It Is unfortunate that
these words were added 1t binds the
next council. 1t changes the aspect
of the legislation from general to spe-
cial. We don't know what the next
council may do.
Assistant City Attorney Leslie Hewitt
said he had no objections to their be-
ing stricken out If a definite under
standing was had that racing would
close with this meeting.
Councilman Harmon wanted to know
If 1t was necessary to strike out the
limitation clause.
Judge Dillon-Unless it is done it
will paralyze all our efforts.
Councilman Hammond want to
know If there viii be any afterclap
from the Municipal league. l prefer to
consider that feature now. l see Mr..
Willard is non-commital. | was nomi-