Los Angeles herald., 1909-07-20
FENNER'S STAND
IS APPROVED
AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION
WILL NOT CONTROL RACE
LOS ANGELES TO PHOENIX AND
BALDY RUNS OPEN
Shelter Resigns as Vice President.
Dealers Condemn Unjust Criticism
of Santa Monica Race
Official

At largely attended meeting of the
Los Angeles Dealers Automobile as
sociation last night in the office of
President Ralph G. Hamlin it was vot-
ed unanimously not to attempt to con-
troll or dominate the Los Angeles to
Phoenix road race, but make it an
open event, any dealer, regardless OF
his affiliation, being eligible to contest
for the Maricopa cup.
This action was decided upon after
the reading of letter from Col E. c.
Fenner, winner of the cup last year,
which was written as the result of a
gathering a week ago yesterday held
to discuss details of the annual race.
Some surprise was occasioned by the
resignation of Leon T. Shelter as vice
president of the association and one of
the directors. The resignation of Mr..
Shelter was accepted and Earl An
thony was chosen to fill the vacancy.
Defends Work of Cowan
Determined sentiment was expressed
against a recently published criticism
of w. K. Cowan, which charged that
Cowan, who was appointed ticket SELL
er for the Santa Monica road race,
failed to make good.
The association passed resolutions
condemning the criticism, stating that
it was unjust and uncalled for and that
Mr. Cowan did his duty in manner
that was satisfactory and as well per-
formed as possible.
Several of the members spoke
strongly against the censure of Mr..
Cowan and declared that If the orders
given by Mr.. Cowan had been carried
out no ground for such charges could
have possibly arisen.
As a result of the published state
ment President Hamlin gave notice
that in the future no notices concern
ing the action of the association or the
transactions that occurred during It's
business meetings should be considered
official unless authorized by Mr.. Ham
lin personally
The members present agreed that
such course would prevent unfortu-
nate statements and would prohibit the
placing of the association in wrong
light before the public.
Meeting Harmonious
The meeting was entirely harmoni-
Gus, and the main idea expressed was
to eradicate friction among the men,
bers.
Nearly all of the members agreed
that in justice to Colonel Fenner, who
last year won the Los Angeles to
Phoenix race with his car, Black Bess,
should not be barred from entering
the race this fall and given an oppor-
tunty of defending his title to owner
ship of the coveted trophy.
At the meeting held week ago
there was talk by some of those pres
ent that the race should be held under
direction of the association, and several
stated that II Colonel Fenner, who is
not a member Of the association, was
allowed to compete they would not en-
ter cars.
Colonel Fenner stated that he would
not join the association and intended
to enter car despite the attitude Of
the meeting. The winner Of last year 8
race contended that the event was pro-
mted by the Maricopa club of Phoe-
nix, and that for the Los Angeles body
to take a discriminating stand against
any independent entry would be un-
just both to owners of cars and to the
Maricopa club.
Upholds Fenner's Position
The decision of the association in re-
gard to the Phoenix race will also APP
ply to the annual Badly run.
That both events will be of more in
terest this year than previously was
evidenced at last nights meeting, and,
while the association voted not to have
any official connection with either of
the races, 1t seems assured that many
of the members will enter the events
independently.
About twenty-five members of the
association attended the meeting and
the great Santa Monica races were
thoroughly discussed, and 1t was the
general opinion that on the initial try
the events must be considered a great
success from a sport loving point of
view.
That next years events will be of
more Importance and doubtless of bet
ter financial returns is believed, as the
experience gained from the first race
will be of incalculable value.