The Washington herald., 1910-05-22

BY l.. ID. SALE.
Now that the opening Of the Speedway
has come and gone and proved to be a
success from every known point it is the
duty Of the light harness horsemen OF
the District Of Columbia to push vigor-
ously forward to other achievements.
There are at least three-score men in
terested in the light-harness horse, who
are residents Of the District, who did not
. lift even the little finger Of their hands
20 make the meet Of Wednesday last the
success it proved TO be These men must
be brought into lines OF activity.
a committee Of three should be select
ed az the next meeting of the Drivers
and Riders Association 10 call on the
class Of men mentioned. Better yet,
perhaps. each active member should call
on every one Of his acquaintance and, II
possible. get them to attend future meet
ings Of the association.
The horsemen of Washington have.
through the generosity of the United
States government. one OF the finest
speedway plants in the world. At least,
II can be made such at little personal
cost. Wealthy men who own and use
automobiles for pleasure and business.
but who still retain a sentimental love
for a good horse, have had their atten-
tion attracted by the course, and If ap-
preached in the right way some Of them
might be induced TO take an active in
terest in the club and It's meets. The
success Of the movement Will largely
depend on the way the association con-
ducts its affairs in the future.
The dignifed manner in which the
Drivers and Riders Association con-
Quoted the meeting Of last Wednesday is
assurance enough that ii knows how 10
make the Speedway a popular institution
and bring together on stated occasions
all that is best OF citizenship in the Dis
trict OF Columbia.
The meeting Of the association set for
Tuesday evening next, at o'clock. at the
Metropolitan Hotel will have brought
before II some very important matters
70 discuss besides routine business One
question must be settled at once viz:
whether the association can longer af-
ford to override a clause of its cOnstitu-
tion which says that professional drivers
shall not be permitted TO drive in the
regular speed events Of the association.
Either that clause OF the constitution
must be obeved or must be rescinded.
Making a professional driver a member
Of the association does not mend mat
ters in any degree. The clause referred
e, d s-,
speed contests. Nor is il right and fair
that he should
II is unfair 20 compel nOnprofessional
drivers 20 compete against professionals
like Aonzo Corbin. J. G.. Mott. or against
any other unquestioned professionals who
may hereafter become citizens or the
District. Looking over the results of
last Wednesday, it will be discovered
that the two men named carried of %
per cent or more Of the honors dis
tributed Owners Of horses. rather than
handicap themselves. secured the services
Of the two men named. Under the rule
adopted at the last meeting. no one can
blame horse owners for making a sure
thing of their starts
In the near future. perhaps next Tues
day evening. the question OF an inter-
city meet between Baltimore. Whining
ton, and Philadelphia will be brought up
for discussion. The men who have al
ready given assurance Of aid are Henry
Lansburgh. J. A. Jones, John Morris.
Michael Morris, W z. Miller. George p.
Goodacre, Timothy Dunworth Peter
LOTUS. Austin LOTUS. Edward +. Hall.
.. J. Claspy and Louis Hodges. The
gentlemen named will doubtless induce
others equally as responsible to ioln them
In the matter. It will be the greatest
thing that Washington horsemen have
ever pulled of II it goes through.
But does any member Of the Drivers
and Riders Association believe for a
single moment that the gentlemen drivers
OF the cities named are coming here II
they are compelled TO drive against men
whose business it is to train horses for
living and drive them for hire on the
race tracks of the countrv7
The Drivers and Riders Association
Of the District Of Columbia must rescind
Its action Of the week previous as be-
ing "a violation Of its constitution and
bylaws.
Overconfdence in the speed and racing
ability Of ones horse and the vain con-
ceit with which some drivers are afiict-
ed was never more unfortunately Illus
trated than in the seventh heat Of the
B trot Wednesday last. Mott had lust
won one heat hands down, and was near
Ing the wire in the second heat. almost
city block in front Of his field. when
he turned his face backward BY his
movement he loosened the reins Of Gentle
John, who had been under pun. thus
causing him to lose his balance and get
off his stride. Before he could pull John
back 10 it again Or. Sansbury. behind
Gold Pebble. came I'D with a rush roado