Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1913-04-11
"Killed The Races"

Sportsmen from all sections of the coun-
try-representing the professions, business
life, the army, navy and other branches
of the government-united Thursday night
of last week in paying tribute to the horse.
The occasion was the third annual Ameri-
can sportsmen's dinner, held at the New
Willard, Washington city. The guests in
cluded more than 800. but because of the
floods many Westerners were prevented
from attending. August Belmont, chair
man of the Jockey Club, whose announce
ment of his gift to the United States gov
eminent of number of thoroughbred stall
lions at the sportsmen's dinner last year
started the movement for the betterment of
the remount service of the army, was pre-
vented from attending because of severe
cold. He sent telegram expressing his
deep regrets.
Gen. Leonard Wood, chief of staff of the
army, and former Senator Bailey were the
principal speakers. Each paid eloquent
tribute to the thoroughbred, and each made
plain his belief that at the basis of
efficient cavalry horses Throughout the
world lies the thoroughbred blood.
Gen. Wood thrilled the sportsmen, most
of whom were admirers of the thorough
bred, by declaring that the exodus of the
thoroughbred from America has been moth
ing less than a calamity, and that if the
quality of the cavalry horse is to be i'm
proved it must be done by means of a
thoroughbred cross.
Outside of the courtroom, have not in
all this world enjoyed so much unalloyed
pleasure as have in watching my horses
that practice law to support, said former
Senator Bailey. Il enjoy the unique dis
tinction. perhaps, of having bred and raced
both trotters and runners, and Of never
having wagered one dollar on any of them.
Consequently, my interest in the sport is
as sportsman without the faint of mod
ern commercialism. My experience adj
monishes me that if | wanted to profit |
would engage in some other enterprise.
uUu pity thC man Ill tiio WOiiu WIN Soi
ries multiplication or addition table with
him to sum up his profits on the race course
mo millionaire who ever lived has de-
rived as much exquisite pleasure from
contemplating his stocks and bonds as
have from contemplating my horses when
they came in first If all millionaires could
experience the pleasure of witnessing the
contests that have witnessed between
thoroughbreds and trotters they would
forthworth, am sure, purchase themselves
a stable.
Unfortunately, the sport of racing is
not so popular in America today as it has
been or as it will be in the time to come.
These reform movements dominate the
public sentiment for time. and then pass
away. This opposition to racing has been
long time in passing. But am persuad-
ed that the American people cannot be
made to destroy the greatest outdoor sport
ever devised for the entertainment of the
human race.
ut may not come back as it once existed
when the bOokmaker was the chief figure
in the afternoons entertainment. He has
gone, and do not regret his going. ! am not
member of the Jockey Club, therefore,
may perhaps be little free in my remarks
and must say that fear one of the Other
principal causes that have initiated against
racing has been the greed among the per
SONS who own the race courses. They
wanted too much dividend, and nothing
could sustain the dividends except gam
bling
will lay a wager, but do not like gam
bier who now and then tries to initiate q
sportsman. If we are to restore the thor
oughbred to his proper place in the amuse
ments of the people, it must be done with
out the aid of the gambler. do not be
lieve in making the most magnificent o
all Gods dumb animals the mere instru
ment of gamblers avarice."
The former Texas senator made pass
ing allusion to the politician. who. he said
usually will do anything he thinks viii
prove popular.
1.-THE average politician" declared Mr.
Bailey, would abolish the army provided
the destruction of the army did not involve
him in the necessity Of going to war. HI
will vote for the blue laws, because, OBJ
serving the people, he thinks that is the
color Of their complexion but just so soon
as brave, independent thinking men teacI
the politician that is not the trend Of pub.
lie sentiment, you will find the politician
the most responsive creature you eveI
knew.
IF we close our race courses and our
fair grounds" concluded Senator Bailey
the government Of the United States with
all its power will never be able to keep
enough horses to mount an American army
in great crisis. You do well to try to
preserve this most splendid sport to the
American people. You know its value"
Where is there an American who would
deprive his country and his countrymen of
its best means of defense? love the horse
| love him in every place. love him as
he comes laundering down the race course
love him on the field of battle where he
bears his martial rider to victory or to
death. There and everywhere love the
horse as the noblest of all Gods dumb
creatures"