New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-12
Firm Foundation Being Laid for
the Sport of Racing.
DISCIPLINE IN BASEBALL
College Mines Have Reached a
Critical Point in Race for
So-Called Title.
By Herbert.

OF thoroughbred racing in TINS state APP
near to be building on more substantial
foundation than ever before. the pan
advanced last week for the 'replenish-
ment subscription" by which fifty or
more sportsmen will oohgate tleii-
selves for $500. part of which VIII 20
toward the purchase Of yearlings ana the
rest toward providing suitable purses 10
which these particular horses VIII De
eligible. is sure 10 meet with generous
and hearty approval from all those VINO
love a truly sporting proposition. IL Is
not the privilege of many men 10 ENJOY
the charm of breeding and developing
their own horses, but this plan IN
measure satisfies the craving when 50
many have TO own. develop and race al
a comparatively small expenditure ana
on an equal footing. The horses are
carefully selected and then dlstnou'eu
bv lot. SO that the chances are equal IN
getting one which may be worth all the
way from 5000 to $4,000, or even more
In this way new converts are likely 10
be made 10 the sport, while the govern
ment is sure 10 profit under clause that
anv starter in a certain race may be
claimed for 5000 and donated TO the
United States for breeding purposes.
II is said that China is responsible for
the plan adopted in this country for the
first time something over year ago by
the Piping Rock Racing Association
This recalls a letter l had several weeks
ago from Major Palmer L. Pierce l. .
A., who told of the pony racing on the
other side of the world and commented
on the excellent quality of the sport.
There are those here who will not be
convinced that the effort being made 10
revive racing is not founded purely on
commercial basis As matter OF 1act'
practically every move OF August BEL
mont and his associates in the Jockey
Club is msconstrued by those who would
foster the idea that a deliberate plan IS
being made TO circumvent and nullify the
law against public bookmakins. For thdt
reason Mr.. Belmont's straightforward as
sertion last week that he was authorized
TO repel with unqualified emphasis any
statement or insinuation, from Whatever
quarter. that violation Of the laws OF thls
state is contemplated or will be perlnlt-
ted" carried with it punch and al
least should be accepted until PROOF Is
offered that racing is only blind for the
return of the bookmaker.
IL has been pointed out times without
number that a certain amount OF betting
is as necessary to the life OF racing as
il is in a measure TO any form of COM
petition. Spice must be added, 1t would
seem. otherwise even a round Of the
links would be fiat and tasteless. There
are exceptions, of course. but in the long
run those who play will wager. even
though the stake be only an ice cream
soda. 1t is folly, then. TO imagine that
racing can be revived and regain It's
place in popular fancy without any
chance TO bet, but there is vast df-
ference under the ruling of the courts
as 10 how wagers are made and those
who control the destinies Of the sport
Of racing are quite as determined as the
Governor or any Sheriff or District At
torney in seeing that the laws against
public bookmaking are enforced to the
letter. All that the associations ask is
that the courts decide once and for all
on the line between betting that is lawful
and betting that is not. 1t seems to
be only a question Of method, and once
the distinction is properly established
there can be no further cause for COM
plant.
Thomas J. Lynch. president of the Ma
tional League, has been criticised by a
number of persons in my hearing for
what was called his arbitrary stand in
discharging owens for conduct unbecom-
ing a member of the National League UNI
pre STAFF. l happen TO know that the
word arbitrary" cannot be applied in
this case Mr.. Lynch has warned his
umpires from time TO time that they are
supposed to gain and hold the respect Of
the players and the fans and that any
action on their part which would tend 10
jeopardize the dignity of their position as
representatives Of the league would not
be tolerated. No doubt the punishment
was deserved, as it is quite as important
for the president Of the league TO MAIN
tain discipline among his umpires as II IS
for the umpires 10 maintain discipline on
the diamond.
For the first time in thirteen years at
this season OF the year the Brooklyn Su-
perbas are fighting along like a real cham
pionship team. Winning three out Of four
games and climbing TO second place at the
expense OF the Cubs last Friday set the
loyal Brooklyn fans thinking about a
worlds series at Ebbets Field. Bill Dab
len has his team keyed up and running
more smoothly than at any time since he
has held the reins and ii begins TO look
rs II Charles II. Ebbets and his associates
know what they were doing when they eX-
pended close 10 81 200, 900 10 provide a
suitable home for a possible pennant win
ner. Everybody loves a winner, and this
trite saying was emphasized in a marked
degree two days last week. when more
persons paid TO see the Superbas in &C
ton than went up TO the Polo Grounds
10 watch the Giants do battle with the
Reds. IL Dahlon can keep his men on
their toes. and the team continues 10 play
the same high quality OF baseball, so pro-
nounced in the last two weeks. Mr.. Eb-
bets will have no cause TO regret the en-
terprise and courage which led him TO
spend his money so lavlshly in building a
new park
The Giants, like the Yankees. need whip
and spur 10 rouse them from seemingly
lethargic condition. The National League
champions are not tuned up to concert