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WILL QUIT AT SALEM JULY 4. PRESIDENT MILLER SO ANNOUNCES AFTER CONFERRING WITH HORSEMEN. Sanction of Jockey Club, However, a Proviso Drake Would Sell Stock in Rockingham Park Cheap Situation Most Discouraging. Salem, N. H., June 30. The meeting at Rockingham Park, providing that the Jockey Club, which allotted dates from June 28 to July 21, inclusive, Interposes no objection, will close July 4. Conditions at Rockingham Park today, excepting that rain came down In torrents during the forenoon and tailed ofT in a nasty drizzle this afternoon, were very similar to those which prevailed at the now dismantled Washington Park in Chicago on June 21, 1004 the last day of racing .at that famous racing ground. There were not over 300 people on the grounds when the horses paraded for the first race. The slim attendance was of course, partly due to the Inclement weather, but the fact that betting had been forbidden, undoubtedly had the most depressing effect. There may have been some-wagers between owners horse against horse or one against the field, but there was no posting of prices in any quarter on any of the races today. It was probably the tamest day ever spent on a race track In the east. After the closing race, the horsemen assembled in the secretarys office to listen to suggestions by President Andrew Miller on behalf of the New Eng-laud Breeders Club looking to the advisability of closing the meeting on July 4. Mr. Miller pointed out that under present conditions, no betting being allowed, it would be a losing .SSJUjsejyn.eii , asweJJsthe club-- Several of the horsemen aired their vfews. John A. Drake declared that In addition to being one of the horse owners, he is a heavy stockholder iu the track and as matters stand now, he would be willing to take two cents on the dollar for his stock. As a.stockholder In the club be said he would be willing to pay the horsemen their expenses incurred in coming here and shipping away, rather than continue the meeting at a heavy loss or put the horsemen to a loss by closing the meeting now. Mr. Drake expressed the opinion that racing would be conducted here next year, but owing to the present opposition to betting, he deemed it best to curtail the meeting. At the close of the conference President Miller made this announcement: "The present meeting at Rockingham Park will be closed July 4 next, providing the club receives the sanction of the Jockey Club." The stellar attraction today was the Merrimack Stakes of ,500, for two-year-olds, at five furlongs. The track, which was sloppy, just suited William Jennings Cave Adsum. He revelled iu the going ami won in a mild drive from Lord Boanerges! Royal Lady; owned by J. .A. Drake, was an added starter, lmt bad no fancy for the going.
