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FRENCH GOVERNMENT AND THE TURF. "Horse racing is carried on in Franco for the benefit of the Government and the Army, and the State stud farms arc being fed and continually served with new blood from the racecourses," says the London Sporting Life. "Attached to the conditions of certain races is. the clause that the Government has the right to purchase the winner at a price mentioned. Furthermore, the Government inspector visits the training establishments every year and selects a number of stallions. He has just completed his inspection at Chantilly and Malson Laltite, and has selected nine horses which will be handed over to the administration des Haras Nationaux at the following prices: Mr. Eugene Leighs Vieux Paris, by Simonlan out of Vwveine, 1,200; M. Jouberts Coq a lAne, by Regret out of Cocotte, 1,200; M. Broquieres Georgiana, by Monsieur Gabriel out of Georgette, 1,000; Mr. R. Mills Torquato Tasso, by Callls-trate out of Thetis, S00; M. F. Charrons Ignor-antln, by Miguel out of Volupte, 400; M. Dous-debes Stilvlo, by Falais Royal out of La Cordil-liere, 400; Compte Hubert de Pourtales Talplng. by Dolma Baghtche out of The Other Eye, 360; M. A. Merles Saitapharnes, by Arbaces out of Seba tienne, 2S0, and Mr. W. K. Vanderbilts Illinois, by Fripon out of Ildlco, 240. "Most of these horses have proved their merit by performances on the turf, and they represent many strains of the best blood. They will be valuable additions to the two hundred and odd thoroughbred stallions already possessed by the French Government. There is no army in the world so well horsed as the French army, and this is due to the wise association of state and sport. We never hear silly talk in France about ploughing up racecourses, and happily for this country there is no nonconformist conscience to be squared in its councils. In dealing with certain questions Frenchmen are far more honest and open-minded than Englishmen, or at any rate a section of them. "Racing in France is regarded as a great national Industry to be encouraged, and politicians have apparently solved the difficult problem of how to control the speculation that must be inseparable from such industry, and at the same time bring revenue to the National Exchequer. The French turf was never In such a flourishing condition as now, and the horses in the country can hold their own against all comers. Are the men iu England who rave so against racing Ignorant or merely hypocritical? Surely, if they took the trouble to inform themselves, they would see of what great value to the country your thoroughbred studs are, but such studs could not exist without racing. France is certainly putting England to shame and setting her a great example in the way she conducts her racing affairs."
