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BETTING AT OAKLAND. "From the speculative standpoint the opening was a huge success. Some fear had been entertained in view of the recent financial Hurry that there might be a falling off in the betting, in conse quence of which some of the bookmakers who were on the ground did not cut in, preferring to await developments. The developments were of a sort that made them wisli they had gone on. The betting ring never held a more eager mob of speculators than it did on this first day. At times the crush was so great that it was well-nigh impossible for anybody to get down a bet unless he happened to be in the immediate vicinity of a book, and bettors had actually to fight their way to the booths. The twenty-eight layers who were lu line in the big ring, besides the combination and two field books, had all the business they could handle. One and all reported a greaf volume of small bets. "The use of clearing house certificates for wagering was resorted to but little. Those who bet gold and currency received gold or currency in the settle meut otf winning wagers, while those from whom the layers accepted certificates were paid off in certificates. Certificates were accepted as readily by the bookies as were wagers in gold and currency, a distinguishing mark being placed on the tickets issued to the bettors which effectually prevented any confusion in the settlement of accounts. "As is usual on big days, there was a noticeable absence of heavy wagering, the big bettors following their rule of letting the public do most of the betting on such occasions. The leading layers agreed that the volume of speculation was greater than it was on opening day a year ago." San Francisco. Call.
