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FRENCH RACING REVENUES. Writing of European turf speculation the Parisian correspondent of Sporting Life says: "The French government does not run the pari-miituel. nor does the government directly derive any of the profit. What Is done is tills: The minister of agriculture gives each race society permission to establish the parl-inutuel in Its inclosures on the following conditions: They are allowed to doduet four per cent, for Working, expenses, and if there Is any surplus after paving all the employes it goes to increase the prize money. One per cent, on all the takings must he distributed among the breeders of the winners at the meeting. Two per cent, must be devoted to the relief of local taxation or the funds of local charities: and one per cent, is to be available for some special purpose which the minister of agriculture shall name. The parl-mutuel itself is run by the race course societies, and at. Longchamps and Auteuil it provides employment for at least 2,000 clerks and otliclals. I certainly cannot see the objection to licensing bookmakers. It is done in- Austria and Hungary, the fielders holding their permits direct from the Jockey Club. A very large sum is charged for these licenses, and those who hold them are compelled to bet on evisry race day and to take investments up to a fixed amount at the odds exhibited on their lists. They are also allowed to take bets at their residences. In Belgium each race society issues a daily license, or ticket, to the bookmakers and this is withheld should there be any complaint against any of them. "At Ostein! and also at Stoekel the pitches are put up at auction and the top positions fetch good prices. The money so uhtaincd goes- to the prize fund. In Belgium, in all races except selling races and handicaps, three per cent, on the value of the stakes has to be given to the breeder of the winner."
