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REASON SEEMS TO BE RETURNING. •If the size of the crowd and the general enthusiasm which marked the opining of the racing season in the metropolitan district oil Iliursiiay could be accepted as conclusive, the experiment of conducting racing as a spirt and a recreation without orKantsed let 1 big. and also without notice censorship under a wrongful Interpretation of the law. according to the com Is. ayaiusl bookmaking and poolselling. as was the case last year, could be declared a distinct sue cess. 1 agree with August Belmont, chairman of tin Jockey Club, and those deeply interested and concerned in the vast breeding industry in the country and the sport of racing that the size of the crowds and the wholesome, spontaneous enthusiasm were most encouraging ami promised well for the future.- When I recall the shivering handful of persons who saw the last race of DIPS decided at Jamaica and compare the scene with the opening at Belmont Park last week. When between S.OOO and 10.000 persons showed by every word and action that they were enjoying the sport, it makes me wonder at the change. It makes me wonder, moreover, that I ever had any doubts 11s to the future of racing once tbe courts had interpreted the law and defined tic rights or those who enjoy seeing the thoroughbreds in action for the love ot competition, or for those who enjoy the added spice of making a wager, and so Individualising for the time being their interest in some particular horse. It is cause for congratulation that under the recent decision of the courts a man can go to the race track without feeling like an escaped convict and dodging around to avoid breaking a law that he does not understand. There were times last year when I felt that the boasted freedom of this United States was a mere myth. This feeling was brought about by many unpleasant experiences in following out my work as a newspaper man. At one time I hesitated even to Jot down a memorandum on the side of my program or to mark down the post positions of the Dorses for fear that some keen-eyed detective would subject me to the ignominy of arrest for writing prices. Fortunately that time is past, and the freedom from restraint will do quite as much as anything else to bring back those who deserted the sport a year ago. — New York Tribune.
