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WINTER RACING AT PANAMA GOVERNMENT OF ISTHMIAN REPUBLIC GIVES CONCESSION FOR THAT PURPOSE. Plan of Promoters Based on Attraction of Tourist Patronage Sufficient to Carry on Annual Meeting of From Four to Six Months Duration. Xev York. August 22. The government of the Republic of Panama has granted a concession for the establishment within the province of Panama of a stadium, race course or hippodrome in which can he held any kind of open air spectacle, races, horse shows, state fairs or similar affairs. It is intended to establish in this tropical resort, which is convenient to the ocean seaboard of the United States, a plant for the winter racing of thoroughbreds. Active in the promotion of this enterprise is a prominent Panamaian, Francisco Arias, who is connected with the best families and people of the republic and through whom assurances of uuquali-lled government support in this enterprise and private financial support to the extent of 00,000 gold is guaranteed as soon as the balance of the funds necessary to inaugurate the enterprise is subscribed. The City of Panama has a population at this time of 00,000 people, while the City of Colon has 30.000 people and on the Canal Zone between these terminal points will be found approximately 40,000 additional population. This population, however, is not what is entirely counted on to furnish suitable patronage. The tourist trade which is now only in Its infancy and which is developing with rapid strides is counted on to furnish a sufficient volume of patronage to enable the holding of at least a four-months and possibly a six-months meeting each year, from November to June. The climate of Panama during the months between November and June is salubrious and enjoyable to people from northern climes. The temperature rarely exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the nights in the city of Panama during the period are so cool that light bhmkets are necessary. Fever, both yellow and malarial, are practically unknown. In fact, there has not been a case of yellow fever on the Isthmus since 1900. The proposition has not yet been incorporated. The concession is liberal, gives the exclusive race track and outdoor privilege for the Province of Pan- ama. including the right of unlimited betting, over L which the promoters will have absolute control. The concession further provides for the entry into the Republic of all materials of every description used In connection with this enterprise absolutely free of duty.
