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ATTACIS COLUMBIA RACING ATTORNEY GENERAL OF SOUTH CAROLINA BRINGS SUIT TO STOP MEETING, i Applies to Supremo Court for Injunction Against Association and Individuals Interested in Racing Hearing: Next Week. f Columbia, S. C, Iecomlier S. After the sport had apparently been firmly established in this locality. , racing sustained a blow today that may eventually force its abandonment hero. Upon the motion ot Attorney-General Lyons, Chief Justice Jones of the Supreme Court of South Carolina granted an order citing the Columbia Racing Association and tin; South Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical Society, and sundry individuals connected with the race meeting on the .State Fair grounds, to show cause why an injunction should not lie issued against them collectively and severally for maintaining a common nuisance in connection with the races. The allegations presented by the attorney-general set up, upon allidavits, that betting Jind gambling is carried on, on n large scale, in connection with the races. The order is not a temporary injunction and does not have the effect of restraining the conduct of the races at this time. The order is returnable before the Supreme Court next Wednesday, December 13, 1U11. at 10:00 a. m. The action of the court, when it became known, caused considerable consternation among the racing fraternity. It had lteen known that a move of this sort had been pending for several days past, but no one considered it seriously in view of the fact that little or no open hostility had been shown locally towards the racing interests,. The horde of racing jieople had been well received on arrival here. On every hand a friendly feel hi" was manifest and the sjiort was thought to have secured a lasting footing here. What the result of the injunction process -will bo is problematical at this time and those financially Interested in the venture are not divulging their plans. It is taken, for granted, however, that a concerted effort will lie made to protect their interests and that the race track men -will employ counsel to disprove the contention of those declaring the racing hero to be u common nuisance. The general opinion held at present is that the racing will positively be continued until Saturday, December 10, at least, as it is thought that the Supreme Court, even if granting an injunction, will not make it effective until that date. There is also a probability that the application for an injunction may Ikj withdrawn by agreement. It is, of course, among the jKissibillties that the Supreme Court will not grant an injunction and will dismiss the motion. In that event, there is little or no likelihood of further intereference with the racing during this season. The racing element, while awed by todays turn of events, are hopeful that the obstacle will be overcome. The banner attendance of the meeting was present this afternoon. It was Ladies Day. The inaugural steeplechase was a spectacular contest, all the starters blundering at some period of the journey, due to the bad condition of the going. Hannah Louise and Sam Hall eamc to grief at the first obstacle, but the remaining contenders ran in close order most of the way with the result in doubt until the stretch was reached, where Ennlsklllcn clearly showed his superiority. Duncrnggans sudden form improvement furnished a surprise to those who had witnessed his initial performance on the opening day. There was plenty of support for him in the ring and he distanced his opposition after showing the way for tho entire trip. As a result of his acrobatic stunt, tho judges announced that his further entry here would not be accepted on account of inconsistency. Jockey C. Teak, who rode him. also came in for a bit of judicial discipline when he was suspended for one week for attempted rough riding. Among tho arrivals from the north was Eddie Austin, who Joined the ranks of the layers. He came from Baltimore and will go from here to Charleston. Trainer John Powers came on from New York, whither he went at the conclusion of the Norfolk meeting. Jnmes Browne and J. A. Strode were among those who were making their first visit to the Columbia course today. The Irish Lad filly Emerald Isle that W. B. Carson recently purchased from Albert Simons, bowed a tendon after being worked a few days ago. Top Note, another of the Carson racers, has also gone wrong. The latter caino out of her last race decidedly lame and the ailment was located Just below the aiikle. The saddle on American Girl slipped directly after the start in the first race and C. Turner fell from tho filly, but was not injured. The distance of tomorrows sixth race will be six furlongs. It was at first sent out in the entries as being over the Futurity Course. Starter James Milton found occasion to suspend 1 jockey Jackson for three days for insubordination. The layers cut in for two days tins afternoon and the drawings in future will be on the same order. The body" of J. T. Cannody will be interred in the Klmwood cemetery tomorrow, the expenses being defrayed by the horsemen here. No reply was received . to the telegram sent to Chillicothc, 0., where a brother of Mr. Carmodys is supposed to live. Jockey Williams explanation of his handling of Abrasion yesterday was not satisfactory to Steward M. Nathaiison and the latter has continued the investigation . of the race. ..,, Francis J. Pons, general manager of the Charleston . Fair and Racing Association, came today from L Charleston -and mingled with the horsemen. He announced . that work on the plant is progressing favorably . and that indications favor everything being ; in "thorough readiness for the opening on January 10 There arc now some 150 horses at the course . : anil an additional lot is duo to arrive early next week Nearly all the horses came from Kentucky. Seven furlongs of the track proper will be available to horsemen to work their charges over by r next Saturday. In addition to this, a throc-furlongs ; inner track is completed that can be utilized temporarily . by the horsemen. . The grandstand is rapidly going up and the number of stalls is Increasing dally. The Charlestonians arc enthusiastic over the successful prospects and as most of the stock In the track is held by local ft. people They look upon tho project as their own I affair and there is little fear felt that the racing will be subjected to any harassment or interference. Mr. Pons returned to Charleston tonight.
