Assured of No Interference: W. F. Schulte Sends Word to This Effect to Lexington from Charleston, Daily Racing Form, 1911-12-17

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ASSURED OF NO INTERFERENCE. W. F. Schplto Sends Word to This Effect to Lexington from Charleston. Lexington, Ky., December 10. Frank Bruen, of the La tenia .Tockev Club was here today in the intercut of the stakes for the Charleston Fair and Racing Association, which closed today. He secured a liberal number of entries. Information from Charleston sent by W. F. Schulte today is to the effect that seven-eighths of the track has "been finished: that there is stabling ready for 200 horses more than are on the ground; that other stables are being rapidly erected: that the track will Ik? ready for opening January 10, and that the management is assured that there will be no interference from the civil authorities. The Charleston News and Courier, in reporting the recent meeting of Charleston business men that endorsed the plans of F. J. 1ous and his associates for the establishment of racing on a high-class scale at Charleston, says that the gathering was highly enthusiastic over the project. Arter reporting the frvorablo action of the meeting already covered in the telegraphic account of the meeting printed in Daily Raring Form a few days ago, the News and Courier gives these additional particulars: John Marshall, president of the Charleston Fair and Racing Association, was called upon and was -rected with much applause. He expressed bis satisfaction at being able to address business men on a project, which, he said, means more for the fitv than anything proposed here since he has been citizen lie said that he had been trying for four years to bring the track here and had begun work at the solicitation of the business interests, lie had been surprised to find on his return to the itv reeentlv that there was some sentiment against the track. Mr. Marshall said that his association was building one of the best race courses to be found onvwhere and that it would furnish a class of racing not to be excelled anywhere in America. The association, he said expects to bring here thousands of the best lovers of the sport from all parts of the country The association also has in mind a great Koiitb Atlantic Fair, such as has never before been wen in the south, which, he said, would attract people from all over the United States. "Many men of substance in New ork affairs, he said, addressed him when he was in New York recently to declare their intention of coming here for the races. He declared that he realized that he had the co-operation of the business classes and that these men at least lwlieve in fair play and are willing to give the racing people an opportunity to show what they can do before condemning them. I He said the association is willing to meet every I promise It has made. He was glad to see so many men of Charleston who had not been led astray, but ivere willing to see fair play. The people who denounce the track, he said, declare that they know nothing about racing. How then, he asked can they be competent judges? He said he had visited all tho big tracks for twenty-five years and wished to state that the horsemen had been badly libeled. Give us a chance, he concluded, dont show any sympathy with those who would drive us out of town before we have an opportunity of showing what we can do. The speech was received with wild applause and it was about five minutes before the cheering stopped. L. Arthur ONeill stated that Capt. F. W. Wagoner wished to express his sympathy with the pur- pose of the meeting, and his regrets that illness in his family prevented his presence. William M. Bird was called on. and said he had come to the meeting to show his sympathy with the movement and to endorse the words of Mr. Marshall. No greater blcssiug. ho said, could come to the City of Charleston than tho proposed track. He laid great emphasis on his belief that the morals of the city would in no way he imperiled by the race track. L. C. A. Roessler stated that he wished to endorse what Mr. Marshall said, that he had always been in favor of new industries that come to Charleston, and that ho considered the racing and fair proposition one of the grandest things the city could have. L. A. Cassidy, secretary of the Fair and Racing Association, dealt mainly with the fair which the association proposes holding." lie said that this would be a tremendous agricultural and industrial exhibition: that single prizes of 00 would be offered IiT the agricultural department. He said that a big machinery company had already assured him of a 0,000 exhibit for the industrial side, and another company had promised a 5,000 exhibit. The fair, he said, will be held during the period intervening between the State Fair and the big Corn Exposition. Edward W. Hughes said that his presence at the meeting was merely an evidence of the fact that he liked to see fair play in everything, and that if a high standard is not maintained in the conduct of the racing association, the very citizens who favor it will, no doubt, turn against it. He for one, he-said, was willing to see the racing men given a chance to make good. He told a story illustrating the point that those who did not care to play the races did not have to. He concluded by saying that those who desired to see the track brought here should be granted their desire, and should not be overruled by the objections of those who did not care for the track. He finally repeated his statement that ho favored it, but would be ready to join against it if it falls below the standard set for it. M. OShaughnessy said that Charleston needs all the enterprise that can be brought here, and that instead of taking money away from here to invest elsewhere, as had ibeen done in tho past, Charles-toniaus should be eager to bring tills enterprise here. "One of the principal speeches of the evening was made by Harry L. Wilcnsky. Mr. Wilensky said that he expressed the sentiment of 150 or 200 merchants above Calhoun street in endorsing the race track. He said the past season has been a dull one, and the coming of the race track would prove to be these merchants salvation. Men are working on the track now, he said, and are earning more money than any other enterprise in Charleston is now paying out to its employees. Mr. Wilcnsky, in the course of his speech, made a vigorous protest against the attacks directed against the race track from a local pulpit."


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Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800