view raw text
1 j i REACTION AT NEW ORLEANS OUTSIDE EFFORTS TO INJURE RACE MEETING HAVE THE OPPOSITE EFFECT. Governor Hall Declares He Has No Intention of Interfering with Sport Unless Locke Law Is Violated Promoters More Confident of Success. New Orleans, La., November 20. Governor Luther E. Hall announced last night that the plot of outsiders to kill the movement to revive racing In New Orleans had no countenance from him. that what he had insisted upon was a strict observance of the Iocke law forbidding gambling, and that since the directors of the Business Mens Racing Association, all of whom he knew to be dependable men. had promised that no such violation would occur, there would be no need for the state authorities to take a hand in the proposed turf events. Reassured hy the statement of Governor Hall that he has no intention of interfering with this races unless there are direct violations of tho Locke law. the Business Mens Racing Association directors have set about with renewed vigor to make the forty-day meeting here, opening January 1 and closing February 17, a greater success thau was at first expected. The business men and hackers of the meeting today reiterated their determination to conduct thu sport in strict accordance with the law, so there could be no possible objection from either the state or local authorities. There was renewed confidence all along the line. Coincidentally, Joseph V. Knight, who has been trying to stir up trouble for the New Orleans venture, quietly slipped out of town. Jack Sheehan, bookmaker, who also attempted to make trouble, following the refusal of the management to give him booking privileges, has likewise left town. Repudiation of Knight came from many quarters today that lie went unsolicited to New Orleans ministers and business men. "loaded" them with misinformation about the New Orleans race meeting, then sought from them statements condemning the meeting, was indicated by statements of some of these gentlemen. . Program books for the inaugural week have been issued. Thev are full of information, and the offerings for the first seven days are attractive.
