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1 SCOPE OF FRENCH RACING NEXT YEAR. That permission for the resumption of racing in the south of France has been given by the ruling governmental authority, has been made public in this country. It is also expected that, unless some great disaster befalls the French army, racing is to be allowed over tlie great Paris track. Concerning the whole matter, the regular Paris correspondent of London Sportsman wrote recently: "Though many French politicians thought it was inconsistent to hold race meetings while the country was invaded by a relentless foe tlie government, which does not take its watchword from any religious body or pander to the sentimentality of any kill-joy. has acted on the warning of M. Kdnioiid Blanc, president of the French Breeders Syndicate, and averted the ruin threatened by tlie cessation of a favorite sport and the complete disorganization of a once prosperous national industry. In this country men in office consult none of the smug-faced waiters whose conscientious â– eraplaa revolt against the joys and amusements of the public. Had France not been under the heel of the Prussian we should have had racing long ago in this country, and we cannot understand the restrictions which have been placed on racing in England when a further confirmation of tlie understanding lietween the two countries could have lieen given by a continuation of racing instead of a partial resumption in the home of racing and sport. Tlie question has been comparatively solved in France, for M. Camille Blanc, president of the Nice Race Association, is in close touch with hs colleague of the Loinbardy Jockey Club, so that it appears certain that next spring we shall be invited to the re-opening of the Nice meeting on the course washed by the waters of the Var. where, if memory serves aright, Babilius took his first swimming iesson and saved the "book" of his owners. We are told that there is every probability of a Paris racing season iu 1910 under the auspices of the Societe d Encouragement, and should this hope be realized we may look forward to a complete resumption of sport, a consummation devoutly to lie wished. for breeders and owners have been called on to make inordinate sacri-tii-es owing to the duration of the war. "The pleasant news of the resumption of racing has been confirmed by those who have interviewed the Minister of Agricuture. M. Meline. while Mr. Ilenue-sy. the owner of Lutteur. deserves honorable mention for the zeal he has shown in bringing about relief to those who were contemplating a general liquidation of their studs and cutting their losses. M. Camille Blanc has been interviewed by the leading Nice journal, the Eclaireur. and has explained in detail the endeavors made to re-cpen race courses, which, according to French Rules, are not the object of any speculation, but simply ordained for the purpose of determining the value of horses for the stud. lis has placed the question before the muincipipality of Nice, and narrated in detail tlie recent conversation between himself, as president of the Nice Racing Association, and Count Turati, who holds the same office with the Milan Jockey Club. Count Turati has expressed, on behalf of his colleagues, an intention to participate in the international gathering at Nice, while tlie French stables at Chantilly and Maisons I.affitte are making every preparation for an event worthy of being marked with a white stone. Notwithstanding the hard times prevailing in France and the extensive calls on the financial resources of the town of Nice through the numerous wounded who have been sent to recuperate in the south, the city council has placed the sum of ,000 at the disposal of the Race Society, which increases to 5,000 the added money for distribution during the cross-country gatherings in January and February next. Racing will take place on Sunday and Thursday, and at the commencement of the flat racing season fixed for March 15 a second series of meetings will be held on the flat, subject to the conventions which may be agreed on to give sport at Nice a widely international character."
