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FRENCH RACING QUESTION SETTLED. I have received a semi-official intimation from a gentleman high in authority, from which, to use his own words, it appears that _ "for the present racing in France is buried." Xfter the fiasco which occurred at the meeting of the Permanent Commission on Racing, when the votes of those present were miscounted, it seems that a further conference was held about the middle of February, when the whole matter was gone into once more. The "Conseil Superieur des Haras" was called together, and by a majority of seven to two came to the conclusion that racing in France under present conditions was impossible. The three leading racing societies, that is, the "Societe dKncourage-ment." the "Societe des Steeplechases." and the "Societe dn Demi Sang." were consulted, and as they all took the same view as the Stud Council, the matter may now be considered as definitely settled. There may be an attempt by some in this country to draw a comparison between the action of the French governing bodies and that of. our own Jockey Club, but I do not think any reasonable man will fail to see the difference in the two cases. So long as the invader is on French soil there must be an arguable case against the continuance of racing on it. particularly as our French allies are concerned, for their enthusiasm invariably causes them to take extreme measures when sentiment is once aroused. La Pa trie is violated, therefore no racing until she is free of the invader. We here can only extend our sympathy to our French allies concerned in the business of racing and breeding, for our own experience in England tells us what losses and hardships must have fallen upon them in consequence of the suspension of racing in France since July, 1914. May the war soon be over, and may unwonted prosperity pervade the French turf as an immediate consequence of peace, so that our .good friends on the other side of the channel may be fully recompensed for their losses and sufferings so patiently endured. We can at least go as far as this without being convinced of the necessity of the course taken by the authorities in this connection. — "Vigilant" iu Loudon Sportsman.
