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FRENCH BREEDING AND RACING CRISIS. The long-continued stoppage of all racing in France and the recent refusal of tho authorities to sanction anything In the shape of tests of merit have given rise to the liveliest anxiety In French horso breeding circles concerning the future of the thoroughbred across the Channel. Over and over again it has already been pointed out to the responsible ministers in France that not only has the compulsory suspension of horso racing Inflicted great loss on all connected with an Industry for the purpose of national defence. It has also been strongly urged from time to tlmo that a complete stoppage of racing can have but one result the rapid deterioration of tho French thoroughbred. The "Flgnro," In a well-reasoned article on Friday last, suggests, "now that the French arms have len cohered with flory at Aerdtm mid that ultimate victory is assured tho moment has arrived for tackling tho qustlon of saving the race of thoroughbreds in Trince -one of the most useful forces for national defence." While dwelling on tho probability of sheer ruin to French breeders, who in exliting circumstances are faced by the prospect of certain los in the attempt to sell their young stock, our contemporary impresses on the French Government the sbfolute necessity of keeping horses in continuous, hard training for the prevention of degeneracy, and in order that their best qualities may be brought out and their weak points exposed. It urges the authorities to re-open some of the race courses. Such expedients as premiums for mares, shows of stallions, end other analogous projects, tho "Figaro" declares, and rightly, it must be said, nro merely half-measures, which cannot serve to arrest the progress of decadence in the thoroughbred, which Is the foundation of the best type of army horse. It la further pointed out in the article that racing Is carried on in Italy nnd Rnssla, and that "In England, always wise and practical, although holiday and society meetings have ln-en suppressed, important race courses have sulScriled added money to races at Newmarket and elsewhere, where racing is leing carried on in the interests of horse breeding." London Sportsman. ,
