view raw text
AUGUST BELMONT CONFIRMS INTERVIEW. Exchange of Telegrams as Result of Criticism of Maryland Jockey Club Over Stakes. By C. J. Fitz Gerald. New York. November 22. The following correspondence explains itself: "Baltimore, Mil., November 21--Mr. August Belmont, chairman, the Jockey Club, 43 Exchange Place. New York City: Dear Sir At the request of the executive committee of the Maryland Jockey Club, I am instructed to call your attention to the enclosed clipping from the New York Times of November 20, 1910. The greater part of the alleged interview is given over to a discussion of the broad question of stakes, which this letter is not intended to discuss. The last paragraph calls attention to the fact that the Maryland Jockey Club has become a mere money-making organization, and their claim that their method is better for the future of the sport, is specious hypocrisy. AVe should like to ask if any such an expression of opinion was made by you in your official capacity as chairman of the Jockey Club, and upon what fact you base your opinion. "Aery truly. "W. P. Riggs, Chairman." "New York, November 22. Mr. William P. Riggs, secretary, Maryland Jockey Club, Baltimore, Md. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated November 21. Answering your inquiry, the interview which is attributed to nie in the newspapers is substantially as I gave it, and was given by me as an individual anil not in my official capacity as chairman of the Jockey Club. "The last paragraph which you refer to, is merely stating what your circular announced at its outset, that is, that the Early Closing Stake should not be used by racing associations operated as commercial enterprises. "Perhaps I should have quoted you and said in your own words, yon were merely a commercial enterprise instead of a money-making organization, which, to all intents and purposes, is an interchangeable term. "I remain, Yours very truly, "August Belmont."
