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SAID TO BE THE OLDEST BOOKMAKER. Charley Davis of New York Remarkable Man in Many Particulars — Puzzle to Physicians. By Ed Cole. New York. February 11. — One of the most interesting figures in connection with old-time racing sen in the city these days is Charley Davis, unquestionably the oldest bookmaker living and one of the first to put up a slate in this country. Mr. Davis is now 81 years old and is a remarkable man. A year ago lie was attacked by paralysis and it was believed he could not recover on account of his age. "But I beat it," said Davis, in speaking of tin- disease. "They told me I hadnt a chance but you sec here I am. and but for being a bit shaky of the left side I am in good shape. I eat and sleep well, enjoy a smoke and drink a glass of beer but no more whiskey. Doctors tell me whisk y is not good for me. As you know. 1 am an optimist and nothing worries me. T that I attribute my pr Beat health, which is mighty good for a J— at I In like me. Played some billiards last night and made a run of fifty -one at fourteen inch balk line. Pretty good for an eighty -over. dont you think V Many of the younger fellows could not duplicate it. "After I had recovered from the stroke, mine was such an extraordinary case that I was taken before a clinic and exhibited to show that paralysis is not always fatal even for a ] erson in well-advanced years. I didnt want to do the clinic stunt but I thought it might do somebody some good so I went and they put me on exhibition. We had a let of fun after the show and while it was going on. The doctors started kidding me. and I kidded them back, of course. I guess it was a good thing in the interest of science. I hope so anyhow." Mr. Davis is now discharged from all connection with hospitals and doctors. He rises late in the morning and generally goes to bed early in the morning as he says. "It is only in the wee small hours that I can connect with many of the old school of sportsmen of which I am sorry to say few-are left." "Charley, you look like youll live for ten more years." suggested someone. "Ten," replied Mr. Davis. "Im good for the century mark or Im a bad jicker. I can yet pick winners and when 1 pick out the century mark you watch and see how far I am wrong." With that old Charley Davis, or as some call him "Kid" Davis, hid his nightcap of beer and walked to his home about as peaceful and contented a man as treads the streets of New York.
