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AFTERMATH OF NEW ORLEANS MEETING. Conclusion that Racing Is Now Firmly Established in the Crescent City. New Orleans. La., February 23. — An end his eoaw to tne area teal and meal successful racing si aseii New Orleans has known aiace the revival of racing three years ago. Despite adverse weather eniditions. which have prevailed al st without iiitei ruption sinee the first day. the close of the meeting finds the association in a better position than it baa been since its formation. The great crowds hat bare thronged the Fair Groanda all during the meeting, have more than justified the expectations of the managers of the association ami have demonstrated beyond doubt, what even those hostile to New Orleans have admitted, that this is the greatest arbiter raciag city in Aaaeri -a. Notwithstanding almost constant agitation by persona seeking publicity or trying to serve fori iirn interests, the response which the people of the city have given by their attendance at the Fair groanda is ■ positive answer to the eaestJea of whether New Orleans wants racing or not. Coupled with this is the fact that the Crescent City has never known a more prosperous era than the present winter. Its hotels have been packed since New Years Day and it has been a matter of difficulty for tourists to secure accommodations even in the many rooming houses. The merchants realize that racing has made New Orleans tlie winter capitol of America, in fact as well as in name. For the third time the grand jury has decided that the system of individual betting used at the Fair Groanda is legal. This decision was a severe blow to the so-called reformers, who sought the destruction of the sport on the ground that it was a violation of the Locke law. and there is every n m a to believe that no further attempt* will be made to molest the association, at least until the legislator- meet; again. Too mack credit for the success of the present season cannot be given to the managers of the association in both the business and racing departments. .HI their efforts have been directed to keep the sport absolutely clean and the record they have written by their accomplishments at New Orleans is the biggest boost racing has had in this country. The one feature of the situation that argues best for the continuance of the sport in this city is the fact that perfect harmony exists in the association. Roth Dr. Gearge A. MeDfarmld and supervisor I. R. Reuny.on have worked with presiding judge Joseph A. Murphy to make the meeting a success. Mr. Ri nnysoii. notwithstanding the fact that h baa been incapacitated by a broken leg. has been on the grounds constantly and has looked after every detail of the business management. Judge Murphy and his associates J. R. Campbell. ■a* m lated judge and Joseph McLennan, racing secretary, hare justified the high opinion which horsemen throughout the country hold of them, by providing the public with a clean and entertaining quality of sport during the whole winter. The outlook here appear! to be bright and there is every reason to believe that racing has come to stay in New Oilcans.
