view raw text
GERMANS TEACH LESSONS IN SPORT. Toronto Paper Admits Enemies Have Shown Proper Appreciation of Value of Horse. The Toronto Herald admits that the Germans have imparted a lesson "to those Canadians who would entirely squelch racing during the war." The Herald says: "Whether it is some long-dormant sporting spirit, or merely a keen business instinct which can foresee the damaging result of allowing the main incentive to thoroughbred breeding to perish, the fact remains that Germany has maintained, and is still conducting, its race meetings as in times of peace. "This, the greatest war for all time, has impressed upon every nation engaged, the value of the horse. Possibly it is more a matter of business foresight than of sportinanship with the Hun. for it is obvious that, with one of the greatest incentives to thoroughbred breeding removed, the breeding industry would die a natural death. "There are no doubt reasons, aad possibly some good ones, actuating those who would in drastic fashion discontinue Canadian racing until the end of the war. But it is doubtful, indeed, if all those reasons would counterbalance the tremendous set-back such legislation would give to the thoroughbred breeding industry which, in Canada, is only now finding itself. "Just what reasons those opposed to racing may have has not yet been made clear, but. on the other hand, there are then facts in favor of the continuance of racing: "It does not injure enlistment. "It encourages the breeders of the thoroughbred, the value of which, for war purposes, has been unquestionably proven. "It affords the opportunity for large contributions to various patriotic funds. "It brings much Cnited States money into Canada, through the medium of those tracks which arc-situated mi or near the border — Windsor, Fort Erie and Hamilton.