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START MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Illinois Jockey Club Hopes to Complete Roster of 2,000 Members by September 1. The Illinois Jockey Club has movad from its former location in the City Hall Square Building to a magnificent office suite on the ninth floor of the Garrick Theater Building on Randolph street. Secretary T. E. Bourke and associate judge Charles Essig will begin the membership drive this afternoon. In addition to the local members, who have already secured membership at the clubs headquarters, the following letter will be mailed to prominent people of Chicago and other cities this afternoon, and it is expected that the full membership of 2,000 will be completed by September 1 : "Your name, has been suggested as one of many who believe that the revival of the great American Derby would be an asset for the City of Chicago. "If you are willing to aid in this work the Illinois Jcckey Club invites you to become a member of its organization. The club membership has been limited to 2,000, with annual dues of 0, which will admit member and ladies to the races run by the club. None but club members will be admitted to the races. "We have secured possession of the Hawthorne race track, which is being put in order for twelve days racing, commencing September 30. Your membership fee will be placed in a special fund to pay purses, stakes and expenses of the meeting and to guarantee horsemen shipping here. No purse less than ,000 will be offered and we have the promise of some of the best horses in the East and West. TO IMPRESS LEGISLATURE. "The legislature will meet January 1. We believe the surest way to secure favorable legislation for racing is to demonstrate that racing can be conducted as a clean sport. With this in view we have secured the services of Joseph A. Murphy, one of the foremost racing judges in the United States, and he has gathered as associates men of international reputation for probity and efficiency. "Do not forget that Chicago is the only metropolis in the world without racing. "Your signed membership and check by I return mail will be appreciated. Make all checks payable to Eugene W. Kasper, treasurer." Mr. Kasper, who has been selected as treasurer of the club, is president of the First National Bank of Cicero, 111., which is located in the neighborhood of the Hawthorne course. The sudden death of Francis S. Peabody, who was found dead beside his horse during a hunt at his Hindsdale estate last Sunday, was a terrible shock to the members of the club. Mr. Peabody had signified his willingness to act as president of the club. The vacancy caused by his death has not yet been filled. . - . . Work at the Hawthorne plant was delayed considerably by the government in moving some of the equipment from the . field and building. However, a force of seventy-five carpenters and laborers have been on the ground for several days and by the first of next week a larger force will be on the job and it is expected that the plant will be in fine condition by the middle of September, when, according to advices from various horsemen, the racing material will begin arriving here. Judge Joseph A. Murphy is devoting as much of his time as possible to lining up horsemen for the Chicago meeting.
