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W. A. "BILLY" MYER W. A. "Billy" Myer, known from coast to J coast in turf circles, came to Chicago to give his opinion on the contemplated building of the New "Washington Park Breeders Association 1 1-2 and 1 mile twin tracks. In company with "William J. Murry. the engineer and Scott C. Dyer he visited the site and has spent considerable time in going over the situation. Mr. Myer has had worlds of experience, having helped to build Harlem, Oaklawn at Hot Springs, Fair Grounds at New Orleans, the Gates-Drake track at Salem, Mass ; reconstructed Saratoga, besides the Rancocas farm plant for Harry Sinclair at Passaic, N. J., considered the greatest in the country, besides the improvements at the Harry Payne "Whitney farm and that of August Belmont, which were completed under his supervision. After taking soil from the new track from various locations he took the samples home after carefully labeling the location. His report reveals that the soil is a sandy loam with surprising depth, which under terrific heat failed to bake and particularly after a soaking rain. Mr. Myer pronounced the soil absolutely perfect and also stated that when the track was started that he would guarantee after completion that miles would be run in 1:38 right oft the reel. He said that during his years of experience he never saw soil that was better adapted for the purpose, excepting the Gates-Drake track at Salem, Mass., and even that does not compare with the local site. Mr. Myers friendship for judge Murphy and his love for Chicago prompted him to wire Robert M. Sweitzcr, whose father was one of Billys great admirers. Mr. Sweitzer immediately got in touch with the organizers of the new race track and the result is that Mr. Myer will spend some time here in getting the details in condition for its construction. Judge Joseph A. Murphy, the moving spirit of the new undertaking, will leave Baltimore Monday and will stop off in Chicago Tuesday on his way to assume his duties on Thanksgiving Day at Jefferson Park, New Orleans, where he is to act at both Jefferson Park and the Fair Grounds as presiding steward. When the judge arrives he will immediately confer with William J. Murray, the chief engineer, and Scott C. Dyer, the architect, and Mr. Myer will make a full and complete report of his conclusions from inspection. From present indications and the open winter the plant will soon be under way to promote, encourage and foster the improvement of bloodstock.
