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■ ; | 1 1 1 i * $ Resume Akron Meeting; Charges Against Officers Are Dropped 4 $ AKRON, Ohio, May 15.— Tuesday afternoon sitting in municipal court here, Judge Gordon Davies dismissed the case against general manager Steve Steinmetz, of the Akron Jockey Club, also Messrs. Thornton and Weiss, clerks, all of whom were appearing on a charge of gambling in connection with the operation of the contribution system at the Northampton Park races here last week and which caused the cancellation of the races Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Deputy sheriff John Sellars, who made the arrests, was the only witness called and made the following statement : "Following a conference with judge W. L. Pardee of the appellate court, from which I have just returned, judge Pardee requested me to announce that he wishes to have the case withdrawn. Further, that he has washed his hands of the whole situation." Judge Pardee had instituted the proceedings against the Akron Jockey Club and the turn of affairs left little else for judge Gordon Davies to do but dismiss the case. Like a bolt from the blue the action of the prosectuion seemed to somewhat stagger the attorneys for the racing association, who were prepared to fight the case on ten grounds that the "contribution system," used at Northampton Park, is not a violation of the law. The Akron Jockey Club officials immediately called for entries from the horsemen and announced that the meeting would be resumed tomorrow. Immediately horsemen became jubilant and flocked to the wickets to make entries. It was not entirely unexpected in view of the favorable turn of affairs in Judge Davies Municipal court here yesterday. Only two carloads of horses departed following the cessation of racing on Monday. They left for Kings Park, Montreal, where it is reported there is a shortage of horses, while here the contrary is the case. All of the officials remained here awaiting the verdict and are in readiness for the reopening which is likely to be a gala one. There is no doubt that popular opinion locally is in favor of the sport. This was evidenced when almost eight thousand witnessed the running of Saturdays card. Rain the past couple of days rendered the track muddy but today overhead conditions are ideal. With favorable weather again tomorrow, a bumper crowd, it is anticipated, will be on hand at Northampton Park to show its appreciation of the continuance of the racing. CLEVELAND, Ohio, May 15.— Geauga County officials were non-commital today when questioned regarding their attitude toward the "donation" betting system, to be used during the twenty-five-day race meet- ing at Bainbridge Park, opening May 25. The track operated last season under the system. County prosecutor Richard H. Bostwick said he had no plans to interfere at the track, and added : "Thats the sheriffs job." Some time ago Sheriff Benjamin Hotchkiss said action against the track would be "up to the prosecutor." COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 15.— The first test of Governor Coopers announced policy to put a stop to open wagers at race tracks is to come Saturday night when the dog track at West Jefferson, suburb of Colmbus, is to be opened. The governor made it plain today that he expects local law enforcement offi-1 cials to demand obedience to statutes that condemn the meeting. Without referring to any particular race course, the governor said: "I am not opposed to clean sportsmanship, but I will demand that all known enforcement officers enforce the state statutes against gambling at any race track in Ohio." The authority of the governor is direct over municipal officials, but doubtful over county officials. The governor gave no details today of the manner in which he expects to proceed if local authorities refuse to heed his informal injunction. It was said no official orders have been issued. *
