HAMBURG RACING SCANDAL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3610, 24 August 1912, Page 4

HAMBURG RACING SCANDAL

A remarkable racing scandal occurred at the Hamburg Derby. Count Walter* von Koenigsmark,

one of the leading members, of the Berlin Union Club, was .standing on a. chair watching the races from the roof of the club tribune, when an official appeared and ordered him iron, his place. The Count angrily refused to move, whereupon the official retired, but re*turned a few minutes later and banded to him a sealed envelope containing an order of the Hamburg Racing Club that he should leave the course at once. He still refused to go until a nolieoman was summoned to the

roof to remove him. The reason for 4 the club’s action has: not been stated.

Thousands of people, including the Crown Prince, witnosed the incident, and the Count rushed off to find .seconds to wipe out the affront by duels. He found his friend. Major von Drossier, and entrusted him with a challenge'- to fight all the members of the committee of the Hamburg Club.

'lhe challenge was presented and accepted, the members of the Hamburg; Club being unable to withdraw the exclusion order. as the Count had used insulting language to the dul/s official.

The committee of the Union Club met in Berlin to discuss, whether ali the members should not challenge all their colleagues in Hamburg. As there are about fifteen members on each committeig there is likclv to be an

interesting series of encounters unless some peaceful solution is found.