Lt. Governor Calls to Ban Racing

This is an image of Indiana Lieutenant Governor Frank J. Hall was originally published in the August 26, 1909 Indianapolis Star. He made news with his statement that the Governor should call a special session of the legislature to pass a law prohibiting motor racing. This was in response to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's tragic  first auto racing event. These races were controversial due to the devastating fatal accidents on the first and third days of the meet. In all, five men were killed:
 

• William Bourque, driver.
• Harry Holcomb, riding mechanic
• Claude Kellum, riding mechanic
• James West, spectator
• Homer Jolliff, spectator

 
The original caption for the image reads as follows:
 
"Rushville, Ind., Aug. 25 - Lieutenant Governor Frank J. Hall is strongly opposed to automobile racing in Indiana and believes the Governor would be justified in calling a special session of the legislature to pass a law prohibiting this sport.
'They talk of bull fights in Mexico,' said Mr. Hall, 'but did you ever hear of several people being killed in a bull fight? And yet, right here in Indiana, great crowds go out to witness an event in which it may be expected that human life may be sacrificed."

 
In the end the Indianapolis community and others from motorsport rallied around the Speedway and no action was taken.