Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-06-18
American Wheelmen.

The League of American Wheelmen, which
was dehnaJely formed In 1850, has already
membership OF over 1900. This organization
extends not only over the United States but
ais o., 10 Canada and Mexico. and already couats
Its objects. as stated In It's constitution, are:
ITO promote the general interests OF bicycling;
20 ascertain, defend and protect the rights of
Wheeimen; and to encourage and facilitate
touring" Its officers are a president VIC.
president, commander, q corresponding sec.
fetary. recording secretary, treasurer. and
regularly organized bicycle club; and these
ofncers form board, OF which eight constitute
quorum, competent to direct and decide upon
all matters not provided for In the constitution,
Ihey are also given power to I'LL all vacancies.
me directors are also empowered to appoint
consuls In such places as may be advisable. so
lnaI any member OF the League. who for busl-
ness or pleasure may visit any town or city I'm
tne country, may be able to find there an OIL
Ger OF the League ready to welcome him as q
brother Wheelman. and give him such informa-
ton as he may desire.
The League is intended for the be,fAflt of
amateur Wheelmen, an amateur being ned
as "a person VINO has never competed In an
open competition, or for stake or for public
money, or for gate-mOney, or under q false
name. or with a professional for a prize or
where gate money Is charged, nor has ever
personally taught or pursued bicycling or
hood"
1t Is to be earnestly hoped that in the inter-
est OF the growing devotion to physical Gull
ture. open air exercise. the improved standard
OF public health, and the innocent enjoyment
OF friendly competition which this provision "a
intended TO promote, 1t will prove adequate to
prevent the intrusion into the practice of bicy-
Cling Of the spirit OF speculation, which In this
age has proved 80 disastrous to even the best
intended attempts TO make horse racing,
DOatlng and otner athletic sports other than
opportunities for the blackleg to practice his
arts,
There has been heretofore In our American
life, crowded 10 excess as 1t has been with the
harasslng cares and anxiet!es OF business, so
little consideration paid to the organized prac-
tlce OF health giving outdoor exercise to which
bicycling Is peculiarly adapted, that the organ
kation OF this League of American Wneelmen
cannot fail to be recognized as an important
subject for public coDgratulation. By the rules
OF the League 1t Is provided that once year
there shall be O general parade, In which all
amateur bicycle clubs. together with indlvid-
ual wheelmen not attached to club, shall be
Invited to take part. This annual parade tskes
place on the 3Oth OF May-Deeoration Day
observances OF the day in Boston, nearly a
thousand wheelmeD from all parts OF the
country being reviewed upon the Common bg
the mayor. Provision has also been made for
Ine yearly institution during the fine season
OF our American fall, when all nature conspire5
TO provide the most favorable and exhilaratlng
conditions for vigorous outdoor exercise OF q
race meeting under the auspices Of the League,
"at which only members shall be allowed to
compete. except in some event set apart for
professionals alone, at which meeting q suit
able League championship prize shall be Of
fered, which shall be the property of the
times by the same competitor, VINO shall then
mold IL, II no 80 elect, and be debarred from
competing for any League prize for the same
distance and championship" The fall meeting
OF THIS year Will be held In New York in Sep.
TENDER -Edaodrd Hoaclond, in Harpers Naga-
zine for Jtt'y.