The Portland daily press., 1890-09-25

President j. Q. Stevens of the Wheel Club
called the company to order with a few
happy remarks, congratulating the club on
having among its members two of the most
eDterprising wheelmen in the United States,
and then introduced Mr.. Elwell.
Mr.. Elwell said that one of the best things
about going abroad was the coming home
Every time he went away he was more and
more pleased to return to the most glorious
land in the world. The trip this year was
quite similar to the previous tour, but he
told about the wheel to Chamonix to see
Mt. Blanc, where they did not go last year.
1t was good road from Geneva for 25 miles.
and then it was decidedly tough push final
ly resolving into walking match. The val.
ley OF Chanionix Is very high. Mt. Blanc is
one OF the grandest sights in the world. glist-
ening In the sun like frosted cake. Thev
crossed the Mer de Glace, hard and tedi-
GUS trip. Imagine two rivers as large as the
of the letter "Y," and then going na pn
together and one has some idea OF the size
OF this frozen river, which was a gorgeous
spectacle as 1t glittered in the sunlight. Some
OF the boys got very much frightened going
across, fearing falling into the deep crew
asses. 1t is one of the most enjoyable trips
from scenic point of view imaginable The
trip down to the valley of the Rhone was
dangerous one for bicycle, over what is
called road, mere path not more than five
ieet wide. with precipice on one side. The
Ag. zags, marvellous feat of road engi-
neering down rocky precipice made it dan
gerous riding. Swiss roads are usually ex-
cellent. furnishing the acme of the sport of
bicycling. Always take your wheel when
going to Europe and be sure to visit Switzer-
land and Mt. Blanc. He spoke feeIingly of
10 lnrsu atarc la int
be often wished his fellow members could
be with him to enjoy the tours.
Mr.. ID. ). Higgins said Mr.. Elwell had
omitted all mention of girls and BARRIERS,
which was not just, as they had been great
~ smitten with him: Any one who has had
will not soon forget it.. The barber douses
the soap suds ON the face at random. gives
two or three quick strokes with something
like a razor, and then the victim washes his
own face.
He gave most interesting description of
the wonderful performance Of the Passion
Play at Oberammergau. They sat for eight
hours III drenching rain to see the play.
which shows with what intense interest the
performance is watched. The benefits of a
wheeling tour In Europe are manifold. He
said one Of the best things of going away
was arriving home and being welcomed by
the club.
Mr., Bates TORY spoke Interestingly of
wheeling subjects and told an amusing anec-
dote Of some Americans In Europe. He
thought 1t would be good idea to make a
road book for Maine and he intended TO start
the matter.
Mr.. G. D. Alexander gave an interesting
account of tour from Albany across the
state OF New York to the annual meet of the
league at Niagara Falls.
Mr.. s. b. Phillips described two weeks
wheeling tour among the White Mountains
the past summer.
Mr.. II: M. Breen told about the one days
ride to Boston, when they tried to beat the
schedule time, and rode through the choice
Wells.
A letter was read from Mr.. E. B. Pillsbury
OF Boston, expressing his regrets,