The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-10-01

was no time limit placed on the race; that
there was no obligation on the part of the
riders to hold the tandem, but that they were
at liberty to ride the race in such manner and
in such time as they might see fit; that the
referee had no warrant under the rules to de-
clare the contest no race, and therein ex-
ceeded his authority.
The only reason that could be assigned for
placing time limit on paced event would
be the anticipation of collision between the
pacemakers and contestants to keep the pace
slow. SO lar as the contestants are concerned
it may be assumed, and this does not seem
forced or unreasonable construction, that pace
makers are put in as the alternative for time
limit, and that the authority TO say whether in
his opinion the contests tried to ride up to
| like degree with that authority expressly con-
| ferred by the rules which permit him to decide
whether contestants have endeavored to ride
within liked time limit. 1t would be absurd
to say that the general powers conferred on a
referee do not permit him to determine
| whether race has been ridden in a manner
compatible with the obligations of contestant
| to the race promoter and the public
Track rule q provides in the following lam
guage, that Competitors may dismount dur
Ing race at pleasure and run with their cycles
If they wish to-" But would any one assert
that it is not within the province of the referee
| to determine at any time whether conditions
warranted such action? In the case under
consideration the referee had the authority
and 1t was his duty to decide whether the race
was ridden in a manner to entitle the con-
testants to the prizes offered, which, it is I'M
derstood. were exceedingly desirable ana up
to the highest limit of value permitted by the
rules. The appeal is dismissed and the decision
of the referee sustained. Fully approved,
September "a, 1895. GEORGE D. GIDEON.
He accompanies this decision with the
following letter to Mr.. WEIGH, representa-
tive of the racing board in California:
LEAGUE OF AMERICAN WHEELMEN.
Office Chairman OF Racing Board,
Septembe "a, 1889
Mr.. r. If. Welch. Rep. L. a. W. Racing Board,
San Francisco, CGL.-DEAR Mr.. WEIGH: | re-
turn herewith the protest of w. F. Foster from
the decision of the referee. Your construction
of the rules is fully approved, as believe that
possible and his decisions Endorsed whenever
they do not absolutely conflict with the rules.
AS TO this case, I had precisely similar one on
Saturday at our national circuit meet here in
professional event. Eaton caught the tandem,
with Sanger right. behind him. The pacing
was too hot for Eaton and he slowed, Sanger
not noticing that the tandem was getting
away, but going by soon as he did and
making rather q feeble effort to catch the tan
dem. Failing this, the entire crowd slowed up
and loafed half-mile, and l then called the
race off and started all over again.
AS to your five class men at Chico, think
there is no doubt but they should be promptly
transferred to class B. Very truly yours.
GEORGE d. GIDEON,
Chairman L. A. W. Racing Board.
as the matter now stands, therefore,
Jones, Long and Gushing are awarded first,
second and third prizes respectively, while
Foster gets nothing. The decision is very
valuable as precedent, and will result in
fewer if any loafing races in the future.