The morning times., 1895-08-04

In city that abounds in such smooth
and weIl-kcpt streets and suburban roads
as Washington it is not surprising that
bicycling has reached its highest aud
most widespread development. The Ma
tional Capital was one OF the first places
In which this pastime was INDUCED in,
and the mae contingent or the community
have been ardent devotees Of the wheel
since its invention and Introduction.
BEFORE THE NEW WOMAN ERA.
The women were for a time prevented
from enjoying the sport and deriving
benefit from the healthful pastime for a
considerable period from a feeling OF
nodesty and pride born or a conviction
that it was not woman's place to ride la
her better hair. With the advent OF the
fin de steele woman this barrier was
burned away and the delightful exercise put
among those to which the fair sex is
eligible
This is all ancient history, for years have
come and gone and men and women, the
latter, too, even in bloomers are to-day
seen pedaliug either on bicycles built for
two," or alone along the streets OF the
city or shady roads and romantic laEes
or the District.
ALARMED THE PARISHIONERs.
1t must be borne in mind in this con-
nection that according to an antiquated
saw there are three seXes-nien, women and
clerGymen. 1t may surprise many TO
learn that in this enlightened age that
some Washington clergymen are prevented
by the fear or alarming the conscience of
members OF their congregations from par
ticipating IN byclnG, even though they are
without any other means OF obtaining reCre-
alton and physical exercise, Last week
the pastor OF one of the most aristocrauc
Baptists churches in the northwestern part
OF the city stated that he would love dearly
10 ride a wheel, but could not for fear Of
offending certain Influential members.
Other churches, it is pleasant to note,
haveta aiken quite a different course and have
presented their pastors with bicycles.
THIS is, perhaps, the more sensible plan,
for the bicycle is evidently the Wheel OF
Destiny. Few churches pay their minis
ters salaries sufficiently large TO enable
The labUrers IN the Lord' vineyard to go so
far as TO keep horse and carriage, and
If financially able to do so it is very
likely that such an expenditure OF money
would call forth caustlc criticism
The instances where the flocks look
with disfayOr upon their shepherds wheel
ing are becoming less and less numerous,
and ii is hoped-devoutly so by many of
the men or the cloth-that it VIII soon
die out. From the very nature OF his
calling the minister is especially in need
or exercise. No other class OF men is
subject TO such general Iil-bealth, and, it
is said, with but few exceptions all lose
their vigor and vitality long before reach
ing middle age. 1t has been found that
frequent exercise lessons the strain upon
the nervous system, and If proper care is
preacher should break down than a law
yer or doctor.
NOT ONE WHO DARED.
In Washington about four years ago
there was not a minister who dared to
even think OF riding o wheel. At that
time the Rev. Dr. J. Mcbride Sterrett
who is not in charge OF any church, but
who occupies a chair In the Columbian
University, took notion that a bicycle
was the very thing that he needed, and,
as lis characteristic with this gentleman
when be thinks and knows that he is
right, he Immediately procured a neatly
enameled steel steed. Mounted on this
the dignified doctor OF divinity and ex-
pounder OF ethics flew through the streets
OF the city, building up the wasted tissue
and nerve caused by long hours OF work
and worry.
Dr. Sterrett .braved all criticisms and
rode to and from his country home on the
Pierce's Mil road aud he soon grew to
prefer this mode or loconotiou TO his
horse aud carriage. Now he but seldom
uses the latter except in iDclement weather
audthe bicycle Is hissele mode OF conveyance
Time passed aud the other ministers
looked on and longed to be by the side
OF DR.. Sterrett spinning over the country
roads and drinking in deep breaths OF pure
suburban air and drawisg inspiration and
-.r.n-I
Cautiously they sounded their way among
their paris hioners and then the Rev.
William Snyder, OF the Church OF the
Ascension, and Albert NJ. Hilliker, Of the
Church of the Epiphany, Joined the ranks.
FROM that Lune on theEs has hssR q steady