The morning times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1897, 1896-08-09
Moral Phase of the Craze Dis
cussed by Clergymen
and Women.

The bicycIe has of late days, hcen SO
uumerousiy adopted rs a member OF the
family that IL is pertinent To inquire whal
effect 1t has had upon the genera! doinesuc
circle into which it has So largely entered as
the welcome guest.
Apart from the sentimental side OF Inc
wheel in outdoor life, which side has in
Vulnerable features, there are tn rec
serious considerations affecting the ma
chine and ITS owner which The Times
discusses this morning the moral, The physi-
oiogical and the commercial phases ana
effects of the new social factor. The dis
cussion is all the more interesting, as the
takers on tie delightful subject have EVIL
IDENTITY given the topic careful considera-
ton. The views Of the ladies and gentle
men on the three questions stated are given
below. 1t is II symposium that could wen
be continued FROM time 10 time by all those
who can add Ia the facts given herein, ana
The Times will publish such additional III
formation or interesting views for the bene-
fit of the masses and classes who rice The
bicycle.
II is suggested that personal experiences
Oh ut least two of the subjects would inter
est the great ma jority Of the reading public
First as to the moral aspect Of the use OF
the wheel by WOMEN. IL has been charged
that there has arisen a license in dress and
action by the women riders, which needs
To be rebuked; and that the use OF the
wheel is an exercise detrimental 10 the
health OF such riders.
The clerGymen whose views on the moral
side of wheeling are given below We're Sc
lected at random, the only object IN
view being to secure expressions which
would represent the various denominations.
Their opinions are practically in accord.
and, as will be seen. form Il strong verdict
in favor OF the bicycle for both men and
women. Practically tie only point of diff
ference among them is the question OF sun
day riding.
REV. GEORGE LUCCoCK, D. D., Met
ropoli,an Presbyterian: LAS ride wheel
myself. naturally approve OF the inven-
ton. or course it can be used 10 an i'm
Moral end, like everything else. Its great
eest abuse, 10 my mind, Is using IL as
means of Dissertation OF the sabbath: but
this is not the fault of the Wheel 1t is due
TO the uDcodlineS of the riders.
The exercise derived by riding un-
doubted has the tendency or every healthy
form OF cNerclse-that OF toning up mans
moral side. + can conceive OF nothing of
immoral tendency in riding for girls and
women. AS far as I am able To see and
physicians approval on physical grounds
Understanding modest dress, assuming
good, approved company. and assuming IA
IL is perfectly proper for women TO ride
bicycles
REV ADAM REoCH. Fifth CongreGa-
tionaI: The bicycle is a potent factor
In good health and morals. and il has
come 10 stay. Because IT can he made 10
further bad ends recognize no argument
for describing the wheel. In many ways,
on the other hand. realize how it can
act as n good moral agency. To cite an
instance: The recreation and the good
health engendered thereby will cause a
multitude of young men and women to
turn their minds To healthy thoughts, the
almost iHvariable outcome Of good, strong
constitutions.
"why, tainly l approve of the wheel
for women as well as men. l know many
who have been greatly benefited by the
use of IT.
REV. THOMAS W. COOKE. Church OF
the Ascension: The bicycle is truly called
an agency which has tendency to eIe-
waite mans moral nature. inasmuch as it
abstracts the attention of young men from
places where the influence Is not elevat-
ing spiritually. Isee no reason why man
kind should not enjoy such Il blessing,
brought about by his mechanical ingenu-
ity not only as means Of convenience,
but of pleasure as well.
1.-THE only danger In INDUCING in its
pleasure is that it might lead young
people TO neglect their spiritual nature by
absenting themselves from Gods house of
worship on the day Of rest. II all riders
would give their early morning hours 10
attendance at Gods house of wo:shp. I
sec no reason why those who have such
little time for pleasure should not in
dulge In such recreation on Sunday
REV. n. C. NAYLOR, Maryland avenue
BaptistChurch: II dopot find bicyclists are
less homo rable In all their moral duties than
those who use othe, moles OF travel and