The morning times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1897, 1896-08-09

exercise. l am not So sure that il has
increased Sabbath Dissertation. 1t is no
more immoral To ride q bicycle on sun
day tc picnic or excursion ground than
to go on steamboat, a tram of cars or
IN d carriage.
Il believe the use of the Lords day for
for such purposes is very immoral and
positive sin, but riding bicycle is not
more SO than any other mo lie oftrayel On
the whole, my observation discovers nothing
more immoral in the bicycle than in any
other vehicle"
REV. THOMAS CHALMERS EASTON
Eastern Presbyterian: with other cler-
gymen, l have received Il copy OF resois-
tons passed by the Wonan's Rescue League,
June 20, 1896, condemning the use OF the
bicycle among young women. ! challenge
the League TO prove that the alarming ill.,
crease of immortality among Young women
is due to the present use of the mach ne.
1t is an assumption on their part that sew
cnty-five per cent Will lie an army or IN
valds within the next ten years Neither
can it be proven that functional diseases
arise from the use Of the bicycle. l at
tribute the great number OF invalid women
to other causes than the pleaSirc-givinE
and heallh-creatiDg outdoor exercise OF the
wheel.
An excessive use OF the sewing ma
chine has not been condemned by the
League, and yet the movement is almost
Identical. So far as helping 10 swell the
ranks of reckless girls believe there is
far less danger, morally, than long buggy
drives, where closer proximity OF the
sexes must be ma in,ained.
so far as the .immodesty OF dress is
concerned. ! believe every gentleman Will
admit with me that the decollete dress OF
ladies in the circles OF fashion are more
suggestive and imprudent than the la
I,I,, ar he wheel
Il iDdorse the wheel and regard 1T as
healthful exercise, which can only he
made means TO RIGHTEOUSNESS where the
tendencies are already immoral on the Part
of its patrons. Unfortunately. have not a
wheel of my own, and no doubt would
be a greater enthusiast for its use II os-
sessed the flying iron steed.
REV.. q. BUTLER, Lutheran Memorial
Church. Fourteenth street and Vermont
avenue: Il have always considered the
wheel as one or the good things whichhave
come to US and have never questioned
its good moral influence. There is no reason
why anything good may not be per-
verted to immoral purposes; hence the same
arguments used against the wheel can be
employed against the buggy and the horse,
or an ything of an equally recognized pene-
fit.
Il see no wrong in people living at a dis
tance coming TO divine services on Sunday
OH the wheel, for then the street car men
might be able to get the one day OF rest al
lotted to each individual by the creator
Neither do l sec any wrong done whcn a
man or woman, who has worked haro all
week takes Il ride, FOR that is the only day
they have for giving the tired brain anu
body a chance to he refreshed.
ITO my mind there is no improperly
whatever in a woman riding wheel, II she
but dresses herself modestly. Boomers 1
do not approve OF, but short skirts seem TO
be in no way demoraiizing."
REV d. j. STAFFORD, OF st. Patrick's:
..Ihave given the bic ycle subject nothought
l. therefore have nothing 10 say for the
present"
REV. DIR. c. c. MEADOR, Fifth Street
Baptist: II can see readily how the bicycle
can he made an immoral exei use, and,
ike everything else, how 1t can serve
a bad purpose. On the other hand, II
properly employed. the wheel is useful,
health giving and innocent recreation.
One danger is that OF too much wheeling
on the Sabbath Immoderate riding is
injurious 10 health, the whole system is
exhausted, and the rider, to give his
tired body a stimulous. dismounts at the
nearest saloon and takes several drinks
TOO many.
This is especially the case on long runs
into the country, for along the roads fire.
quented by hicyclists are any number OF
these saloon-inns.
Used moderately the bicycles healthy
exercise, and good health always means
a high standard OF morality. ! favor the
wheel for men especially. As TO women,
it depends greatly upon the appearance OF
the woman In question. Some women
would show their immortality anywhere:
but a woman on n wheel. deceutly and
modcstly dressed, is very pretty pic
ture. indeed"
REV a NJ. RICH. rector Of Trinity
Episcopal, Third and streets northwest:
I'm my opinion. those opposed to the bi
cycle have greatly overestimated the wrong
which can he accomplished with it as an