Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-30
WONDERS OF THE WHEEL
Business and Social Revolution Due to the
Bicycle.
L Representative Washingtonian
Wakes Enthusiastic Upon It's Num-
erOus Applnudable Effects.


in Washington is Mr.. B. H. Warner. It
was long time before he could bring him
self to mount a bicycle, but when he did he
felt n tirgle in his fingers for the handle
bar all the time. The chances are now
that Mr.. Warner will be found at any day
light nour with clips on the heels Of his
trousers. He had them on this morning, at
any rate. when Star reporter met him.
and. noticing the set Of his usually we'll
fitting trousers. asked him IL he wore en-
the cips-to his meals. Mr. Warner smiled
and disconnected himself from the articles.
and dangled them in his fingers while he
grew eloquent.
THE wheel has actually become a busi-
ness and social ecessity." he declared
with emphasis. eve have a number Of
young men employed in our office, and
nearly all Of them use the wheel to facil!-
tate business. They can go from one end
OF the city to another in a remarkably
short time. The game line Of economy re-
suits from the acceleratton of speed that Is
brought about by the use of the telephone
Few people realize the magnitude Of the
business of manufacturing and furnishing
wheels, OF the fact that many thousand
people have been furnished with a new &C.
cupaton, and that hundreds of thousands
have been given new means Of locomo-
ton within a comparatively short time.
The Development of the Wheel.
when the wheel first appeared it was
considered toy; in a short time it was re-
garded as luxury: then it had its place
as convenience; now 1t is classed a
necessity" he continued. THE market
value Of horse flesh and stock in street car
lines has been materially affected by the
wheel Stand on any prominent street cor
ner and make count and you will see
that wheels outnumber horses, and the
passing cycle procession will include peo-
PIE of all social grades and professions,
from the justice Of the Supreme Court Of
the United States and the millionaire down
to the humblest servant. Desirable exercise
and pleasure Is afforded at the same time
that the wheel is beirg used for business
Many a man who has neglected to take
exercise is now induced to go out into the
open air ana seek beneficial recreation Ee-
cause the wheel is SO convenient Hun
dreds Of houses In outlying districts in this
city have been occupied at comparatively
low rents because parties can afford to
buy wheels which would carry them to
and from their homes with comparative
ease. The cycle will prove very great
benefit in handling suburban property.
Coal Miners Also Ride.
THE other day was talking to the pro-
prietor Of large coal NINE" he went on,
land he told me he was surprised to see that
many Of his operators came riding up to
the mines on their wheels.
Thousands Of bicycles are being made
every week, and yet the factories cannot
respond to the demand. Prices are kept at
high figures because purchasers are so
numerous. Within the next two years there
will probably be very great decrease in
the market value of the cycle. This will
extend its use among class of people who
are not now able to afford 1t.
Il regard the exercise much safer and
more beneficial than horseback riding, be-
cause the wheel is easy to manage and does
not eat anything. 1t Is true that accidents
happen every day in the use Of the wheel.
but they will diminish as people find they
must exercise care in riding, as we'll as in
anything else which aids locomotion. The
people who use horses or who go on foot
must give the bicycle a fair show. and be
as considerate of the bicycle rider as of
themselves. l feel a very great improve
ment in health from the use of the ma
chine, and every time l take a ride am
grateful to the inventor.
The Moral Eject of Bicycles.
Il think the use Of the wheel by young
men will have a very good effect 1t will
give them occupation and tend to take them
out of saloons and pool rooms into the coun-
try" said Mr.. Warner. seriously. 1T will
give them new lines Of thought and enable
them to work off their surplus vitality in a
very profitable direction. Every man who
uses the wheel saves money by 1t. 1t Is easy
to calculate this. / am sorry the street car
lines lose so much, but it Is pretty safe to
say that the receipts are diminished several
thousand dollars day in this city because
of the popularity of the new and attractive
competitor
why, eight of my family ride" said Mr.
Warner, in conclusion, land we are all de-
lighted with wheels. They mean
stronger constitutions. better health and