The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-08-08
A Novel Wheel That Has
Appeared at Geneva.
Is Awkward in Appearance
But Very Comfortable.
How Sergeant White Dealt With an
Obstreperous Woman.

From lady who has recently returned
from Europe the Gossiper obtained
description of a novel bicycle which made
its appearance in Geneva, Switzerland,
the city famous for It's watches. The
name given the new machine is ''la
bicyclctte normale," and It is entirely un-
like any pattern OF wheel in use in this
country. This new machine has small
wheels and seat so low that the rider
can almost touch the pavement while
sitting. The rear wheel is the larger and
the seat IS situated over its axle. This
seat instead OF being OF the regulation
saddle type is a comfortable chair with
a strong and rigid back. One of the
especially unique features about this
machine is that the PEDALS are high
and are on level with the top of the
front wheel and they are so arranged
that the rider in operating them Keeps
his legs in Gn almost horizontal position.
The nearest approach to it is the sliding
seat in racing boats. The steering part
takes long curve inward, having
length of over two feet. Those who have
tried the new machine declare that il is
very easy and comfortable, while the
riders back never becomes tired as is the
case with most of the types of bicycles. 1t
develops great speed also, but whether
IL is equal to the first-class safeties in
this respect is question that has yet to
be determined by actual tests. In climb
ing hills it does good service and will
stand more rough usage than the bicycle
OF the familiar type. Ii has a very queer
appearance is use. however, tho rider
seeming to take 1t easy, no matter at
how fast pace he Is travelling. Like
most European bicycles IL Is heavier,
clumsier and less artistic than American
wheels 4he-spaall- wheels, The long
body and the curved steering rod giving
IL rather an awkward appearance. The
Gossipers informan says this new ma
chine can be used by women, but it is
not as modest as our own wheels, as the
force of the air tends to throw the skirt
up, so that knickerbockers, bloomers or
riding trousers are a necessity.
Sergeant Ben White Ia one of the vet
erans OF the police force and has had his
share OF hard work and hard knocks.
He seems to stand both very well and
wears his three score years very easily.
The sergeant has had some curious ex.
periences, but there is one that always
holds a foremost place in bis memory,
not because ii was momentous case or
one involving risk of life or limb, but
because 1t taxed his ingenuity TO over
come tho trick of willy opponent, and
that opponent woman.
II is good many years since this hap
pencd, but the Older members OF tho de-
partment recall the case every time the
sergeants name Is mentioned. In those
Gays India street had a lnrger population
than II has todoy. and some OF it's deni-
gems were not Of very desirable kind.
There were men aud women there who
gave the police good deal OF trouble.
Among these was a woman whose char
actes and influence in the neighorhood
thoriiies decided to arrest her. The war
rant was sworn out and placed in the
sereesht's hands for execution. With the
speed that always characterized his move
ments he proc, eced 10 the abode of the
womar prepares 10 execute the unpleas-
ant dity OF marching her trough the
strse: 10 the station, for ell his hapf ened
in IL days before the signal box had
been invented or hurry up wagon
thought OF.
The woman who was warted must have
had somo information of the intended
move on the part OF the police. TOR she
was OH tbs alert, and saw the sergeant as
he mace his way to tie house. Quickly
stripping herself of every article OF cloth
log, she poanced into bed and awaited
the arrival OF the minion OF the law.
When the sergeant found how matters
ho rfo A. nj n ~