The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-03-22
H & CO.. NEWARK, N. j.
WHEELMAS YARNS WHEELME EN-.
The Bill MnkirF Railroads Garry Bicycles
Free Not Approveh by Wheelmen Gene rnily.

The Bill Maker Railroads Carry Bicycles
Free Not Approved by wheeimen Gene rally.
To THE EDITOR av THE SuN-Sir: Your we'll
timed editorial upon the manner In which the
local officials of the l.. A. w. are pushing the
Armstrong bill will undoubtedly meet with tho
hearty approval of o vast majority OF the
wheelmen OF the State.
Comparatively few of the New York wheel
men know or care anything about the bill: no
one took any proper steps to ascertain their
views, and II they were permitted to express an
opinion very few would be Inclined to support
IL IN its present shape.
The l.. A. ". has a membership possibly OF
ten per cent. OF the wheelmen OF the state, and,
although | have been u member for about one
year, l am unaware OF any attempt to ascertain
the enforced opinion Of even that organization;
who opposed the bill were vigorously excluded,
could hardly DO deemed representative
II seems 30 me that before the l.: 4. w. off,
GERS take such q radical step as to threaten the
Legislature with the displeasure OF the wheel
ton they should exhibit better credentials than
they now DosseSs.
The most remarkable. feature of the whole
controversy Is the rabld intolerance with which
the S bill, is urged ey its su NPGnipeIi%s o, n bloa,.a
bal brick bats with which they swat any mild
hammered gentleman who limidly ventures to
dissent from their views, and doubt the Justice
or constitutionality of the measure.
"A mere suggestion at the cyclists meeting,
which individuals are entitled. evoked a storm
Of hisses; jeers' and shouts OF Tags. ,.,.,
vides that all railroad. shall. under a penalty OF
ten dollars. transport bicycles. when accom-;
panied by their owners. as they are now required
to carry the personal baggage Of passengers.
In answer to an objection to the obvious in
the fare paid by the ~bicyclist Is ample compen-
sation for the extra labor involved In trans
Il applied to lonc distances, but let us consider
its effect on local trafiic.
Probably not one per cent cent Of passengers
carry baggage with them. This fact, of course.
naturally governs the supply OF accommodation
and rates of transportation
A railroad knows the normal amount of its
traffic and the facilities required Mt any station
provision accordingly: but how can they fairly
and reasonably be expected to furnish, without
compensation. upon instant demand, with no
previous notice. at. for instance. a 1iag station.
transportation for any number OF bicycles. say
from 10 to 100?
II a passenger with a wheel pays the same
fare as one without n wheel. why would that not
accord the non-wheelman a Just ground to de-
mand a reduction OF his fareI It's a poor rule.
Under the free transportation system you
can lind him-sign a release, and trnndie your
wheel up a. quarter OF IA mile OF railroad plat
soul in patience until the last passenger has EN-
barked, the last baby carriage and parrot cage
n s%cowlinG haggagcmnn, ana jump upon the
moving train TO stand up during the rest
or your journey. wondering whether the
train will stop long enough at your destination
to enable YOU to lift the wheel out of the bag
gage car with your own hands. =
Let me say that. for one, | am In favor of any
measure that would allow n railroad company
make . moderate charge. at least. in local traffic.
would much rather nay a small fec, tender
my bicycle at the baggage office, receive. my
check. go calmly on my WAY, giving myself no
further concern, and find my bicycle on the
railroad station upon my arrival.
NOBODY disputes the enormous value of tho
work accomplished by the l.. A. W., nor the
good faith. energy, and aggressive. vitality of
that he and his friends are going too far. and
that II they suCceed In e~nactinR the law they
demand. they will plunge the league into a
Homerlc conflict with the railroads, In which
the latter will win, not because OF their wealth.
power. and influence. but because they will be
right, and popular opinion will be with them.
JAMES O'NEILI-
$50 BROADWAY, N. Y, March 30.