The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-10-13
SPORTING NEWS.
FOR BICYCLE RIDERS.
Racing in Eugland-Interest Increasing
In The Choice OF League President.

An English rider, in speaking OF racing
In America the other day, said: "Ameri-
cans visiting England and France and at
tending the different race meets express
surprise at the crowds and the excellent
management. IL is nothing TO go out 10
Herne Hill and see from 10000 to 90 600
persons watching n bicycle meet, and II
is the same way at the Coilford track and
at the race meetings held throughout
France. think that the small gate at bi-
cycle meetings in this country is due TO
the large admission fee that is exac;ed.
Moderate prices and large crowds go
abroad. Then, again, you have your
programs in this country too lengthy.
Our races, including our trial and bnal
heats, are always over at o'clock, but
then we rarely hold over five events on
an afternoons program. The system of
bringing the men to the tape for ench
race is altogether different on the other
side. The management VIII tolerate no
delays. 1t is the duty of an assistant
TO the clerk of the course 10 hsvo the
men out and ready to face the starter
as soon as the officials render a decision
in the previous race. i notice here that
delays OF ten and fifteen minutes occur,
but we would not allow this. Our man
agement, I think, is superior, but the
quality and number OF men who race
in tbis country is the finest and largest
l have ever seen."
Who will be next president OF the Ma
tional l.. A. W? This question seems to
have aroused considerable conversation
among many not in a position to know
OF those spoken of as wanting the posi-
tion.
Word comes from the balmy South that
the friends. of Chief Consul Potter of the
New York division Of the L. A. w. are
very anxious that Le run for the presi-
dency.
Reports have been printed, as coming
from the East, that Mr.. Elliott, the pres
ent incum bent, will undoubtedly hold
the position again.
Just why reports have been printe
that n new man is wanted for the presi-
dency M one seems to know. That Mr..
Elliott has been an able worker for the
l.. A. w. no one disputes, and no objec-
tions TO his rnnning again have yet been
stated.
MIR. Elliott and Mr.. Potter OF New York
are wsrm friends, and II one is csndi-
date. the other would not be.
Next Thursday there will be meeting
OF the national executive committee In
New York, and after that something
more definite may he out regarding the
outlook for this position.
Bald and Cooper will race soon for the
national championship
An effort will be made next Saturday
by Arthur Il. Smith OF New York 20 low
er the American 24-hour road record.
In the triangular run to Providence
and Worcester from Boston, Sunday,
were six members of the Metropolitan
Wheelmep, all OF whom finished the run.
Tho party that made the trip, OF which
80 finished, had weary ride and many
mishaps, none being severe. Between
Westb boro and South Framingham they
found the road.dark, made so largely by
the deep woods, and rough. X iders coll
liced, headers were taken, wheels were
slightly damaged, and some came out
with SCARED faces and sprained wrists.
Mr.. Gelb,rs set tho pace for the whole
distance, making the 142 miles In 12h.
ION.
Secretary Bsssett's report for the past
week shows that 652 applications for
membership in the l.. A. w. have been
received, and that the total strength of
the league is 69,s $40. New York heads
the list by sending in 225 applications,
and has a total mem bership Of 10, 459.
Pennsylvania is in second place, with 1ls
applications, total mem bershir, 10,59s.
New Jersey Al applications, total men,
pership 4532. Massachusetts, and Missouri
are tied in the number OF applications
sent l19 each), but the former division
has a total strength of 9424 while the lat
ter has 2l6O.