The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-15
PATH PROJECT
BIG MASS MEETING TO BE HELD
NEXT WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
Good Programme Arranged for the
Evenings Neutrality-suspicious. One
Hundred Stereopticon Views.

Great preparations are being made for the
big mass meeting in the interest of the
proposed bicycle path, 20 he held in Tom
linson Hall next Wednesday night. The
tickets are being given out by the different
bicycle dealers and the indications are that
there will be a large crowd in attendance
A good programme has been arranged and
a pleasant evening is promised for those
who attend. Besides nearly LOO stereopticol
views of the scenery along the proposed
path, there will be also a number Of views
taken from Eastern and European paths.
The regular programme of addresses and
other matters will be ilterspersed with mu-
sio by the Indianapolis Military Band,
which will play a programme Of music led
icated to bicycles and bicycle riders. This is
something that has never been done in this
city before.
The interest that is being manifested in
the path by many local riders and dealers
has insured the final success of the project.
Fred Patee has made an offer, on behalf
of the company with which he is connected,
to build the first mile of the path. 1t is
expected that some other manufacturers
or dealers may do as much for the path.
The stock books have purposely been held
back and no subscriptions have been So
hcited. This is because 1t is desired that
this part of the work be started with a
vim at the meeting Wednesday night. Those
tend the meeting and have their subscrip-
ton blanks ready for signatures. As stated
before, the stock will be s. a share and
may be paid for in installments Of 81 q
month.
People have gone crazy on the bicycle
question and other business is going to de-
struction."
This rather ~uncheerful statement was
made yesterday by a business man, who,
with other interests. has some stock in a BIZ
cycle factory.
You don't think a bicycle panic is threat
ened, do your was asked.
"Well, it amounts to nearly that" was the
answer. people can't buy anything be-
cause they are saving to buy bicycles. Bust
ness is dull and merchants are complaining
of dull times simply because the purchasing
public has wheels on the brain. You can't
sell a man q hat for the reason that he Is
saving to buy a bicycle. This is not the only
bad consequence of the bicycle craze. Work
men are neglecting their families and their
work. / have men employed who are abs0-
iutely worthless because they can think
OF nothing but bicycles. They talk bicycle
while at work and during noon hours. Com
plant has been made TO me that they are
not paying their bills and in each case the
excuse is, Il am saving on a Wheel All
other business will have to rest for q while
until the bicycle stampede has run its course.
would not be so bad, but when several mil
lion dollars are thrown away in luxuries the
consequence is to be deplored."
w. b. Holton & Co., who have recently
added a line of bicycles, and the H. T.
Hearsey Company will have their openings
on st. Patrick's day. Holton & Co. will
have a museum curiosity at their store for
a salesman for the day. 1t is Baby Bliss,
who weighs SOC pounds. He rides a twenty
two-pound bicycle. Last year he was given
a twelve-minute handicap in the Chicago
road race. He set the pace for about six
miles. but then returned: He entered the
race merely to advertise the wheel he rode.
The Hearsey Company's North Pennsyl-
vania-street store has been completely re-
modelled, and will be shown to the general
public for the first time mex Tuesday.
The opening of Dickson & Beaning. So
North Pennsylvania street, attracted a
large crowd last night. Their store is nicely
fitted up. and their souvenirs were at
t~ractive. Their electric bicycle, which serves
for their sign, attracted many curious