The San Francisco call., 1896-08-28
GREAT VICTORY FOR THE LOCAL WHEELMEN

Simply ask MIN 10 go on one or the Train
patronized by wheelmen and see how the
baggage-car is monopolized by few
wheels and how train is often delayed by
either loading or unloading large num-
Der of them.
Nov, so far as our revenue is con-
cerned, II is not true that large per
centage of those who ride into the country
on wheels return on trains, though l am
willing to admit that there are con-
siderable number who do so.
II do not think all this agitation that
has been and is going on is at all justified,
but believe that it is simply due to the
way the matter has been handled by the
newspapers. There appears, however, to
be general feeling against these charges
among all who ride bicycle, and we
shall, therefore, rescind the order tenn
porarily at least"
{ When the news was conveyed to Judge
Frank II. Kerrigan, chief consul of the
North California Division of the League
of American Wheelmen, he expressed
deep qualification over this early and de-
cided victory in the cause of wheeling.
"This is one of the greatest and most
decided triumphs achieved by the frater-
nifty of bicycle riders anywhere in the
United States" he remarked at is un-
doubtedly due to the prompt and per-
sistent manner in which THE CALL and
the organized wheelmen took up the gage
of battle against the railroad.
"While this victory on its face may not
appear to be matter of great moment, as
it involves but small pecuniary charge,
| consider it one of the most important
signs of the times that has developed for
many day. It has demonstrated in
most striking manner what a power the
wheeImen are in the land. aid indicates
what can be accomplished by united and
systematic action.
81 am afraid, however, that this conces-
sion has been made too late by the South
ern Pacific to effect the real object sought
easily afford to give this sop of free bl-
cycle transportation between San Fran
cisco and points within radius of fifty
miles OF this City, but they have evoked a
Frankenstein in this movement, which,
like the tabled automaton, cannot now be
stopped.
I'VE have been aroused, have come to
realization of our strength, and we shall
use it in the cause of the people gener-
ally, and of wheelmen in particular.
While this is a glorious victory for the
local wheelmen, there are thousands and
thousands of riders in the State who are
yet suffering from this same form of i'm
position, and our efforts shall not be al
lowed to flag until they have been freed
from it.
ho NV LOFT
proposed exaction OF the Southern Pacific
has been surprise even to the wheelmen
themselves, and has crystalized into
movement to have bill passed by the
next Legislature which shall declare BIZ
cycles to be baggage, and thus provide for
their free transportation everywhere in
the State.
Preliminary meetings have already been
held with this object in view, and others
are being arranged for, not only in this
City, but in every city in the State in
which the sport is INDUCED In to any
extent. Wheelmen have seen that under
the present condition of things they are
at the mercy OF Huntington, and the
existing feeling will be utilized to secure
the passage OF such bill as l have men,
toned.
81 have no doubt that the Southern
Pacific people now fully realize the mistake
they have made, and the danger that has
arisen of legislation directed against this
charge everywhere in the State. They
have, therefore, made this concession In
the hope-a vain one, l am certain-that
the deep and general feeling it created will
die away as suddenly as it come to the
surface.
"But the die has been cast. The Southern
Pacific was over confident, unconsciously
and unintentionally, it is true, and we
shall carry on the campaign to a victory
that will benefit the entire State-at least
those portions wherein the wheels doth
mostly roll.'