Evening star., 1897-05-01
THE COMING L. A. w. MEET

PHILADELPHIA, May 1.-The coming
national meet of the League of American
Wheelmen promises to be one of the most
successful ever held. and preparations are
being made by the Quaker members to en-
tertain the national body on large scale.
Local league lights with a penchant for
mathematics have figured it out that be-
fore the first week of next August. when
the eighteenth national meet will be held
in this city, the membership of the L. A
w. will have passed the 100000 mark
With this as basis, the mathematicians
are counting on an attendance of at least
10000, made up equally Of local wheelmen
and visitors. The claim of the A. c. C.,
that the coming meet will be by far the iarg-
est and most important in the history Of
the league is. therefore. in view of the re-
cent wonderful increase in membership,
not unwarranted.
In former years the city which has been
fortunate enough to secure the national
meet has usually been compelled to form
an association to manage the affair. Phil
adeiphia, however, with its Associated Cy-
cling Clubs. through which organization the
invitation was extended. already possesses
an active and vigorous body, thoroughly
organized and in a position to at once take
hold of the scheme and push 1t through,
and 1t is this association and its various
CoiuihttttS WHICH are now DuSlly engaged
on The thousand and one preliminary de-
tails of the meet.
This will be the Quaker citys first ex-
perience in entertaining the league and the
A. c. c. Is determined that next August's
visitors will be SO well taken care of that
they will be anxious to repeat their ex-
perience. This city is admirably adapted
in more ways than one to act as host to
the largest and most successful bicycle or
ganization in the world. To quote from
invitation nf he T.
w. National Assembly, who almost unaui-
mously saw the justice OF her claim, Phil
adelphia is SO located that more than
two-thirds OF the entire membership Of the
organization can reach US In less than a
single day; our railroad facilities are su-
perb, and our hotels have never failed to
provide ample accommodations for any
gathering, no matter how large; 400 miles
OF asphalt-paved streets in the city limits;
F'airmount Park. with its 1900 acres of
beautiful scenery, its peerless roads, and
the far-famed Wissahickon, made promi-
nent In song and story; historic Lancaster
pike, famous In years gone by and still
equally well known as one OF the finest
roads ever constructed. together with hun
dreds Of miles additional of the best high
ways imaginable, radiating In every di-
rection to points Of historical and present
day interest and abounding in beautiful
scenery. give the cycier an opportunity for
enjoyment unexcelled."
Previous experience has demonstrated
that q full week Is entirely too much to
devote to the meet and the executive
committee have wisely decided to confine
their efforts to but four days. the 4th. 9th.
9th and 7th OF August. The first two days
VIII probably be given over to the COM
mittee on tours and runs, who will ar
range series Of trips embracing all the
principal nearby resorts. Shorter runs for
the ladies are also included In this pro-
gram.
On Wednesday night. the 9Th, an excur-
sion on the Delaware will probably be ar
ranged. stopping at one Of the weil-known
oown-rtver resorts or remaining on the
boat, ss the circumstances may dictate
A monster smoker and athletic entertain
ment. to be held probably In the immense
building now In course Of erection to ac-
commodate the National Slengerfest In
June. will be the bill for Thursday nisht
On Friday night. after the first DAYS
races. which win be held on the Willow
Grove track. an entertalnment, to be
known as 'sWheelmen's Night" viii be Ia
order at the grove. and q potpourri of at
fractions. including, among others music
By the Damrosch Symphony Orchestra
fireworks. balloon ascen5ions, trick riding
&C., not to mention the inevitable refresh
ments. viii no doubt contribute to while
away the time very pleasantly for fhe
visitors Nothing definite has been ar
ranged for Saturday nights entertainment
but on Sunday It Is probable that mon
ster excurston to Atlantic City viii Wind
up the festivities.
This b rough draft Of the program m
q present arranged. The details vim come