Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-30
COMING LEAGUE ELECTION

SSNiIIN0 ICA0OC ClCN lON
During the week notices and official bal
lots of the coming election of the local di-
| vision of the League of American Wheel
men were mailed to every member in the
city. The date for the annual election is
set for Friday evening, November r. at
o'clock. The official ballot bears the
names of all of the candidates for office,
with instructions as to the casting of the
| same.
In the meanwhile the struggle for proxy
votes goes on with undated vigor. The
candidates for the different offices are
hustlng. though it would seem as though
the present board of officers, candidates
for reelection, have advantage over
| the Others Mr.. John Woerner, jr., as the
| candidate for chief CONSUL has prepared a
platform upon which he will run and which
| he expects to carry out to the letter. A
copy of the platform has been furnished
| to The Star, and is as follows:
ITO the members of the District of Co
lumbia division of the League of Ameri-
can Wheelmen: In the event of my cleo
ton it is my earnest purpose to do every
thing in my power to further the interests
of the members Of the District of Column
bla division of the League of American
| w HeeiiEeH anu Tie UlCyClc TlucIS SeIeId Hy
Legislation favorable to the bicycle
riding public Is one OF the objects to be
attained, and the matter will be brought
to the attention Of the officials of the
District with the view to secure the equal
ization of the rights Of the drivers of We
hicles and bicycle riders. An earnest eff
fort will also be made to secure better
roads, which every one realizes is necessary
to the comfort and pleasure of both driv-
ers and riders.
Unfortunately we are here deprived of
expressing our opinion by means of votes,
but we should not let this fact discourage
us, as we have in our ranks as riders
many members high in official and public
life, who can by their influence do much
for us.
"One of the principal points to receive
attention is that our rights on the streets
and thoroughfares are given proper con-
sideration; that we be accorded the same
treatment as driver of any vehicle, and
lot forced to submit to regulations which
are daily transgressed by drivers without
protest, except from indignant bicycle
riders who have been unfortunate enough
to be hauled up before police magistrate
for breaking them.
IF we ere compelled to keep to the right,
1 see no reason why drivers of vehicles
should not be governed by the same rule;
and If we must carry lighted lamps at
night, why not compel carriages and wag-
ons to do the same?
CLOSE attention should also be given to
our roads in the District. some of which,
we will admit are in extremely poor con-
dftion. They should also be properly desig-
mated by means Of sign boards placed at
convenient places. With the hearty CO.
operation Of the members of the leaeue Of
the District and help of our fellow-mem-
bers In the outlying suburbs Of Maryland
and Virginia much good ought to be ac-
complished.
I'm conclusion, desire to add that
when the league of this District pro
notes venture of any character such
as century run. for instance, it will be
for the greatest good for the greatest
number, and not to advance the interests
Of individuals. What we want above ali
are good roads, and if perchance 1 am
elected to the office of chief consul of the
District of Columbia division of the League
OF American Wheelmen l shall do all
within the persuasive power of an earnest
man and promoter of the bicycle riders
interest to secure them, as well as give
proper attention to racing and other mat
tiers of interest to members Of the league"
In a talk with Mr.. Woerner he expressed
conslderaDie surprise at the manner in
wh1ch the local campaign is being con-
Quoted when I was nominated for Of
1ce,' said Mr.. Woerner, cit was in the ma
ture OF surprise for me. 1 had no inten-
ton Of seeking the office, but 1 was urged
by ny friends to run and endeavor to
break up the ring that controls the af-
fairs. l made application for a list of the
members OF the division shortly after my
name was presented as candidate
II received permission to have the same
but the very same day the permission was
| revoked. and l was informed that 1 could
not get the list of membership. 1 simply
| wanted to send out circular letters an
Douncing my candidacy, but this was de-
| MED me. From good authority coming d.
rect from persons high in the national or
Titled to receive the list for the purpose I
stated. 1 would not have thought SO much
OF this were 1t not for the fact that I'M
oeTs,ano on good authority that the pres
hnxyo H.
INST; that house-to-house canvass has
been practically made to secure proxy
votes for the side. certainly do not think
that this is fair.
1t has also been charged that I am a
| candidate of the local cycle board of trade.
Where this rumor originated 1t Is hard to
on the other side This fact has been cir
culated assiduously, and has been the
means of obtaining many proxy votes.
There Is no truth in the statement, and /
DO not consider 1t fair means to secure
votes under such false pretenses might
add here that the cycle board Of trade has
ters.
1T has been charged by MANY NJ tho
| riders who made the run that the recent
| century 10 Frederick, instead of being con-
anSted under the league auspices. was car
RED on for the individual profit of two of
| the high officers OF that body / can assura
| all who vote for me that no such charee
can or viii ever be made against me-
| Never before in the history of the local
division OF the league has so much interest
| been manifested in an election. Though
fully fortnight OF. every member In this
| division has been made aware of the COM
Ing event. Though the voting Is limited to
members who have been on the roll prior
to October Of this year. those whose mem
bership has expired may be enabled to vote
by renewing the same Immediately, a. they
cannot be claEsed Is new members
| Both sides have blank proxy votes ont
and Nave been working hard for votes One
| side calls the other the board Of trade
ticket. while the latter ticket terms the
! former the machine ticket" The strugRIe