The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-06-20
THE WHEEL IN WASHINGTON.
EVERYBODY RIDES, INCLUDING
STATES MEN AND DIPLOMATS.

Senator TilIman An Enthusiastic
WneeIman-Jerry simpson One of
the First BikOmaniacs-The Chi
ncse Diplomats Ride DrOp-Frame
WheeIs-Chubby Legs of LaVvmal1-
ers Adorned With Pretty Hose.
Washington, June 17.-That scofng in
dividual who characterized the bicycle as
"a dromedary for dudes" evidently did
not abide in Washington, where even
Uncle Sam has pinned UP his coat-tails
and Joined the scorchers. Nowhere else
does the new disease known as bikemania
rage with greater virulence. 1t spares
neither age nor sex, dignity nor averdu-
poise; and while like grim death, it mas
all seasons for its own in this city of
incompatible streets it's worst symptoms
are aggravated in summer time by that
longing for all outdoors, which is by no
means confined to the vagabond and the
barefoot boy. 1t affects the gravest sena-
tor, pressing on the sugar trust and the
tariff; the polished diplomat, who handles
the fate of nations in his perfumed hands;
the black owned judge of the supreme
court; the mighty member of the cabinet;
the minister of the gospel, whose busi-
ness it is to point the path to heaven
(would that the straight and narrow"
were a bicycle pathD, and all solenuly
hump themselves over their wheels ana
take to the open.
A few years ago the noble horse fur
nished the favorite outdoor amusement
Of Washington. and riding schools and
equestrian clubs abounded. Then every
one of the jeunesse dore got himself up
in riding toys more English, you know
than were ever worn In England, and the
damsels of upper tendon were verilable
DiVernous in following the hounds and
the pink coats on paper chases. But now
how great the changel The four-footed
charger is quite out Of fashion and the
cheerful clatter of his hoof-beats on our
smooth asphalt Is superseded by the soft
whirr, whirr OF the flashing steel steeds.
To enumerate the devotees OF the wheel
among the great ones whose names are az
household words would be to count the
leaves In the vale Of Nalombrosa. Down
beneath the rotunda Of the capitol deep,
dark vault. which reminds one Of the
prison Of ChNlon, with itS pillars OF
Gothic mold has been converted into "a
tors and representatives. During session
Of congress. not only Is the vault crowded
90 It's utmost capacity, but the overflow
cumbers the adjacent offices and corri-
doris. one Is amazed az the number OF
silent stceds. standing an day Ions In sol
emn ranks. with never a merry whinnet.
They are OF every known make and lat
est quirk OF Improvement Dame Rumor
has Il that few OF the lawmakers exc
changed the coin Of the realm FOR these
shining chargers but that the manufac-
turcrH find sufficient recompcnsc IN the
statement, THE Hon. Mr. So-and-So rides
"a 49,"
Among the senators are many who have
not only thrown dignity 70 the winds suf-
ncienty TO take an occasional tumble IN
the dust, like common folk, but have be-
come as expert IN retaining their seats
upon the tricky machine as IN tho political
band-wagon. The oldest senator does not
indulge as yet. but his youngest colleague,
senator Marion Butler Of North Carolina,
does quite enough OF IL for both OF them.
Inc senior senator from California, Mr..