New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-15

so unwieldy as to need thorough reorganization,
and some Of the smaller In need Of help. which
the larger divisions and the National body can
easily supply. We have formed a special Loan Com
mitee. to consist Of the Executive Committee, tbs
secretary and the treasurer, making five in all. and
have formulated plan by which the surplus funds
of the National body and Of the prosperous divisions
be lent TO the smaller State divisions and con-
sulates through the medium Of the Loan Commit
tee, which loan will be made for n specific term
upon the application of the borrowing division in
writing, setting forth the amount needed the dura-
ton Of the loan and other particulars may be re-
quired by the Lean Committee When the money
becomes due 1t is paid back 10 the Loan Committee
from application and renewal fees received by the
secretary. until the full amount Of the loan Is paid
This scheme WILL believe, enable the smaller div-
sons quickly to enlarge their-membership lists and
TO put their affairs in prosperous condition
1.-THE hardest experience in the life Of any division
IS the getting together of the first 1000 members. II
800 or 400 members Join the organization through
loyal regard for It's objects thousands OF cyclists
remain outside its ranks waiting for substantial
reply to the question. What do get for my applica-
ton fee?' The loan-fund scheme will enable the
smaller divisions TO print and publish road books,
maps and other needful helps for cyclists. and thus
the membership may be made to boom in all drec
tons. j believe the loan fund will prove very
powerful lever in the advancement OF League work.
"Of course, the great feature of League work
which dgnifies IL more than any other Is It's
agitation or the rOad-lmprovement movement. Bills
are now pending for better roads throughout the
State, and most of these bills stand in the right
direction need scarcely say that every effort will
be made to secure the passage Of every just and
proper law OF this character. This work IL. OF
course. expensive; recurring us to supply great
amount OF printed matter and the sending of good
roads advocates TO State Legislatures the prepara-
tion OF matter for newspapers. the issuing of
pamphlets, etc. 1t il not right that the l.. A. w
maintain the machinery of its organization for the
prosecution Of this work and pay the entire ex-
penses at the same time. We propose 10 share this
burden of expense by calling upon persons who
have pecuniary interest in this Improvement TO
contribute 10 the funds. Many manufacturers
whose business will be improved by the improve
ment or roads well afford TO contribute these
disbursements. Some have offered 10 do so and
others will be requested 10 do in due time The
need OF better roads Is generally admitted and
this feeling may by proper handling be ripened into
q powerful movement which end only i'm sue
cess. With these matters in hand, and with the
work of forming local or subordinate bodies or
clubs within the League in smaller towns so as TO
facilitate the erection OF guideboards preparation
OF road books, etc, the League may find itself
abundanty busy for some months TO come. When
we have quite exhausted our usefulness in this
direction We shall try TO formulate "A new plan and
then shall have something more to say"