The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-05-04

Washington, ID. c., May 3.-For the
information of lovers of the bike as
well as the general public who inten
touring awheel in Europe this sum-
mer some interesting information is
contained in a report which was re-
Gently sent to the state department. u
is stated that If tourists who intend
taking their wheels abroad will only re-
member the few suggestions made they
will be spared a good deal of trouble,
and some embarrassment as well.
Americans arriving in France with a
cycle, not for sale, but with the view
of cycling throughout the country, are
required to deposit twenty-five cents
per pound dead weighD as a duty on
their wheels. This deposit is returned,
however, to the traveller after he leaves
French territory. When the deposit is
made a lead seal is attached to the
cycle, with the custom house mark
stamped on 1t. A tourist can leave the
country by any frontier and reclaim
the deposit. 1t is not necessary to in
form the original customs bureau of
the intention of leaving the country.
All residents of France are required to
pay a tax of 81 each per year on their
wheels In 1896 the revenue from this
tax amounted to $3.50, 900, which was
expended in repairing the public road
ways.
Owing to the activity of the Touring
Club Gle France, an organization of
wheelmen, certain rules have been en-
acted which have removed many oh
noXious restrictions formerly imposed
upon cycling in France. For instance,
one Of the rules provides that drivers
of vehicles and men on horseback
must go to the right on approach of a
wheel so as to give the cyClist a
space of at least five feet in width.
Another provides that in crowded thor
oughfares the cyclist must dismount
and lead his wheel All French rail-
roads are required to transport bicy-
cles as baggage, and are held respon-
sible for any damage done.
NO RESTRICTIONS IN GERMANY.
In Germany no restrictions are placed
on tourists and no deposit is required.
In Austria $40 must be deposited by
the tourist at the custom house. He
must also make and swear to decla-
ration that the wheel in his possess
sion is not for sale, and that it is his
intention to remain only temporary in
Austria. When he leaves the country
his deposit is refunded.
In Belgium a tax equal to IL per cent
ad ValOrem is imposed. This amount
will be refunded when the tourist
leaves the country, however. M.
Chancellor advises all tourists to leave
Belgium through a frontier town, where
there Is a custom house, present their
receipts and the money deposited will
be refunded.
In Denmark a duty of 10 per cent. ad
valorem is imposed, which is a guar
anty that the wheel is not for sale.
This amount will be refunded only at
the custom house where entry was
made, unless a special permit is obtain
ed, allowing the cyclis< to leave via an
other custom house. In Egypt a duty
Of s per cent. ad valorem is imposed
Only per cent. will be refunded. In
England no duty is imposed upon tour
lists. In Greece, cyclists are required to
pay, first, a duty of 40 cents, and a
second duty Of SO.
This latter, however, will be refund
ed, less 81 for expenses. and also a
small sum if the cyclist does not leave
the country by the same custom house
In Italy a duty of $S.l1 is imposed, as a
guaranty that the wheel is not for sale
This amount will be refunded when the
tourist leaves the country. In LuXem-
burg a duty of three cents per pound
is imposed. The tourist in the Neither
lands is not required to make any de-
pCsit.
In Portugal a deposit of 10 per cent
ad Valorem is required, the same as
in Denmark, the only difference being
that the tourist can leave Portugal by
another frontier station without a per-
nit, and his money will be refunded.
In ROumania and Russia the deposit
is the same as in Denmark.