The Saint Paul globe., 1897-04-13
IN THE FIGHT TO STAY.
United WheeImen Issue Vigorous
Circular.


The officers Of the new Minnesota branch Of
the United Wheelmen are sending out cir
cular in which the l.. A. w. is arraigned
for multitude Of shortcomings. The cir
cular says:
First-That the benefits accruing to the rid
ers OF the state of Minnesota from member
ship IN the league are not at all commen-
surate with the money paid by the wheel
men for their membership. With the excep-
tion of few hotels, where L. A. W. mem
bers can obtain reduced rates on presenta-
t1on OF their cards, the membership is prac-
tically worthless. There are now not far
from 500 members in the state, and these pay
into the league treasury every year some
thing over $500. This money is sent East
and not one cent goes to the benefit of the
Wheelmen OF the state. We challenge any one
to show wherein any rider Of the state of
Minnesota has been benefited, with the single
exception noted above.
Second-That the various races held under
the auspices of the league have done more
TO make it known than any other one agency
and now, when them who have done the
most to bring the organization before the pub
lie ask for membership and a voice in the
management Of the body, they are uncere-
moniously kicked out, with the remark that
they are not desirable members and are not
wanted. The Justice Of the proposition IS
not of so pronounced a character as to COM
mand the admiration Of fairminded men.
Third-That the members Of the L. A w.
have neglected to give their support to the
legislation for the benefit of wheelmen. In
proof Of this it is only necessary to call at
tention to the fact that there was introduced
in the present session of the legislature at
| st. Paul a bill compelling the railroads to
carry bicycles as baggage, thereby saving to
the wheelmen of the state large sum, Of
money annually The measure received not
the least support from the members OF this
all-puissant body and was allowed to die
a natural death. 1t may be urged in extern
uation Of this neglect that 1t would have
been impossible to have secured the passage
of the bill; but had the L. A. w. been really
in earnest in their pretended welfare for the
riders of the state, they could have at least
made effort, and thus forestalled the crit
icism that they could have seen would follow
their neglect TO take some action. Another
bill, providing for the right to construct BIZ
cycle paths was also allowed to sink into its
grave. These are only samples OF the way in
which the League of American Wheelmen
looks after the welfare of its members. 9th
ers might be adduced.
1t is unnecessary to continue the indictment
We want:
First-The organization of a strong central
body which shall work for the promotion Of
a better system of roads, the construction Of
cycle paths, the promotion of legislation for
the benefit Of wheelmen, and the prosecution
Of such matters as may arise from time to
time in which Wheelmen are interested.
Second-The establishment of repair shops
in all the principal towns of the state, in which
reduction of certain per cent will be given
! TO members of our organization on all work
amounting to over twenty-five cents. In this
one feature, we expect to be able to save
our members more than the cost of their
membership fee. Several of the best shops
in this city and st. Paul have already ex-
pressed their willingness to enter into such
an arrangement, and there will be no trouble
in making similar arrang gements with other
towns throughout the states.
Third-Reduced rates will be secured at no.
tells for riders carrying our membership card.
Fourth-The control of all racing, both track
and road, and the imposition of penalties for
the violation Of our rules The racing features
will be handled by a state board of three
members, assisted by such other. representa-
tives as they may see fit to appoint through
out the state. 1t is the intention of the racing
board to afford the fullest opportunity for
riders to have a hearing when charges are
made against them, and to give decision in
! their cases without the intervention of a Pc
riod Of time that will bar them practically
from any racing events OF the whole season,
as has been the case in the past.
Fifth-Legislation affecting the interest OF
the state as whole must first receive the sane
ton of the executive committee This COM
mittee will be appointed by the president from
| the state at large, and any town or city hav-
| ing twenty-five members will be allowed one
member. The members of the local committee
| Shall elect their representatives on this COM
mittee and certify his name to the president
who viii then appoint him. In this way, the
| smallest towns will have the same voice in the
shaping of legislation as the largest cities.