Evening star., 1897-01-30

combined membership of all other similar
organizations throughout the world. Its
annual convention is naturally of the ut
most Importance and interest to wheelmen.
Notwithstanding its past achievements,
comparatively few know the early history
of the l.. \. w or the men who have
helped make it famous. 1t was organized
or May 81, 1880. at Newport, r. l., upon
the call OF c. Kirk Monroe, president of
the New York Bicycle Club who first
thought only TO bring as many wheelmen
as possible together for a Gay of pleasure
Later it was decided that an organization
would tie Of benefit in many ways, and the
scope OF the meeting considerably en-
lGrged. Delegates We're requested from the
lew bicycle clubs then in existence, and
formal organization was effected at the
Newport meeting.
The name proposed by Samuel T Clark
of Baltimore, The League of American
Wheelmen," was adopted and the follow
ing officers were elected: President, Charles
T. Pratt. Boston; vice president, Thomas
X Longstreet, Philadelphia; commander
Z. Kirk Monroe, New York: corresponding
secretary, j. Frank BurriIl, New York
treasurer. Hugh L. Willoughby. Saratoga.
The objects as set forth in the constitu-
tion prepared by Mr.. Pratt were: ITO pro-
mote the general interests of bicycling to
ascertain, defend and protect the rights Of
Wheeilnen, ana to encourage and facilitate
touring The regulation of track racing
has since been added Upon this platform
the ieaguc has steadily grown in numbers
until at the present time it has an enroll
n.ent or nearly $500 members. Here is a
list of the presiding officers of the past to
whom credit is due for many UNDERTAKINGS
accomplished: 1850. Chas. E. Pratt Boston. :.
ISSl. Chas- E Pratt. Boston; 1882 VIM II.
MILLER. Columbus. Ohio: 1SS3-'S6, N Malon
BeckwIth. New York; ISs7-'SS r J. Kirk
p&trick. Springfield. Ohio: 1889, Chas H
Luscom1. New York: Iss0-'9l. James r.
Burdett: 1894. Chas. II. Luscomb, New
York: 1895. A c. Willison. Cumberland.
Md: 1896. Sterling Elliott. Boston
10 the league the wheelmen of the
which are now theirs, for II was to its
members that the various courts of the
country were compelled to acknowledge
me vehicuiar privileges of wheels and
through II have many hundreds of miles of
roads been built. The present high char
acter OF cycle racing is also due to the able
government of the league, which stands
in the world
AT the February meeting officers will be
elected for the ensuing year and needed
legislation Will be enacted. The particular
item OF interest will be the selection of the
president, for which honor there are now
but two avowed candidates Isaac b. Pot
Ter or New York and Sterling Elliott the
present incumbent of Boston Roth have
or cycling and either would be a credit to
any organization. Mr.. Potter is best
known for his endeavors to secure i'm
provement in highways and in promoting
legislation of vital Importance TO wheel
men. He was instrumental in securing the
passage OF the Liberty BILL" by which the
parks or New York were thrown open to
wheels. and was the leader in getting ia
vorable action on the Armstrong baggage
bill. which compelled railroads of New
YORK state to carry bicycles as baggage
AS writer on the subject Of good roads
ne Is known TO every magazine reader
he Is now in his third term as chief consul
or the New York division which has in
creased its membership from 5000 TO over
Zovp under his guidance.
MI Elliott is one of the veterans of the
league, ana his record in the organization
SHOWS ne has been the author of many
valuable suggestions. He is an inventor Of
no mean ability and is interested in several
manufacturing industries. His term of
office as president has seen a remar n HE
growth In membership and his executiye
aoiity Is unquestioned. He is the pub
hsher OF the official organ of the league
paper sparkling with his individuality
In the coming contest Mr. Potter in
warmly supported by the members Of his
own adjacent divisions and the same IA
true of Mr.. Elliott Both sides are working
actively to secure the greatest honor with
In the gift of the wheelmen
A Cressy Morrison of Milwaukee the
present second vice president, will be a