The San Francisco call., 1897-03-28
. a ia lse position in remaining chief consul

ing false position in remaining chief consul
OF the North California Division.
And | have reached that conclusion, not
hastily, but after q careful consideration OF
the conditions that surround US here in Cali
fornia and q personal comparison with tnose
of the Eastern States.
The North California division now numbers
some 1900 members. IT ali these should re-
new their membership for the coming year
Wheelmen the sum OF $1,000. Of this sum
SlO40 would be sent To the Essiern office of
the league for its support and $3.50 retained
for the support of cycling interests IL Cali
fornia.
We sent East last year from February l,
1896 to January 81, 1897, of money received
from members $1069 25, and for money re-
ceived for sanctions for race meets over the
sum of $500 net. 20
In return for this money what do we get2
The League Bulletin Is really the only prac-
tical and tangible result, which 10 the Nauonal
body is q mere nominal expense OF course,
there is the general work of the league Tor the
improvement OF roads and highways, put the
effects of that branch OF its work don't begln
to reach TO this western border, and we have
not felt them. Work in those lines must De
done locally, with our own legislatures, our
our own efforts. That has been the way what
ever has been done has been accomplished IN
the past and see no reason 10 expect more Ell
ficient aid from the National body IN the 1u-
ture.
California is State far removed from the
center of government OF the league Inc con-
ditions here are vastly different from those
that exist III the New England States Ana
vet from our very remoteness, II has proved
Impossible to bring the governing body OF the
e que To an unders landing OF these differ
the whole trouble with the National organi-
cation may be summed up broadly IN the
words, at has outgrown itself" Its existing
constitution was not patterned on lines Tilted
for the organic law of association OF State
divisions as numerous, as widely separated, as
diverse in needs, habits, temperament and
characteristics as it now contains.
If we are ever to have q lasting and success
full National organization ii must take Tor its
model our own Federal eonstiIution-that is,
lay down the broad principles OF the objects OF
the body and the lew general characterlStlcs
needed to give uniformity TO the organizations;
but leave to the various Sta tie divisions the
right 10 legislate upon matters OF local or tenn
porary import, upon matters dependent on
local conditions and environment.
This is not the spirit of the constitution of
our National organization. 1t is not the spirit
of the ajority OF the members who compose
its governing body. The desire seems to be
to control every detail of the destiny of each
State division; to legislate Tor Localities and
people they have never seen, ana DO not under
stand, and this, TOO, even against the expressed
wish of the divisions they are seeking to con-
troll.
On the floor of the National Assembly and
through the press of the United States q de-
monstration has been lately made to the Ma
tional Assem- bly, OF the needs of the Western
and Southern divisions in the matter OF ex-
tension OF racing privileges. because a ma
jority of delegates. coming from the New Eng
LAND States felt that their localities would not be
benefited by such an extension OF racing prlvl-
lege, which proposed privilege they need never
have exercised, the measure that was proposed
was voted down and the Southern and Wes tern
divisions were denied the privilege of local
legislation on subject, from its very nature,
local.
mention this instance merely as an exam
pie OIL the narrow policy that concentrates the
legislative power IN the National BODY IN such
a way as to impede the progress ana retard
the development OF those State divisions where
progress and advance is most possible.
l need not mention here that have always
been in the past an earnest advocate OF the
league and its work (though with the feeling
always that greater returns co1ld be afforded
us), and this was for the reason that felt the
necessity, ii cycling was to live, OF some power
strong enough TO control the racing side OF
the sport. For time the league seemed
capable OF doing this-seemed to be dong it
despite the fact that the control OF racing was
not originally contemplated in the scheme OF
its organization. But at the recent meeting at
Albany it became unmistakably apparent
that a body composed as the governing board
of the league is could not long continue to
give proper attention to this branch OF the
pastime. The apathy, the entire lack of ap-
probation of the importance OF racing to the
general prosperity OF The league, was painfully
in evidence.
Even the very head of the league Isaac c.
Potter, year ago took an open stand in oppo-
sition to racing, and, although he receded
somewhat as matter OF polltcaI poIlcy from
that position during his candidacy for preSl-
dent this year, still it will be noted that every
amendment 10 the constitution proposed with
the idea of broadening and extending racing
privileges was defeated by the following of
The present administration. To any wheelman
of California this will indicate sufficiently an
importan mt reason for the bringing into exist
ence OF another organization.
But this is not all. Upon the head OF the
National organization depends its successful
conduct as National body. Ii the president
of the league is man who is tricky, who has
attained his posi- ton on broken pledges, by
deceit and Misrepresentation. l cannot bring
nvself TO, feel that he will manage league
affairs for the best interests OF the wheelmen
and 1 will not serve in any capacity under the
leadership OF such a man.
That Mr.. Potter is such man | have abse-
lutte proof His treachery TO California on
the 1oor of the National assembly, his Judas
kiss 10 President Elliott prior 10 the election,
the disrepuIable Massachusetts trade, which