Omaha daily bee., 1898-11-06

- OLttl vi lne league ueCll0cS TO DISCUSS
the suit p. T. Powers OF the Racing asso
citation intimates that the attitude OF Pres
ident Potter and Chairman Mott is due to
the charge that the association is blamed
by them for the secession OF the leading
racers, charge which Mr.. Powers denies.
Mr.. Powers says: THE institution of this
suit Is the elimination of series OF at
tempted interferences on the part OF Chair
man Mott with our operations in cycle rae
ing. SO long as the attacks on us were con-
fined to minor matters and did not seri-
ously hamper our meets we paid little at
tention. but when in his recent communica-
tlon to Henry Sturney. the secretary of the
International Cycling association, the League
chairman tried to njure our standing and
credit with the European associations and
racing men, we decided that it was about
time to interpose an objection of decided
nature. The explanation of the attitude of
Chairman Mott and President Potter toward
our association lies in the fact that we are
charged with having been responsible for
the recent breakaway OF the leading riders
from the League OF American Wheelmen.
The untruthfulness of this charge is plainly
apparent to those who are conversant with
the real facts connected with the declara-
| tion OF independence on the part of the rae
| ing men. We shall continue to promote
meets, and as soon as a new organization
is formed we will apply to It for sanctions
| whenever we have occasion and also observe
| its rules and regulations. The suit against
the League officials personally will be forced
to an issue and our lawyers believe that the
strongest kind of a case is in their possess
| sion."
| Bronzed and weatherbeaten, but vigorous
| and bright-eyed, there arrived In New York
last Saturday two cyclists who, with the
| possible exception of Thomas Stevens, have
| toured more of the world awheel than any
other riders These cyclists are Mr.. and
Mrs. II. Darwin McIlrath of Chicago, who,
leaving that city on April 10, 1895, have
| since then been almost continuously In the
saddle, except during their voyage across
| the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Accompanying the McIlraths, as baggage,
were the precious bicycles with which they
had begun the journey more than three and
half years before, and which had been
their sole constant companions on a trip OF
nearly 10000 miles, exclusive of water voy-
ages. Except for repairs to the front forks
| OF one and two changes of tires on BOTH the
wheels had been unaltered since the start
Both are mems diamond frame machines
that ridden by Mrs. McIlrath weighing
|
than its mate.
Twelve countries were traversed by the
tourists, including the trip from Chicago tC
San Francisco, in which ten states were
crossed, and which occupied ffty-two days.
| Through Japan, China, Burmah and India
part OF the route followed was that orig
inally taken by Frank Lenz, a Pittsbure
cyclist, who met death at the hands of the
Kurds while attempting TO cross Armeu,a
In many OF the districts through which they
passed the McIraths were the first wh tt
cyclists since Lenz, and Mrs. McIlrath was
repeatedly taken for the Pittsburger, the
question frequently being asked, why, has
Lenz come back again with his father?
Mr.. McIlrath being mistaken for the father
From India the route was through Persia
Caucasus, Russia, Roumania, Austria-Hun.
gary, Germany, Prussia, France and Grea
Britain. In many Of the Asiatic provinces
the lives of the travellers were threatened
at almost every mile of the road, while
throughout the trip hard work, inconveni
ence, hunger and thirst were intermingled
with lavish entertainment and courtesy.
Despite the incessant riding and the
hardships encountered, Mrs. McIrath gained
in weight She weighed at the start ninety
five ponds and tipped the beam today at III
pounds. On the other hand, her husband
weight decreased from 172 to 1876 pounds.
1t Is impressive that the best road the!
found in all the world was the 600mil
road to Calcutta, built in forgotten ages b.
, the Delhi mogul. This is a valuable con
trlbution to knowledge. The mogul and hi
: dusky Macadams little dreamed wha
strange vehicles would spin over the grea
road centuries after.
4 Two Iowa boys have gone the average cy-
cling trick rider one better in his perform
. ance. Both men perform on the sam
wheel at the same time and can general.
be found near their home at Villisca, Ia.
; astonishing the neghbors, Their names ar
: II. c. Stoddard and w. d. Crisswell. Tn
. number of tricks they can do is apparentl
endless, standing on one anothers shoulders
turning somersaults, riding in al
possible postures in front or behind thei
light vehicle. Perhaps the most Difficult
, act is that of one young man swinging hea'
! down, with arms round the others neck
, From that position he swings to the ste
a without tumbling his skillful partner.
FOR LOVERS OF ROD AND GUN
A. Lii I'm I.n Ttxs..