The times., 1898-12-04

mated between the East and West. and
the coming year 1t should go to the West,
since a New Jersey man holds it now,
This combination would probably dis
pose of the claims of C. Frank Kireker. OF
New Jersey. for the presidency. and OF
E. n. Hines. of Michigan, for the second
vice presidency. as both are known to be
hostile to the West. ihe COMPUTATION, in
fact. will divide the offices among its
friends. and the gentlemen named are not
included among the number.
Effect on Racing Control.
1t is noteworthy fact that this same
combination is unanimous in advocating
continued control of cycle racing by the
League, and as it will probably control
the assembly, 1t is an easy matter TO see
what the conclusions of the assembly TN
that subject will be- They will have the
support OF other divisions not included in
the combination in this course and the
Indications are that New York and
Rhode Island will be alone in advocating
the divorce of racing from the Lea5;ia
The success of the combination will
have other effects on the racing interests,
however. Most notably. on the appoint
ment of the chairman of the racing board.
The present incumbent, Albert Mott, Is a
Potter appointee and would not be chos-
en- The choice would fall on either Fred
Gerlach. of Illinois, or Henry w. Robin
son, of Massachusetts. both members of
the racing board three years ago under
George d. Gideon.
Under the same circumstances. too. 1t
is probable that the professionals will be
admitted to membership in the league,
privilege fought for for several years and
which should be unanimously accorded.
That action would do much to pacify the
disgruntled racing men and a few changes
in the racing rules would probably end
the insurrection.
1t is very early in the fight yet. how
ever, and there may be many changes In
the situation before February, but, the
above is the way 1t looks at the present.
The Life of Athletics.
Gradually the old time bicycle riders are
retiring from the game, leaving 1t to the
younger and less experienced to keep the
sport alive. George Banker is probably
the Oldest sprinter In active service today.
He was a brilliant rider years ago. when
Zimmerman was as yet unheard Of As a
member of the Pittsburg Athletic Club
team he rode against such men as fach,
Murphy, Graves, Smith, Bowman and
Worden, all of whom have retired from
active participation. many of them years
ago
Zimmerman was on the track about
seven years which seems to be the aver
age athletic life of a rider. Charley Muir
ply was before the public about the same
length of time while Windle, who was
the idol. deposed by Zimmerman, was
only before the public about five years.
Harry Tyler. ore of the cleverest riders
this country has ever known. was on the
track about six years, while Walter San
ger. who retired last year. was one Of the
old regime and perhaps the last to pass
in his checks He came up after Zim-
I norman and soon followed the Jersey
man. George c. Smith, of New York. was
one of the fastest men in America for two
years, but his active participation in cycle
racing was less than five years. although
he died game trying in vain to recoup his
lost prestige several years ago.
..BilI' Martin and Frank Waller are two
of the oldest riders in this country. Mar
/ lin was a plugger years ago. some say be-
fore the food while Waller is not so old
In point of service, although he is IN age.
Albert Shock was one of the Oldest ana
the most remarkable of American riders.
/ He has competed in many races dating
as far back as ten years. He ohiy roue
two or three races a year. however. which
probably accounts for his long service
Charlie Ashinger and Frank Albert, who
annually come up rode during the days
of Tom Eek. when that silver-haired men
| tor was a devotee OF the high wheel.
Service of Later Champions.
Bald has been on the track about SIX
| years in active service. Cooper has been
| prominent only about four years. Gardi-
ner has about three years to his credit
Mcfarland and Stevens about the same
| and Eaton about four. Nat Butler is one
| of the old-t timers. having been riding foi
| probably six years, while his younge.
| brother. Tom, has hardly been known
more than three. Major Taylor is com
| paratively a newcomer, as is kimble anc
/ Freeman. These three men have beer
active hardly more than three years
| Major Taylor's first ride of note being
the six-day affair two years ago.
After a rider has seen five or six year.
| of hard work his finish is general.
! reached II 1t were not for the fact tha
/ they are obliged to keep In such excel,en
| condition this would not be possible. AL
athlete must train not only all summer
! but all winter as Well, otherwise 1t woul'
be almost impossible to attain that de
| gree OIL DeTIttllOI 81 HtttSS-iLN ~
| cess.
One of the most remarkable riders to
day is Eddie McDuffee, who. after havin
ridden on the road for three years NOR
than seven years ago, has this year com
out as the greatest middle-distance ride
We have in this country. McDuffee ha
seen most of the old-timers fall by tn
wayside, while he has just attained tn
pinnacle of his fame. There are few rid
ers equal to McDuffee. and they are tn
| exception to the rule.
In two or three years the names o
Taylor, Bald. Cooper, Eaton, Butler
Coulter, Titus. and others will be forgot
ten and spoken of in the same breat
with Windle Taylor Tyler Bliss, Dirm
berger, and Lumsden.
Bald's Failure ns n Theatrical Star
There is an old adage, more true tha
elegant. perhaps. which suggests to III
bootmaker that he stick to his last.
late years there has been an insane dt
sire in every athletic notable to elevat
the stage. 1t began years ago, when I'll
chief prize fighters began to accept Ell
gagements to do a turn on the stage, FRI
! auently more genuine than their reguis
fights, and of late years every athlete
any note whatever has never considere
his athletic career closed until he hs
trodden the boards.
Several years ago Zimmerman receive
, a flattering offer to do a turn at a V;
riety show. but the Jerseyman realize
: the absurdity of the suggestion and d.
clined. 1t was thought that the bicyc
!, riders would be an exception to the gel
eral rule. and it was not until a few
the six-day riders accepted engagement
I at variety houses that the rule W.
broken, but as the average six-day rid
would commit almost any sin again
charity. nothing was thought of the ma