The times., 1898-11-20
ENDEAVORS OF 4 CLIQUE
Want L. A. W. to Relinquish
Control of Racing.
TO MAKE A NATIONAL LAW
Political Combinations Among the
Candidates for ORcc-A Record
Breaking SeasOn-The Work of
Major TayIor-AutomobiIis May
Supplant Cycling.

New York, Nov ia certain clique in
this city is using its utmost endeavors to
have the League of American Wheelmen
relinquish the control of racing in spite
of the fact that the executive committee
of that organization has practically an
nounced that it will report to the next as
sembly in favor of the continued control
as now conducted. This clique is COM
posed of the incoming officials of the di-
vision and some of the local lesser lights
who have for years past advocated the
divorce of racing from the League. 1t is
composed of a mere handful OF men. but
by reason of their efforts in behalf of
good roads and bicycle legislation they
have caught the ear of some of their con-
stituents and have endeavored to spread
the discomfort. Each and every one of
these men admit that they know but very
little. if anything, of racing, and some of
them do not hesitate to say they had
never seen a bicycle race of any kind.
Their opposition to racing is inscrutable,
as is also their opposition to the admit
tance of professionals to membership.
They are consistent, that much can be
said for them, for they have been un-
varying in their course, but they know
nothing of the subject, as they them
selves admit, and that they should be so
bitter in their opposition is past all un-
derstanding. But they are and they must
be fought by the friends OF racing in this
State who are many and influential. This
clique has the best of the argument in so
far this State is concerned, on account
of the official position it controls, but it
has not sufficient influence to spread dis
content to other States The latest re-
ports from their headquarters say that
the division board of officers at the meet
ing to be held in this city next month
will pass amendments to the constitution
abolishing the State racing board and all
other mention of racing in the same
document. An attempt was made to in
clude the position of STATE Handicapped,
but il was found that that title is cover
ed by the national appointments and the
State officers had nothing to do with it.
To Make National Law.
This subject will be the cause of a merry
time in the division. for the friends of rae
ing will make a hard fight and they also
know that they have the moral support of
the members AT large and of the officers
York City members, however, are con-
trolled by the incoming chief consul and
will vote almost solidly against all racing
propositions. Not only will they do this,
but they win attempt to carry their ac-
ton into the national assembly for the
purpose of making it a national law. There
they will find their Waterloo, even if they
are successful in the State, for it is a
known fact that the national executive
committee will advocate the continued
control of racing by the organization and
there is an overwhelming sentiment in the
same way among the delegates. particu-
Iarly those from the Middle States and
the West. In some of the latter the dele
gates are so strong in their adherence TO
the racing principles they declare the
league will go into dissolution in a short
time without it.
Political Combinations.
As the time for the election of officers In
the League of American whee.men draws
nearer the politicians are becoming more
and more active. The present indications
are that a combination has been effected
between Pennsylvania, the leading divi-
sion; Ohio, and Massachusetts,, and Others
are coming to their support for the ticket
which the combination will name. The
leaders in Ohio and Massachusetts are re
spectively a Handicapped and an ex-handi-
capper both men of shrewdness and ca
pable of carrying out their plans This
combination is working quietly, but each
day shows their work being more and
more effective 1t is expected that Illi-
nois. Missouri, and the Southern and
Western States will be in the combination,
which will have to contend principally
against New York, Indiana, and possibly
Michigan. Should the combination, as out
lined, be completed it will be almost i'm
possible to defeat it, though on the other
side will be Isaac r. Potter, the hardest
fighter and the shrewdest politician in the
league.
The political situation shows that the
handicappers will have more to say this
year than ever before. In addition TO
those named above the handicappers in
Connecticut. New York, Illinois, District
of Co.gmbia- and Missouri will be promi-
nent factors. though they will not be
working together. This may seem
strange since they all owe their appoint
. ments to one source, but it is neverthe-
less fact. and shows a widespread de-