The times., 1898-12-25

New York. Dee. 2L-At last it
looks as though the greatest has-
rier to the progress of the League of
American Wheelmer-politios-ls TO he re-
moved. The history makers of the or
ganization have been busily engaged for
some weeks now. and it appears that they
have accomplished what has not been
done In years. fer ii looks as though every
political difference Will be buried in the
Forthcoming assembly and the leaders of
the various factions will get together and
settle on a ticket and platform which will
be carried without the usual squabbles.
One week ago there was very small
cloud on the horizon which portended the
usual fight and closely drawn lines of pre-
vious years. That was when it was eX-
pected that another candidate would ap-
pear in the field against Thomas ]. Kee-
nan. Of Pittsburg, for the presidency. Hal
this candidate made his appearance it
would have meant that the usual political
moves would be made which would result
In two complete and entire tickets being
up. This would have arrayed the old
factions and the assembly would have ad-
iourned with the same feelings of bitter
ness that have marked its predecessors.
No.g IT appears that there will be no rival
candidate, but instead that the party lead
ers Of the organization viii get together
and agreeably decide upon whom shall fall
tie obligations of office.
keenan, is to be the candidate for presi-
dent and he is to receive the support OF
the entire assembly The man who Will
be selected for first vice president is Her
bert W. Foltz. Of indianapolis. r. t.
kingsbury of Keene y. H.. will probably
DE chosen for second vice president, and
the treasuryship. the remaining national
Office Will probably 30 to D. j. O'Brien of
Omaha. OF this ticket keenan,. Foitz and
O'Brien were on the slate made up by the
so-calIed Western combination, which
launched the campaign of Keenan,. II
would thus appear that the combination
dictated terms for harmony, but, as a
matter of fact, there has not been any
opposition 10 Foltz or o'Brien from any
source and the subject of settlement was
not considered in their cases. The office
to George D. Locke, of Illinois, by the
"combination. but it IS now thought tha'
Kingsbury win secure the position. since
certain leaders do not think that the Hi
nois division is entitled to the nationa
recognition implied in one of the positions
on the executive committee.
This arrangement of the offices should
be satisfactory, as the men named are
above reproach. are hard workers for the
League. and what Is more from polti'
cal point. are situated in the various dis
tricts OF the country.
Big Divisions Not Represented.
1t is expected that the leaders WI
tacitly ratify this program during th'
coming week and thus remove the pos
sibility of any contention in the assem-
bis. To do this. however, some of th'
leading divisions of the league have re
Trained from naming candidates. In thi:
regard New York, Massachusetts, New
Jersey and Michigan are prominent L
is expected that the chairmansnip OF IN
national committees will be placed II
those States and some others who hav
shown good service during the year. Tn
committees are selected b. the presiden
and the most prominent of them IS tn
National Racing Board
Mott or Mears.
While il is logical to expect Alber
Mott should again be chosen for til
Craftsmanship. there is reason for think
ing he may not be. Mr.. Mott has mad
A magnificent official, his critics to th
contrary The position he has held call
for supervision over an army as large a
that of the United States in times @
peace, for there are nearly 25,00 rider
in the country, and they are scattere
over nearly 2000 tracks. That he ha
made mistakes can certainly be pardor
cd when this is considered, but that b
has made any of consequence is to
denied in the strongest terms. Shoul
he wish the office again he should rt
ceive ii without Il question, but it is nc
thought that he is particularly desirou
of having it, There is a tremendou
amount of work connected with it, an
he may desire to retire. But the settle
ment should be left entirely with hin
Should he not want it, or if other com
plications ensue, it appears that the man
tie will fall upon Charles w. Mears
now chief consul of Ohio. and for tw
years Handicapped for that State. He
thoroughly informed in the requirement
of cycle racing, in so far as a man ma
be who has not had actual experience o
the racing board, and is possessed {
sound Judgment. He is nervously enel
getic, and, If given the same assistanc
as Mott has received, should make
good official.
League Members Want Racing.
1T seems to me- says a member hig
in the councils of the League of Amer
can Wheelmen. that the men who al
agitating the divorce of racing from II
organization at the coming ASSEMBLY
are making a serious mistake. 1t eca
TO my mind the old adage that "a hou:
divided against itself will surely fall fl
that is just the situation, as it occurs
me The League as at present organize
is composed of good roads advocate
those in favor of favorable legisiat.C
and those interested in cycle racing.
the latter there is very large numbe
as we soon discover if We study the su
ject First, there are the clubs promo
ing meets each year which numb
among their members thousands who al
TnnJlnz .,nN uln- IFAIstrD n