The times., 1898-11-06
The 1899 National Meet.


The IS90 National Meet.
Boston is once again in the field for
the national meet of next year. The
cause of this revival of the Boston boom
is the hope that the Identification of two
Buffalonians with the outlaw riders Will
result in the executive committee of the
League of American wheeimen looking
elsewhere for place TO be entertained
next Summer 1t is thought. however.
by those who are in position to judge
that the hopes of the Bostonians are
founded upon a fiimsy basis. for 1t is
known that the two Bufalonians men
toned are not in a majority in their city.
nor do they represent the sentiment of
the league members there. Buffalo. ap-
parently. has the call. for the settlement
of the question is left to the executive
committee. composed of the president and
the two vice presidents. OF these the
president is a resident of New York State
and naturally favors home city. One OF
the vice presidents lives in Detroit. but a
comparatively short distance from Buff
falo, and in close touch. with the league
leaders there. The othdoA will be guided
by majority. and 1t i'll therefore, more
than probable that Bu,Hlo will get the
meet. Another consideration which op-
poses the claims of Boston is that the
railroads of New England obstinately
refuse to make any concession In the bi.
cycle baggage question. and the executive
committee is loath to place the meet
where these roads would reap an adyan.
tage- This is the most effective charge
brought against Boston. and has resulted
In the Massachusetts division making
preparations to fight for a free baggage
bill this Winter. in which it is not prob
able they will be successful.
Outlaws Appeal.
The president of the outlawed riders.
organization has addressed an appeal to
HON Henry Sturmey, secretary of the In
ternational Cyclists Association, asking
that that organization suspend Judgment
on the present revolt against the League
of American Wheelmen. This action
shows how little the riders know of the
cycling racing governments, for il they
knew the situation, they would realize
that the communication of the president
will be laid upon the table The Inter-
national Cyclists Association will not
recognize in any manner whatever auy
organization, except those affiliated with
IT. 1t Is composed of the governing or
ganization In every country in which
cycle racing is held, and the League of
American Wheelmen is its strongest
member. Next comes the English union.
and after that the one in France. Each
organization Identified with the Interna-
tional Cyclists Association recognizes
and upholds the decisions of every other
to the fullest degree, and that is what
Will hurt the outlaw riders, for they can
not compete in any country SO long as
they are suspended by the League Of
American Wheelmen. The International
Cyclists Association will recognize and
uphold the League of American Wheel
men until it voluntarily gives up control
of the sport in this country, and until
that time any class that seeks to defy it
will get not the slightest encouragement
from the international body. In this way
the control of riders and promoters Is
made effective. 1t is one of the backings
of the League of American Wheelmen at
the present time, and its strength is not
reished by the outlaws, who are begin
ming to realize they have a monstrous
contract on their hands in attempting to
defy the greatest sports governing or
ganization in the world, as the League Of
American Wheelmen is today. 1t has
under its jurisdiction 24.00O riders and
over 800 race tracks.
DIXIE HINES.