The times., 1898-10-30

Tom Butler champion for 1898. Arthur
Gardiner has crowned himself, and the
same has been done by Major Taylor, Ed
die Bald, Owen Kimble, and few others
not yet heard from officially. In fact,
there are more champions this year than
has ever been known before in the his
tory of cycle racing in America, although
at the beginning of the season it was dis
tinctly understood that, while great
number would be called, only one would
be chosen, and, according to Official count,
this one is Butler The idea of Butler
being accepted as the recognized cham
pion, however, is too ludicrous TO discuss
with gravity. Even though he stood at
the top of sixteen percentage tables, he
would never be accepted as the American
champion by the people and for that
matter, neither would Owen Kimble, who
stood at the head of the table owned by
the outlaws. The championship can be
fairly claimed by both Eddie Bald and
Major Taylor. The negro certainly has
the best of the argument if it is attempt
ed to present facts and figures. but the
public generally selects its own champion,
and it must be admitted that the major
ity favor Bald.
The national circuit of 1888 visited twen-
ty cities and rode on thirty-eight days in
ninety-fOur events. This is a pretty good
record for one season, and the figures are
likely to bring before the outlaw riders
with strong emphasis the fact that they
are a new genius of fool to try to dupli-
cate this record on such short notice.
Generally, however, intelligence pene-
trates the most dense intellect, and 1t is
gradually finding lodgment within those
of the racing men who so ruthlessly
broke away from the League of Ameri-
can Wheelmen. Kimble and Taylor their
two champions of the band of champions,
make pretty good baggIng ror one week
Before the close of this week there is
likely to be a few others, as diplomats
have already been sent out TO that end.
L. A. w. Politics.
Members of the League of American
Wheelmen are beginning to take an inter-
est in the annual election of officers,
which will take place at Providence in
February. At the present time there is
nothing definite In the way of candidates,
the discussion now being confined to pos
sibilities. The chief interest is in the
presidency, and that office is more
in doubt than any of the others.
The present incumbent. Isaac B. Potter,
will not commit himself when approached
on the subject, neither affirming nor deny
ing THAI he will be a candidate Friends
of the president say that he does not
want the office again, as it takes too much
of his time. There is no remuneration at
tached to the office and the duties are
such that almost the entire time of the in
cumbent has to be devoted to them. For
this reason it is said that Mr. Potter does
not want the office for another year. But
there are other friends who say that he
will accept it if a fight is made against
him. Potter has always been known as a
fighter and it will be only necessary TO
tell him that he cannot have the posi-
tion to cause him to make run for It,
Should Potter decline denomination the
next most available man is Thomas j.
keenan,, of Pennsylvania. now first vice
president. He has numerous friends who