New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-25
THE SPEEDWAY AND THE BICYCLE

CONSIDERATIONS TO SHOW THAT THE WHEEL
SHOULD BE KEPT OFF
TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: 1t IL strange how little real republicanism
there Is. among bright citizens OF the greatest
Republic of all history. 1t is interesting and per-
haps not Improbable to study this fact In connec-
ton with the little controversy now going on In
the papers concerning New-Yorks Speedway. IT
the name Speedway is not sufficient to settle the
dispute as for Just what purpose this road was
designed. then the terms of the legislative meas
ure which gave the grant must certainly decide al!
doubts regarding the matter II its terms are not
clear then the bill was loosely drawn, and should
be amended. But in the presence OF the fact that
only one class Of racing. even II solely for sport,
can safely occur at a given place and at given
time the Speedway bill could stand little loose
ness In terms. and besides, every class VINO take
pleasure in friendly strife make their own laws.
But outside Of the public laws completeness
there comes the question OF intention Perhaps
we can make the entire matter clear by an illusra-
ton Suppose a half-dozen owners OF running
horses should send many thoroughbreds to
strive for supremacy the whole length OF the
Speedway when It is crowded with road horses
and wagons going at full speed. how many people
would escape being killed? or suppose that not
more than light turnous were on the drive. the
same danger would exist. But not TO go so far as
that. how long would It be before those owners OF
running horses would be made to know In advance,
and in uncertain terms, that while the new road
was for speedway. 1t was not Intended and
therein lies the spirit of every law, for running
horses, at any rate Of speed? In short. they
would not be allowed TO start.
More than that there Is not thoroughbred
owner who would think Of innovation.
The drive is called Speedway from It's associa-
ton with pleasure horses. whose prevailing advan-
tage is ability TO speed to light wagon. Every
one knows that the new Speedway was Intended as
the playground OF the trotter-owner The ball
players have a free place in Central Park as
playground. Some people like a trottrr. others
a saddle horse. and there is special p In the
Park for the latter. The exclusivcr OF the
Speedway for road horses is therefore correct.
beyond question.
The bicycle people canno, learn too early that
when II comes questions OF principle OF fairness
OF endangering life, they are not TO be maze an
exception. The spirit and range OF human liberty
are limited to every one. mans rights are
bounded by the equal rights OF his fellows No
man can Justly demand pleasure which imposes poses
The bicycle people are privileged 10 trayel any
road on their wheels which is not provided for
a road is FOR the public does not prove that the
bcycst has the right or privilege to run ssct his
OF any road This goes far to show that every
No man will dare TO ride fast on the Speedway
under the momentary expectation that some bi-
cycle crank and there are many. will cross in front
Of him The moment the bcyclsts endanger or
even threaten the lives or the happiness OF those
for whom a certain roadway was designed 10
benefit that very moment their right TO even be
there with a wheel becomes questionable.
The inquiry may arise, What has all this to do
with republicanism? Was the bill creating the
Speedway a Republican or Democratic measure!
From party standpoints no. The case Is SIMPLY
this. Some one undertook TO give the owners or
trotters a playground which would not interfere
with other modes of sport or other modes or public
travel because the trotter drivers as a class. had
no place where II safe TO drive In their pecul-
lar way II democratic sentiment. or
course Ali other classes have been provided for.
and the bicycle people are especially looked after
I'm many ways even ;hc making OF sections or
the streets with surface adapted 10 the use OF the
"wbeel" The sou, OF republican institutions
Is the written agreement among the people known
as the Constitution. subject TO which all Jaws
must be made. and in the spirit or when all laws
should be respected. The Speedway discussion
proves how few fully know what republic reaiiy ~
4 man like Mr.. Clausen, president or inc fark
Board who Is n superior horseman. knows ,What
the Speedway for and does not require petltlons
10 make him do what Is right The spirit when
prompted the many petitions that have Deen sem
10 him is unrepubllcan and undemocratic 10 oHer
any official a petition after measure becomes a
Law Is either an insult to his intelligence or MS
Integrity Kingly subjects may petition but con-
siititional law Is authority In this country true
renuhlIcanlsm means a high regard for the inten-
,inn Of the Law technical Interpretation OF 9
measure FOR selfish interest ~ un- American ana
aiso unjust The bicycle crank should step down
and out - , rrohuE phOAA'
VnF