Evening star., 1898-09-10
PROFESSIONAL CYCLE RACES
Fight With the Wheelmen's League for Its
Control
Racing Crews Resist Payment Ot
Fines-Movehne mt in the West-sev-
ernl Tracks Have Been Engaged.

A good many, Whorh have been closely fol-
lowing the racing game are wondering if
the fight against the League of American
Wheelmen for control of professional rae
ing has opened. The fight was to have be-
gun several weeks ago, but it was prob
ably postponed on account of the fact that
no suitable groun1sr had been found on
which to start the Contemplated fight Now
a sufficient causehas arisen "A decision of
the racing Board adverse to the interests
Of some of the riders has been seized as
the ground for the opening of the struggle,
which seems pretty apt to end in the over
throw of the league control of that par
tlcular class zof the sport.
1t will be remembered that when in this
city racing Moran some of the members of
the pacing crews of Harry Elkes used ra-
ther strong language. A report of the mat
ter was published in The Star at the time
lhe local referee reported the affair to
Chairman Mott, and after evidence was OBJ
tained d fine of SO was placed against the
names of a number of the riders on the
pacing machines. The edict of the racing
board suspended the men from competition
in track events until the fine was paid The
fine was imposed about two weeks ago, the
something of the kind. The men declared
that they would not pay the fine. This was
the beginning Of the fight, and in taking
Inc stand they did the riders were evidently
encouraged by others who promised to see
them through.
Inc movement in behalf of the profes
slonals. while NEST active on the eastern
coast. Is extending through the west. In
the east, the home of the movement, prep
aratlons have already been made whereby
lhe tracks at four or five of the leading
cities. and possibly more, have agreed to
come IN These tracks are the most i'm
portant in the country, and when they
throw down the gauntlet other tracks are
expected to come and join in the issue with
them. AS it is, if no other tracks join IL
the movement, those which have already
been secured are sufficient 10 establish
good circuit for regular weekly racing.
Ihe decision of the tracks to join in the
revolt is not ALL Two-thirds of the courses
IN the country might be willing. and vet
the movement might fail owing to the fact
that nosrlders had been secured who We're
Wiling to join in the strife. Perhaps a few
men might be secured who would be will
ing to venture in the movement, but a ma
Jority of the cracks might have a Gisnosi-
ton to remain out until it could be seen
whether or not the struggle would terni-
nate successfully In the present case,
however, no trouble is anticipated OF this
account. All of the leading riders have
been talked to regarding the matter and
they have been signed under contract
practically employed by the projectors os
the fight. THIS being the case, the revolt
VIII be all the more interesting. II might
be that the entire thing will not come fully
out until after the national circuit closes,
SO as to give the contestants a chance to
get placed.
W heelmen on the racing game has been
gradually diminishing as the sport in
creased in extent. With the California
secession movement, which has died out,
the hrst gun of ~discentent was fired, and
Wnlle similar movements were expected in
other states, the matter was not concerted
and hence did not result faVorably to those
interested. The organization of the track
owners tnls sprinStwas perhaps one of the
strongest movementsg and, though an ami
cable understanding was had between the
track men and the racing board-whereby
tne latter as 5ady secured more Fecogni-
ton than they would have received had
they remained as, in9ividualS-the spirit of
unrest has gradually grown. In this coun-
try the leading racing men, or most of
them, especially the aliddle-d distance cracks,
are employed by two organizations, both
of which have plenty of funds behind them.
They are really becoming to be the powers
in professional bicycle racing, and while
heretofore they have been paying attention
to only the middle distance game, of late
they have been taking up the sprint style
of racing and encouraging the riders in
, this class.
The significance of the visit of Lisette
the French female champion to this coun-
try has not as yet been disclosed. She is
undoubtedly under contract. and, while she
may not appear in outdoor events, there is
a big possibility that this winter she will
be used as a star in indoor female events.
Already 1t is understood that she is booked
for certain tracks, and is expected to ap-
pear around October %, at Philadelphia.
On the same date Ollie Davis of this city,
who was in the six-day female race at
Center Market Hail last year, wiH ride
f1ve-mile unpaccd match race with Tflde
Farnsworth. the champion female rieer of
this country, and the survivor of more than
| one six-day grind held in Chicago and other
cities. negotiations for the latter race are
now in progress. and everything will be
definitely determined upon in a short time.