The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1898-06-02
HOW BICYCLES ARE USED IN WAR
Armies of All Nations supplied With the
sSilput Steed.u

service both here and in European
countries. Actual warfare. in which
the value of the wheel could he thor
oughly tested, has not prevailed since
the adoption of the bicycle by the ar
mics OF the great Powers, but enough
experience has been gained to warrant
the belief that 1t will be of vital i'm
portance in tho next conflict. Proba-
bility of hostilities with the armed
forces of Spain has arouse, great pa
triotism in the breasts of American cy-
clists, and many offers have been made
the Government by wheelmen who de-
sire to form bicycle companies and
fight for their country. While the av-
erage cyclist has an idea that the BIZ
cycle will greatly aid the army at some
future day. he has little conception of
how really useful 1t will prove If en-
! ployed on lines now laid out.
In the United States the military cy-
,list has attained considerable promi-
nence. largely due, perhaps, to the gen.
sral popularity of the bicycle. In En-
gland, France, Russia and Germany,
however, the army cyclists are in high
.avor and the service is constantly be-
ng improved. General Miles has al
ways been an enthusiastic advocate of
he bicycle for military purposes, and
his is one reason why it has reached
such state of perfection in our reg
llar army.
! For courier service. scouting, road
! :ketching, surveying and route recon-
laissance he regards the bicycle as in
valuable. A patent is now under con-
sideration that will help the bicycle
service very much. 1t is a contriv-
lnce that will enable the soldier-cyclist
o come to a stop and retain his seat.
t keeps the wheel upright and firm,
md is just the thing needed to give the
wheel greater value in the eyes of army
officers.
The machines now In use in the reg
liar service, together with the usual
equipment, tip the scales at about sew
!nty pounds. This makes heavy load
or long Journeys. and the tendency
low is to decrease the weight as much
Is possible without sacrificing the safe
| y of the riders.
| The customary gear of the army
wheels is 66R. Puncture- proof pneu-
matte tires are used and every wheel
las brake. the weight of the outfit
)eing such that 1t is almost impossible
o stop by back-pedaling when going
| lown hill. An ordinary D,ouse, With
rousers and leggins. double-breastcd
'hirts, felt hat and bicycle shoes con-
titute the uniform Of the army cy-
list.
| Throughout the country there are
many cycle corps in National Guard
egiments. Greater New York has half
dozen, the Thirteenth and Eight reg
ments comprising specially we'll
lrilled companies. In the cycle corps
VI The Na.lOnal Guard eacn member
furnishes his own machine. A variety
Il makes, therefore, provides dissim-
larity not observable in the corps Of
he regular army. The National Guard
| yclists always make fine appearance.
md that branch of the service finds
Teat favor in the eyes of the militia
nen.
1t is said that within a short time
horizing the purchase of sufficient
lumber of bicycles to supply each fort
md military station in the country
With ten machines.
The bicycle in the Russian army has
,een a source of qualification to the
ireat White Gear. The folding bicycle
used and the service has reached
ligh state of perfection. In the last
nanoeuvres of the army the cyclists
Ippeared to such good advantage that
he Car commanded them to defle
vice before him. They cooperate
With the independent cavalry.
AS long ago as 1887 the French adop-
ed the bicycle for use in military oper-
ltions. The folding machine is used,
t being perferred to any other. 1t
AN be closed instantly and is suitable
or rough work. Compagnie Gerard is
he name of the French military cy-
ling corps, so called after the inventor
II the folding machine. 1t is divided
nto two companies, each under the
ommand of lieutenant. Each COM
'any is divided into sections. each Of
which is in charge of sergeant. A
'lue peajacket, jersey of the same
olor, red knickerbockers and cloth
;alters complete the uniform. At
'couting, pursuing and harassing an
'nemy the French military cyclists are
exceedingly well-traiIed and against
IN enemy would probably prove very
Effective.
Germany's military cycling corps
comprises several thousand experts in
ne use of the wheel. They are we'll
rained in map reading and revolver
iring and some of them are fast rid
RS. Naturally the latter would be de-
allied to messenger service in active
ield duty.
One of the drawbacks to the German
yelling service is the use of cushion
Tres. The time is not far distant, how
ver, when pneumatic tires will take
he place of the old-fashioned and less
esilient kind.