The sun., 1898-02-16

WAY NY VIII nOt contest the charge.
Ike Weir the Belfast Spider" wants
match with Dave Sullivan.
Jim Daily, the ex-PhiIadelphian. is
after Alec Greggains's scalp.
Harry Peppers and Harry Fisher are
to box limited-round contest in Water.
bury, Conn.,, on Thursday.
Frank Erne's hand is rapidly improv.
ing, and he is now willing to meet anv
man in the business.
CYCLING.
y new tire repair kit will be handled
by many of the big bicycle firms this
season which should prove to be a re-
llei, as by 1t tire can be repaired with
out the bothersome cement. Small rub
Der bands are forced one at a time
throngh the puncture into the tire, be-
ing held i'll by the lower end of the tool,
which is shaped like a hook. until a
sufficient number Of band, have been
pushed inside. They are then drawn
outward until about half their length is
outside. The bands stretch as they are
pulled outward, and when the tension is
released they swell the puncturp full,
and by expanding sideways and con.
tracing in the other direction are
claimed to effect positive tight repair
The ends of the bands being expanded
form head inside and outside, and the
outside ends may be trimmed off neatly
to the surface Of the tire.
"Major'' Taylor, the colorcd wonder.
first came into prominence during the
big slx-day race at Madison Square Gar
den in 1896. when he finished among the
leading prize winners after hard ride.
ne IS young man, unassuming and
quiet in manner, and his many victories
over the leaders on the national circuit
last season did not turn his head, as is
usually the case with riders when they
aye elevated to the top ranks rapidly.
Considerable publicity was given to
the complaints which tiaston Rivierre,
whose experience in the six-day race in
New York will be remembered, made on
his return to France. What he had TO
say regarding the unfai,ness of the other
riders In the race was promptly denied
here, but now comes Il denial which is of
tar greater value than any which could
be made on this side of the water
stephane, the other notable French en-
try in the race, has reached Paris, and
made it his business to publish his own
experiences, which show that, as far as
the Americans were concerned every
courtesy was shown to the Frpnchmen.
This frank statement will effectualy
silence the umbrage to which Riyierre's
complaints gave rise. Both riders are
expected to participate in the next Paris
Bordeaux race.
In speaking of A. A. Chase, the Eng
llshman vino failed to shine as Il bright
particular star when he was in this coun-
try recently, the Cycle Referee, of Lon
don. says "A A. Chase disappointed
his followers until late in the year, when
he visited France, and on three success
sive occasions beat Huret, Champion
Linton and Bonhours. He has been to
America, not altogether covering himself
with glory. 1t was hoped that his better
sense would have induced him to srop in
the States, for there will certainly be
more money tlnle in 1898 for profess,
slonal cyclists than in England.
The general refusal of American cycle
mah.'lactlrers to support racing teams
mas forced some OF the cracks to look
elsewhere for their mounts this wear.
Earl klser, the speed merchant who at
one time bld fair to become rival of
Eddle Bald, is one of those forced oht
through the apparent lack of interest in
sprint races and the demand for middle.
distance riding.
Although kiser has had several offers
to ride certain make wheels, none has
been Hatterlng enough to cause him to
accept any of them. Although he be-
licves he Will make more money this wear
than ever before. he will not ride an
American wheel unless he can make a
good contract.
The news OF the probable large dis
[rlbution OF gold among the racing men
II this country has reached Australia.
wit Il he result that some OF the track
sprlntcls of the Antipodcs are likely to
'"mc to this country at the close of the
Australian cycle racing season. Meg
son, the Sydney sprinter, has made up
lis mind to come.
Taylorc the French middle.distance
rack, is perhaps one Of the best men to
mndle. He goes at his daily routine
work with Il will bonn Of determination,
hu submits without a protest to all
'''' ms trainer tciIs MN. lie french
al Is very popular, besides, for he is
Ihass.lnllng and quiet in his manner
nd rhrlnks from any nattety or pub.
city
Tires are being made heavier as a gen
raj rule for 1898. The demand is run
ing on larger sizes, such as one and
hrc-quarters inches There seems to
e ~ danger of cuts in the prices of tires.
rubber importer and manufacturer de-
ares that tires will 60 up in price be-
,rc they go down, as the market price
rubber is now higher than it has been
n years, and shows no signs of break
lg.
l4sna, the Swiss champion, will return
this country in July for the purpose
engaging in few middle-distance
atch races