New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-15

Wheelmen studied the situation carefully. and
came TO the decision that Mr.. Keenan, was the
man for the place this year. and the friends Of
Mr. Sans induced him TO withdraw his name In
connection with the office. Mr.. Keenan, is the
Editor of The Pittsburg Press"
Last week Messrs. keenan, and Sans. who is
the chief consul Of MARYLAND and Albert Mott
the chairman Of the Racing Board Of the League
Of American Wheelmen. held consultation IN
Baltimore which was particularly harmonious.
There Is still considerable uncertainty as to who
will be the chairman of the Racing Board,
and no mistake should be made in the selection.
for the racing situation for the next few months
will require careful handling.
A few weeks ago it was announced that the
present incumbent would not be candidate for
reelection to the office, but the political 'dckey
bird" says that Albert Mott has excellent
chance succeed himself. c. W. Mears, OF
Cleveland. was looked upon the logical selec-
ton OF Mr. keenan, for the place, but Keenan,
and his advisers say that no promises have been
made to any one. Henry Robinson, OF Massa-
chusetts. and George L. Mccarthy OF New
York. have been mentioned in connection with
the place. and each man has goodly following
who convinced that they are eminentiy
qualified to fill the Office
The dream OF the old-time cyclists is coming
true. For years they have looked forward TO
the day when their good-roads movement would
get the recognition for which they hoped. The
last few days have been full Of realization OF
their idea. for almost every Governor inaugu-
rated has had something to say in commendation
Of H. But OF them-the Governor of New
Hampshire-goes even further than the rest and
even further than the most ardent advocate of
good roads could have expected at this time.
He not only strongly indorses the highway i'm
provement movement. but recommends that
bicycle path be built along the entire shore line
Of the State. The Governor of Vermont advo-
Gated the good roads movement at such length
that it occupied one-third of his address Gov
ernCr Roosevelt is on record. and will doubt
sign any good-roads bill that reaches him. The
Governor of Pennsylvania has caused an in
vestgaton into the subject to be made. with
the view Of mentioning IL in his first message.
Other recommendations from Governors have
been placed on record. and good-roads bills have
been introduced in nearly every State in the
Union. There several bodies organized
for agitating the subject, among them the
League Of American Wheelmen. the National
Roads Parliament and the Interstate Good
Roads Association, In addition to several State
organizations The farmers are ndorsing the
movement at nearly every meeting
Anybody who does not think that Isaac b.
Potter is a sportsman. and thorough sportsman
at that. is making mistake" asid old friend
of the president of the L. A. w. the other day.
while he is not a regular attendant at prize
lights. one enjoys a scientific sparring match
any better than does that same Isaac B. But
you want to see him at the college boat races
and track and field games to see him al his best.
Why. he gets excited that expect to see
him tear himself away from his clothing.
shall never forget when Potter was youngster
at Cornell how he trained for the intercollegiate
sprnting championships which were held at
Saratoga in 1877. Potter and his friends knew
that he had plenty Of speed for the short dashes.
but his trouble was getting away at the start.
His comrades laughed so at his slowness in get
ting away with the crack Of the pistol that 1t
~
into the woods and practise starting.
He took a friend along with pistol, and he
bought up all the blank cartridges in Ithaca.
When the supply gave out he sent down 10 New
York for more. 1t is estimated that Potter used
up nearly nve thousand blank cartridges in try
ing TO perfect scheme TO beat the pistol
Well the time for the race arrived. and the Cor
nell athletes went TO Saratoga and Potter
entered in the 1OO-yard
when the sprinters lined up waiting for
the starters pistol the few friends Of Potter be-
gan TO give him advice how to get away at the
start. although all OF them expected TO see him
standing still while the fleet men from the other
colleges flying toward the tape. When
they lined up at the start and the athletes were
told 10 get set Potter was all alert. In the
first attempt he anxious to beat the
pistol that he was 'penaliZed yard by the
starter. and his friends gave up hope. The
next time, however the pistol cracked and
Potter off like shot, and ne was even with
the others before they had left their marks.
Well, he fairly sailed down that track, and won
the race with something to spare. and he has
never regretted purchasing those thousands OF
blank cartridges"
Otto Dorner the chairman OF the Highway
Improvement Committee of the L. A. W, writes
a. follows:
Complete returns OF the Minnesota State election
show that the State aid amendment 10 the Con-
stituton has been passed by the people by vote
Of 700l3 to 3.W7 The returns have only recently
been completed owing TO the unsettled condition OF
the northern and eastern portions OF the State
This 10 the first time that a popular vote has ever
been taken In any State on the good roads ques-
ton. and the result is most emphatic indorse.
ment Of State aid its solution. The Farmers
Eationp Congress. which met at Fort Worth
Tex, early in December last. passed strong resou-
tions In favor of State aid and commencing the
efforts Of the League OF American wheemen
another notable Endorsement Of the work Of this