The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-11
WILL CONTINUE RACING
L. A. w. ASSEMBLY WILL FIGHT THE
BOLTING CYCLERs.
Professionals to BE Given Represent
tatiOn-AII Amateur Racing Men to
BE Registered Hereafter.

PROVIDENCE, r. l., Feb. 1O.-To con-
tlnue the control of bicycle racing both
professional and amateur, to exclude the
former from membership, but to allow them
representation in the national assembly
and, according to President keenan,, a rep
resentative on the racing board were the
main results of the 1899 national assembly
of the League of American Wheelmen
which finished its work in this city this aft
ernoon. The racing question was, of course
the all important one before the assembly
but so thoroughly had the ground been
gone over in the past and so we'll was the
situation understood that there was scarce
ly any debate on the question and the pro-
vision to divorce the league from racing was
overwhelmingly defeated. although only one
brief speech was made on the part of those
who afterwards proved victorious.
The assembly was strongly opposed to the
admission of professionals within the league
ranks, yet that class of racing men received
for the first time due recognition from the
league, the call for representation where
there was taxation being answered by CIV
ing them a membership in the assembly.
In carrying out this sentiment President
Keenan, stated that professionals would also
have a representative on the racing board,
so that taking everything into consideration
the day was decidedly in favor of the racing
professionals.
The business of the day passed off with
great smoothness, there being no attempt to
fibuster on any Of the questions, while
numerous and important amendments to the
constitution and bylaws were discussed
calmly and as a rule passed with little show
of feeling. 1t is true that when it came
to making the vote in favor of racing unani-
nous, Mr.. Sterling Elliott said that his side
could not consistently do so but he as
sured the assembly that he entertained no
hard feelings in the matter and that the
league bulletin could let the whole matter
alone until the end Of the racing season,
when the results could speak for them
selves. In fact but for the two hours sharp
contest with the accompanying flibustering
which occurred yesterday afternoon, the as
sembly has never been conducted with such
an absence of friction, due in great meas
ure to the ability of the presiding officers.
The sum of S3.5o0 was appropriated for the
presidents personal expenses. On motion
by Mr. Van Vankenburg the assembly voted
the army and navy, had allowed their
names to drop from the league. They will
also continue to he members while in the
service. An amendment to the constitution
offered by Walter Sherwood. of Indiana,
striking out the word amateur in the con-
Stitution wherever it occurred, was lost
144 to 105-lacking the necessary thirds
vote. An amendment was adopted reducing
the amount to be retained by the secretary
from the annual dues and renewals from 40
to 30 cents.
In the matter of the demand for indemnity
for the death of Frank T. LEM, on the
Turkish government, a resolution was
adopted urging speedy settlement by our
government.
Rv an amendment offered by Mr. Sans.
all amateur racing men will be compelled to
register hereafter the same as professionals.
If they are members of the league it will
must pay 81 annually.
The assembly will next meet in Jackson
vile: Fla, and the members left for home
next year they would come together under
more favorable climatic conditions The an
nual meet of the L. A. w. will be held in
Boston.