The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-01-29

turn to the new race control organization.
Under its protecting wing they have
showing which they hardly ever dreamed
of. They are treated fairly and can have
no complaint to make about unjust deci-
sions, yet II this should ever happen to be
the case the founders of the National AS
ISOLATION have arranged matters so that
complaints can be faithfully investigated
and an impartial decision rendered. In the
new organization the professionals have
representation on all sides. On the board
OF control, the national board, they have a
representative to look after their interests.
In addition to this, the racing men have
representative every district board,
who has vote and as much power as any
other member Of the board. In connection
with this 1t might be added that the racing
rules are being revised, and in this work
the most practical side OF the matter Is
taken. The revision is made at the re-
quest OF the racing men, and they are al
lowed to suggest such changes as they
deem necessary. When the full rules are
made up the whole Will be submitted to
the association, and, II acceptable, it will
be adopted. The changes in the rules will
be made by those most interested, and not
by those who have theoretical idea of the
racing game. Rules in theory on paper
may look well, but often they prove in
judicious and hurtful TO cycle racing. This
feature has not been overlooked.
Another Influential Acquisition.
Another class represented in the new
association, which is a combination OF in
terests, is the race promoting bicycle
clubs, those which have been incorporated
and stand on good financial basis. While
these clubs may have the interests of
in n
have. perhaps. a greater interest in the
amateur racing than any other class rep
resented in the association. 1t seems to
be only fair that these clubs should be
entitled TO admission in the body govern
ing the sport, and this idea may prove
to be wise move in the near future.
Bicycle clubs are located in almost every
city in the country, though all may not
be incorporated and they exert consider
able influence. While only the incorpor
ated clubs will be represented in the asso-
citation and have vote, the unincorporated
clubs may become associate members,
though not entitled to a vote. This provi-
sion takes in every class of bicycle clubs
in the country, acting as bar 10 none
and encouraging all.
A boast of the people who have here
tofore urged continuation of cycle racing
control for the League of American Wheel
men has been that the organization is
powerful in the backwoods of the country.
They say that it took years 10 have the
League recognized in such sections. but
now that its authority is undisputed 1t
will take years to convince people that its
rule exists no longer. This is a new and
novel plea, and up to the time of its pro-
mitigation the idea prevailed that the
League had its strength only in the cities
and towns OF any size. There are many
bicycle race meets held in small villages
ham m lot in
name of the League has never been heard
and its influence never felt, and where
suspensions, etc. never amounted to any
more than the paper upon which they
were written.
The new association recognizing the
fact that it is not likely that every small
town in the country is fortunate enough
10 have a track for cycle racing alone,
has made a provision whereby the trotting
track may be admitted to associate mem
bership upon the payment of a nominal
fee, and where the rules of the association
will be recognized just as much, if not
more than the rules of the League ever
were. This is not such a difficult task as
one might think: certainly not as hard
as some OF the League adherents may like
to have the unacquainted believe.
A Powerful Factor.
Perhaps the most powerful element in
strength and backbone, is the representa-
ton of the cycle tracks. The track owners
have practically been forced into taking
the step they have. Their interests are
mutual and they have everything at stake.
To them the matter was plain business
proposition. 1t was case of running their
tracks at loss or not running them at
all. making the investment OF money In
oil al
The claim that has been made to the eff
feet that the membership Of the new asso-
citation is composed entirely OF those tracks
which have been suspended for failure TO
pay racing men their prizes or Tor other
equally as bad crimes is an absurdity.
While It is true that some tracks were sus-
pended for such transactions, IT is equally
true that at the outset the League people
firmly believed that the only opposition
organization that could be created would
be an amalgamation Of these tracks. This
has proved to be the basis OF the charge.
II has long since been exploded, but by
some papers is still being rehashed and
served up TO the general public in a little
different form, with more or less eXagger-
alton.
The track owners were willing to submit
to the League control of racing, but the
arbitrary actions have led TO the general
revolution. To the track owners the
racing game is more or less business.
They have invested their money in build
ing tracks, and go further to provide good
racing which is supported by the public.
The better the class OF racing they have
and the bigger the inducements, the great
er their patronage. Their axiom is prac
tically that good racing draws good
crowds and with this keynote it would be
folly for them 10 pollute the racing game.
They have everything at stake. In taking
the step they have the track owners are
making a wise move in taking the racing
men and the promoting clubs into
their organization they have made still
wiser move and clearly demonstrate to the
public that ii is not so much the control
of the sport that they are after as to have
good sport, free from any embarrassments
or arbitrary rules. This is bound to please
the public and gain support for the new
association.
Had Its Inception Here.
In this connection, it is well to remem-
Der that this city was practically the turn
ing point of the League control. The first
race meet, which has gone down into
cycle history as the first outlaw race meet.
was held in this city followed few days
later by a second meet OF the same kind.
In this city the professional riders. the
cracks of the country. completed their
organization. and babe bold defiance to
the League and its agents. This was a
rather bold move for mere handful OF
riders to make, yet they were successful.
The track owners all over the country
sympathiZed with them. and have taken
steps for their own protection.
iS wi ha-