The Portland daily press., 1899-08-04

an event OF Interest to local wheelmen.
Tho one-mile bicycle track which has
been 10 process OF construction on the
| Riverton road from Morrills Corner to q
point near Rivertcn park has just been
completed and was formally opened to
the wheeling public last evening. The
affair took the form OF celebration I'M
der the auspices Of the Portland Wheel
club at Riverton Casino.
Recently the city government In maxi
ing its appropriations, included in the
list 500 to be expended In the coutruc-
ton of bicycle path. The work has also
ten greatly aided by popular subs.rip-
lions aud the path has been well con-
structed Under the direction of Commits
sioner Fernald Ct the toard of public
works.
The members of the Wheel club rode to
MorIill's Corner last evening and then
proceeded over the new path to the park.
All along tho line tho COMMITTEES of
the Wheel club, composed of B. Ii. Farms.
worth, 4. II. Tuttle and O. H. Almonds,
burned red light and fireworks. At the
park fireworks and colored lights were
displayed. Arriving at the Casino the
members OF the Wheel clnb, with invited
guests, members of the city governments
sud goodly number Of friends, were
in attendance to participate in the fss-
tiyities of the occasion.
MIR. .. p. 4. Wish of the committee
| from thelwheel club, called the assembly
to order ard made brief address of
Welcome Mr.. Wish In tho course OF his
remarks, referred to the general economic
work done by the city government He
! said he believed In the matter Of nppro-
pristions for good roaea and bicycle
paths they would make no mistake, as
the money was well invested. He referred
to the remarkable growth Of Portland,
and of the desire OF its citizens to see 1t
advance. He spoke Of the regret of Mayor
Robinson. who was unable to attend and
speak on tehalf of the city government
The first speaker Of the occasion wasWil
ford g. Chapman, Esq, Mr.. Chapman said
that IL he understood the occasion rightly
1t was to announce to the city and the
state that Portland had opened to the
travelling public Its first mile of bicycle
track. The idea Of path had been in
the minds of the wheelmen for long
time. but not until this season did the
thing seem an assured success. The
matter was taken up By the city govern
ment and an appropriation of $500 made
for the purpose. Such work is step In
the direction of progress along the idea
Of good roads. He said that some adverse
criticism had been made relative to the
city government appropriating money for
building bicycle paths. He could not
agree with such ideas of criticism. The
assessors. he said, had raised about $1,000
in the way of bicycle taxes. This alone:is
conclusive evidence of the fact that..whsel
men are entitled to some consideration in
the way Of bicycle paths and good roads.
The time was when Portland was Gale d
slow and backward. That time has gone
by, and it is now good place to do busi-
ness in and fine place to reside in.
In advertising our resorts and other
attractions, we succeed In bringing peo-
pie into our city and state. The money
expended in advertising the city come,
back In good shape Nothing can stop
the good roads movement. 1t has come
to stay. The money is spent with good
results.
Even our farmer friends are Interested
In good roads, and how to build them.
would suggest that when the wheslmen
and farmers unite 1t is com binntion
worth looking ct from political view.
(Laughter.)
Mr. Chapman concluded his remarks
by urging that all citizens shoula take
a dee per interest in municipal affairs.
The second speaker was Richard Webb.
Esq. of Portland, member OF
the last Legislature. Mr.. Webb was
announced to speak on PORTLAND as n
Summer Resort; the nsed OF good roads
and bicycle paths
MIR. Webb In his remarks said that
Portland perhaps had more roads than
| a good many cities of its size. but as yet
we do not excel In good roads. He said,
however, that he believed the time was
not far distant when Portland could
boast of number of good roads and BIZ
Cycle paths. He referred to the ever in
oreasing number Of tourists and summer
visitors to the city and state. who are
delighted with the attractions and remain
longer in the season than formerly.
Ws like 10 have the people come here
not only for the money involved, bat be-
cause we know they appreciate what we
have to offer in the way Of attractions.
love to speak of Portland as beauti-
full and attractive centre. / believe that
everything done in the way Of improving
roads and bicycle paths should be en-
couraged. The transportation companies
OF this city have done much in the way
Of Improving the facilities for travel.
What 10 a vacation without wheelp u