The times., 1899-01-15

chairman of that committee now is otto
Dorner of Milwaukee who has held the
position for two years and will probably
succeed himself If he so wishes. He mas
proven himself worthy successor of lsa-
&C B. Potter and during his two terms his
committee has sent out millions of circu
lars on the subject. He has addressed
scores Of farmers and wheelmen's meet
ings and has been one of the trusted ad
visers Of the road division of the Depart
ment Of Agriculture. There is not a bet
ter man in the country for the position and
he will probably be in the chair again as
he is a thorough enthusiast on the sub
ject The next committee in Importance
is that on rights and privileges. 1t is
probable that Conway Sans will be invited
TO accept the craftsmanship of il, as he is
a capable lawyer and has held the position
creditably in the past The transportation
committee will probably go to the present
chairman Burley b. Ayers, who has done
yeoman service in securing the passage of
bicycle baggage bills in fourteen States of
the Union and has gotten scores of rail-
roads, steamships and steamboat lines to
agree to carry bicycles a. baggage. The
rules and regulations committee will
probably go to ID. J. O'Brien in case he
withdraws from TIE contest for the treas
urership, as that committee has for years
been in the hands of a far Westcrner. The
membership committee will probably go
10 New England
The Twenty-four-I.our Race.
The twenty-four- hour race was the best
ngdistance event that has ever been
contested in this country. For period of
time equal to twice around the clock four
men never left the saddle so close was the
contest A year or two ago such 4 thing
would not have been thought possible, but
yet 1t was done, and the men who are
credited with it finished in comparatively
good condition. Every preparation was
made to avoid the necessity for dsmount-
ing by all of the riders, but with those "N-
cept the first four fatigue and exhaustion
made it imperative. 1t was thought that
Miller would be able to hold out as long as
the others, but perhaps he has not been
as careful of his training as he should have
been. He is eXcusable under the circum-
stances which have been surrounding him
of late. Waller had another OF his spells
of ugly temper and refused to finish. But
the leaders kept doggedly TO their work,
and though first one and then another
would attempt to steal a march on the
crowd he was invariably overhauled be-
fore he got very far away. This demon
strated how nearly even our long distance
cracks are matched. and how difficult il
is for 4 rider to get away from bunch
which always has him in sight and in
creasss speed until they catch him. 1t
was magnificent spectacle from start TO
finish, and the last minute was of the
kind that makes 4 cycle race stand out
prominent among thousands of others.
This particular race was one of the kind
that the enthusiast likes TO talk about at
every opportunity for years, and well they
might. for it was a finish for all the money
in the house Think of four men riding
for twenty-four hours and then all finish
ing under blanket space.
Good Reads BOomiug.
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 past few days
have been full of realization of their idea
for almost every governor indugurated has
had something to say in commentator OF
it, But one Of them--the governor of New
Hampshire-goes even further than the
most ardent advocate Of good roads could
have expected at this time. He not only
strongly indorses the highway improve
ment movement, bat recommends that
bicycle path be built along the entire shore
line Of the State. The governor OF YER
mont advocated the good roads movement
at such length that it occupied one-third
CT his address. Gov. Roosevelt was rath-
er stingy about his praise, but he is on
record and will no doubt sign any good
roads bill that reaches him. The governor
Of Pennsylvania who will be inaugurated
en- the 18th inst. has caused an investiga-
tion into the subject to be made, with the
view Of mentioning it in his first message.
Other recommendations from governors
have been placed On record and good roads
bills have been introduced into nearly ev-
cry State in the Union. The country is
awakening 10 the Importance Of the sub
ject and the wheelmen are to be given
credit for what will some day be one of
the leading issues OF cur politics. There
are now several bodies organized for agi-
tating the subject. among Them the League
Of American Wheelmen. the National
Roads Parliament and the Interstate Good
Roads Association. in addition 10 several
State organizations. The farmers are in
dorsing the movement in nearly every
meeting.
Hu~tiinE for Members.
From present appearances the League Of
American Wheeimen is to take a new lease
of life this year. In many of the leading
States an entire new set of officials has
been installed and with them new ideas
are being grated on the organization
While nothing can be said against many oi
the retiring officers, it is fact that new
life is essential in the division offices al
times, for the old methods become impo-
tent and others are required. In New YorF
particularly is there a change for the bet
ter. The incoming chief consul is bestir-
ring himself in a way that promises much
for the Empire State division and but 4
few weeks will elapse before il will agar
/ top the list. In Illinois. Ohio. Missouri and
other States there are signs of life where
| there have not been any for several
months and in the new consulate scheme
/ all the divisions are deriving cause fol
( hoping that the old organiza- ion will speed
/ lily rebuild itself. The work of preparing
J for the organization of these consulates is
now completed and it has taken over
year Of hard work both for the committee
| having the matter in charge and the ad,
! ditiORal assistance of President Potter. Al
! the printed matter is now ready for distri
! button and it includes everything necessary
for the conduct OF local association, ever
] 10 the books Of meeting records for the sec
retary. Eight States are already formnl
these consulates and more are heard from
| each week, or as fast as they hold theil
| division meetings. II the plan works ou
as expected it should bring III 10000 new
members this year alone and then it /!
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