Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-12-20

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is sure to create war in cycling.
The size of the war will all depend
on how much battle those who are
about to oppose the National Cycling
Association are able to give If the
opponents are worthy and strong and
real finish fighters, the war will cut
some dash, but If there is to be just
start-a little blow and buster and
first scrimmage-then 1t would be a
disappointing affair. There must be
war in cycling to settle for some
time the disturbed atmosphere 1t is
the talk everywhere where cycling is
the discussion. and where there is so
much smoke there must be some fire.
If you were to ask those who should
know, they will plead Ignorance, but
you can go right around the corner,
where the boys hang out" and you
can listen to war talk for hours and
hours.
All during the six-day race we heard
that there were going to be big doings
around here next summer, and we
were told later on that big cycling
story would come out during the pres
ent week. AS to the big doings next
summer we will have to wait and see,
but the big cycling story referred to
came with the announcement in the
Evening Star that John M. Chapman,
former manager of the Velodrome, pro-
posed to conduct a series of short
hour six-day races throughout the
country. 1t was quietly whispered
that there was something doing, but
the tip was accompanied by the warn
ing that at five minutes after 10
o'clock Wednesday morning the story
would be ready to deliver. Why five
after 10 o'clock, we wondered,
but later we were told that the news
of the proposed six-day circuit was
not to be made known until the
steamship France, which had on
board Messrs. Million and MacFar-
land, had left her moorings Sure
enough, with Messrs. Million and Mac
Farland on the ocean, the story broke
and it was published exclusively in
the "Pink Edition"-where many a
scoop" finds its way--of the Evening
Star. am giving the story of the
affair just as the story was told to
me, and am telling my readers about
the outlook for cycling war just as
matters present themselves to me.
@
Yes, from every viewpoint, there
must be a war and 1t must be war
to the finish. With Messrs. Million
and Uppercu In control of cycling In
the East. and with Mr.. Chapman
seeking recognition as a promoter.
within their territory, a clash of inter-
ests is imminent. Chapman, it Is I'M
derstood. has said that he is going to
run cycle races no matter what the
N. G. A. may say or do as to award
ing him franchises. If the N. c. A.
says Chapman can't have franchise
in Baltimore-and 1t Is almost certain
to say so-then Chapman, 1t is under
stood, will build a track there and
run anyway despite the N. C. A. That
would mean an open fight and then
all would know where they are at.
O.
Although 1t will perhaps be said
that the creating of these short-tour
six-day circuits does not mean any
thing, those who know the game will
tell you that It means a whole lot.
AS manager, Chapman will be close
to the riders, and he will naturally
picture to them some bright spots for
the summer time. He surely contem-
plates erecting track somewhere.
for he has already signed several
riders, including George Wiley, Nor
man Hansen, Percy Lawrence and
Charley Stein. These men have been
secured by Chapman with no track
in sight, and the moment he starts
building 1t is a sure thing that he will
be able to get any number OF the other
riders. or course the big fellows in
the game will stick by the big end of
the game, but Chapman should be
able to get together quite q respect
able field of second and third raters.
@
Chapman's circuit of six-day races
is supposed to take In the cities of
Pittsburgh. Buffalo, Toronto and
Kansas City. kilograms have been
sent to the cities mentioned inquiring
about dates. and II desirable buildings
can be secured the circuit will be a go.
Whether Chapman will be able to
secure the big building in Toronto is
a question, for Messrs. Million and
Uppercu have q tentative agreement
for a meet there in April A six-day
race in Buffalo Is also figured on,
although there isn't any certainty
about either. Now that Chapman Is
seeking dates in these cities, the
Cycle Racing Association is likely to
feel as IL Its territory is being en-
croached upon, and 1t may not be
willing to have Chairman Kelsey, of
the N. G. A. issue permits for said
six-day races
@
In arranging for these six-day
races the riders appear to be the
leading lights and Chapman remains
in the background. ''If the riders
get together and want me to manage
some six-day races for them, I'll do
it," Chapman is said to have told
the men who want to race. "But
You must get ten teams together and
then I'll see If / can't get you some
dates" The riders have held two
meetings, but 1t is said that the very
hest that can. he dina La To get airh-