14 THE SPORTHSTQ LIFE.

CYCLING.IN CLOVER.

PRINCE IS KNEE-DEEP IN THE LONG GREEN OF THE SOUTH.

M ay 19.

Denies That He is a Back Number and is Willing to Bet on It Bald and His Winning Chances Winning a Race on a Punctured Tire.

Atlanta, Ga., May 9. Well, what did I tell you about Windle's pet, Bald? I warned you to look out for him the first time that big bean outer from Boston pushed him off the mark. That I was right Bald's defeat of Johnson clearly proves. Of course the time was slow, but so was the track for that matter, and Bald never extended himself once Jn the whole race. Don't understand me to say that I consider the Buffalo lad a better all-around racer than Eck's elu­ sive exponent of racing energy, but I do say that the man who beats the butcher from the mark will not have to wait until he reads the papers next morn­ ing to know he has been to the races. You will no donbt have seen my share of the performance here. I am not yet a back number, for as sure as shooting I can do a half in one flat, and have the money in my pocket which gays so to anyone who thinlcs I can't do it. They are still rolling my way; it costs 50 cents a roll, too, for any high roller tjjat wants to see me roll off twenty miles against the nr.gs, and you have no idea how many people play at the game even at that limit.

EVERYWHERE THE PRESS|s more than kind to me, and does all In its power to make my races success­ ful, but with the best intent in the world the papers sometimes make some funny breaks. If it were not for the kindly Intent the writers have for me in writing Be up I would send you a lot of press notices and let you comment on them, but you know I never go back on my friends, the reporters, and I'll be a lucky man if they always return the compliment and never go back on John Shilliugton. My race in Augusta was a success in every way, but I came a great deal nearer to losing it than I wanted to. I won't attempt to tell the story myself; here it is from an Augusta paper.

Jack Prince, the champion professional long distance bicycle rider of the world, won his twenty miles race last afternoon Bt the Exposition track against the two .trotting horses for the $300 purse.

It was a novel sight and one of the Boost exciting races ever witnessed in [Augusta.

Considerable interest was taken in the Bport, as was manifested by the large crowd that filled the grand stand.

Prince appeared on the track a few ttinutes after 5 o'clock on big nineteen pound English racing wheel.

H«' was dressed in a blue low neck and sleeves jersey. His trunks were white and his pants ware cut off at the knees; his legs were bare to the ankles. He wore a belt of the National colors.

The champion was in perfect condi­ tion and he won the favor and admira­ tion of the audience, which lustily chcc-red him as he went around the course once or twice before the race commenced.

Mr. Bryant's horse trotted the Brst mile, which was two laps. The horses went only ten miles each, as they re­ layed each other every mile at the B;und. Prince rode the twenty miles from start to finish without a stop. Near the string he had a boy holding his bottle of nourishment and occa­ sionally he would take u drink as he came around.

WHILE KUNNINO THE FIFTEENTH MILEPrince's rear wheel was punctured and the air escaped from out the pneumatic tiie, but the chauipinu did not slop for that and finished the racu with his crippled when).

It was the eleventh lap before Prince cored the lead. He let the horses keep the pace-, he following either close be­ side or behind the sulky. The horses trolled well. They improved instead of flagging each heat and the opinion as to what would be the result of the race was not positively expressed until tho last mile was run.

Big Did: trotted the last mile, and broke several times, which threw him further behind than he otherwise would have finished.

Prince rode the entire race without the least exertion or exhaustion. He went along at a steady gait almost in his own trnck, leaning fnr over the handles of his wheel. He never onco changed his position, and did not take his eyes off the front wheel. The only spurt he made was in the last half mils, when he gained about fifty feet, which he held to the finish.

Prince was loudly applauded as he passed the judges, a decided winner of tho race. When he dismounted

-THE CROWD RUSHED UP TO SEE HIM, and many patted hiui on the back, while others shook his hand arid congratulated him upon tho fine record he made.

Everyone was surprised to see him look as fresh as when he entered tho race, and it was believed the champion could easily have traveled the same distance over again. He is undoubtedly a long winded man.

Prince is going to Atlanta next week to enter races there, and will after­ wards return to Augusta, where he will remain until the latter part of tho month, when ho will leave for Paris to enter the international races and run ugainst Ziminernian.

Prince is certainly a wonderful rider, and he has made u great impression in Augusta.

Barring that description of my racing togs, and the statement that I intend going to Paris to do Zim, the story is a good one, and a fair sample of how the newspaper boys treat mo. Between you and me, I don't think I want any of that Paris game of uiiuc; there are too many hot tamules in that combination for your friend

"CRACKER JACK."

HE SWAPPED.

Gave the Dealer a Two-Wheeled Stolen Cart in Exchange For a Bi­ cycle He Stole.A young man came into the store

of a Buffalo bicycle dealer a short time ago and opened negotiations for the purchase of a wheel. Ho wasn't quite satisfied with the price asked and went awuy. A few days later he came around again. He seemed to have dropped In during the course of his work, as he had with him a two-wheeled cart. After examining a number of bicycles in the store he picked out one and said he would lake it.

"But I don't know whether I'll be able to ride the thing," he said, dubious­ ly-

"You can take it out and try it if you like," said the dealer obligingly.

"All right. Just k>ep an eye on my cart, will you please?" and the young n.an trur.c'led the wheel out into the street. Ho handled it awkardly and mndn a couple of breaks before he could get into the saddle. Then he zig-zaggcd

uncertainly along until he came to the corner, when he suddenly dropped his novice marner, leaned forward in the style of a racer and spurted around the corner.

He never returned and the bicycle dealer is watching his cart yet. It is thought that the cart had been stolen from some other place, probably for this very purpose,

This is an old d.odge. A couple of dealers in other cities have been done up on It and it has been written up in the bicycle papers a number of times. So bicycle dealers generally ought to be posted, and if thoy get done up they deserve it.

HE TALKS.

Bresler Says That the Wes* is Ripe For Revolt Against the League.

Th« expulsion of Chief Consul Bres­ ler, of the Michigan Division of the L. A. W., from membership in the League may result in the formation of a new cycle organization. Bresler feels verv angry over what he terms the unfair treatment of the League, and is now outlining the plans for the new cycling union. He claims that the feeling against the L. A. \V. through­ out the country, and in Michigan in particular, is very strong. He says that two-thirds of the members of the Michi­ gan division are with him in his fight against the League, and have pledged themselves to join the new organiza­ tion.

Among the dozen or more prominent clubs wiiich will fight the League are the Port Huron Wheelmen, Alcid Cycle Club, Michigan Whealrnen, and Detroit Bicycle Cmb.

"Michigan is not the only State," said Bresler, in which the ill feeling against the L. A. W. is pronounced. In Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Cali­ fornia, Colorado, and even in New York State dissatisfaction is expressed over the way things are gonig in the League, and I am willing to wagar that the L. A. W. will be a thing of the past within a few days. As matters now stand the League only legislates for the benefit of a favored few, and these few have become so overbearing in their demands as almost to disrupt the organization.

"Luscomb has tried to make it appear that there is no trouble in the League ranks, but he knows at heart that this is not tnie. Right here in his own State there are a number of dissatisfied L. A. W. men, and they have all said that the League is conducted on lines too narrow-minded and absurd to suit them. These men have promised to organize tho New York division of the new League. I Intended to return to Detroit -within a few days, but owing to the assurances of support I have re­ ceived from dissatisfied League men here I have decided to stop over until next week, when the plans for a New York headquarters of the new League will be arranged."

Regarding the funds of the Michigan division, Bresler said that he would not give up the money until the Courts or­ dered him to do so.

HEAPS OF TROUBLE.

How the "Hayseed" Fared In His Efforts to Become a Wheelman iu a Crowded Thoroughfare.Farmer Brown recently came to town

and suddenly tock a nodon that he would by a bicycle. Going to a bicycle store he finally selected one after much trouble. Having walked the wheel fcr several squares he grew very tired and determined to try to ride It home. The street on which he proposed to start off was a spacious one, but it was crowded with people and wagons. Carefully tak­ ing the machine to the wrouff side of the street, he mounted, shot off diagon­ ally across the thoroughfare and knock­ ed down a clergyman, who threatened to "lick" him for not looking where he was going.

Picking himself up an gathering his wheel together, he again mounted, and struck out the second time. Having gone several yards like a flash of lightning, his speed was suddenly checked. There was a wagon a few feet ahead, from which two men were unloading French plate glass. So wrapped up was he in me movement of the wheel that he did not see the wagon.

Tho men having taken a large pane of glass out of the wagon were about to raise it to the pavement, when down came the cycler with a terrible, velocity and smashed iiito tho middle of the glass, breaking it to pieces. The men were not hurt; neither was th« rider.

Seeing that the unfortunate was a "greenhorn," the men claimed the wheel for damages, and the old farmer turned his steps homeward with a heavy heart.

DAN DID 'EM.

At McDuffee'8 Soiree He Danced Away With Everything.

Saugus, Mass., May 12. The annual McDuffee tournament here this after­ noon was a great success, being tho first track meet of the season. The re­ sults of the races were a surprise, many looking for Fred Graves, of Spring­ field; Harry Arnold, of New Britain; E. L. Blauvelt, of Elizabeth, N. J., and James Clark, of Boston, to win. The one mile open was won in 2.50, by "Dan" Connolly, the young rider, who did so well against Ziminerman in the ten mile invitation on the Manhattan Field, New York, in July last. Connol­ ly simply ran away from his men, sprinting the whole last quarter and dis­ tancing his men by GO yards. The two mile handicap was another surprise, be­ ing won by a novice, George Cutter, a protego of "Pete" Berlo's. The sum­ mary: One Mile. Notice Woo by H. A. Searey In

8.12; accrue Cutler, second. One Mile Open Won by "Dan" Connolly: E,

Jj. Blauvelt. second. Time .1.02. Prize, dia­ monds to flrst and ewond man.

One Mile Handicap-Won by A. T. Fuller, (13.1 yards); I. J. McLaughlin. (135 yards), second Prlxes, diamonds.

Two Mile Handicap Won by George Cutler, (115 yards). In 8.28 2-5; E. Olark, (75 yards), sec- ond; John ninnuhl, (U5 yards), third; James Clark, (scratch), fourth. Prizes, diamonds.

"Way Down South In Dixie."Charleston, S. C., May 12.-Fo!lowing

is result of principal races at Charleston cement track to-day: Quarter Mile Open Will Hyslop, Toronto, first;

Ray Dawson, N. J., second; M. B. Wilson,Savannah, Ga., third. Time. .45.

Half Mile Handicap George E. Adams, Jack­ sonville, first, 50 yards; Will Hyslop, Toronto,second, scratch; ll. V. Connevul, Savannah,third. 30 yards. Time 1.2314.

One Wile Open Kay Dawson, N. J., first,- M.E. Wilson. Savannah, second; S. L. Welch,Charleston, third. Tlmo, 2.45.

J. S. Johnson, of Syracuse, N. Y., attempted tolower the Charleston track record (Vi-mlle),of 2.18, Johnson's time 2.158-3,

A Chance For You to Make Money.The Herald Cycle Club, of 114 Nassau

street, New York city, are determined to be represented In every town and village in the United States. If they cannot ap­ point a regular bicycle agent they will giva tbe agency to a prominent rider. The Herald cycles weigh from 20 to 30 pounds and have made quite a hit In New York tbis season. Riders seud for particulars.

What Would Happen.A maiden in a ball-room wears A kind of gown that treely bares Her shapely form, yet no one carea A pin;

But If along the highway <he Should ride one evening after tea i , In that same gown she'd elniply b« Bun la.

A TIRE DEAL.THE HISTORY OF AN UNFORTUN­

ATE SPECULATION.

Simpgon Had the Patent and His Friend the Cash, But the Combine Failed to Work Suckers Were Not Seekers.

I had just settled myself comfortably into an armchair before a cosy fire to enjoy a quiet weed after a hard day's work In the city, when I heard a loud and familiar rat-tat-tat at the hall-door which caused me to fervently hope that tho visitor would not be mine; but in another monient the slavey knocked at my door and announced,

'Mr. Slmpson." Simpson! a groan al­ most burst from my lips, as I faintly bade her show him in. Good-bye to my quiet evening!

"How do, old man, how do? just dropped in to have a chat with you on particular business. Splendid thing. I asaure you! Miognificent! Nothing like it in the market! yeg, thank you, I'll take a weed;" and he placed a large package on the table and began to di­ vest it of several rolls of brown paper. "What is that? My dear fellow, a tire a pneumatic bicycle tire; the best ever invented. Thousands in it."

I confess I was very much in the dark on the subject of tires at that time, and looking calmly backward, I sincare- ly wuh I had been allowed to be gather­ ed _quietly to my forefathers without having my mind enlightened on this par­ ticular branch of science^ But I antici­ pate.

Simpson soon laid bare a collection of wires, screws, hooks, india-rubber, and so forth, all seeming to have some con­ nection with a circular piece of metal, which, he assured me, was the rim of a bicycle wheel.

"There!" exclaimed Simpson, enthu­ siastically, "did you ever see anything like it?"

I admitted that I didn't ever. Then Simpson suddenly grew grave. He bent over the table, and said slowly, tapping me impressively upon the shoulder at each word:

"My boy, there's a fortune in that tire!"

I must have looked somewhat dubious; for Simpson bestowed a pitying kind of glance upon me, and said:

"Do you ever read the 'financial col­ umn' of the newspapers?"

I confessed that, as my investments were limited to a few shares in a build­ ing society which was tottering on the brink of an early grave, I never dreamt of doing anything of the kind.

"Then of course you cau't be aware that tire shares are at present quoted on the Stock Exchange at a trifle over 2000 per cent." Of course I was so sor­ ry to admit my iguorance of this in­ teresting fact.

Simpson began to talk. Simpson can talk. All you have got to do is to sit still and listen (or pretend to), and he will talk until you fancy he ought to grow black in the face. He talked in­ cessantly for close on half an hour. On bicycles; on bicycle, tires, on bicycle tire companies; on bicycle tire companies' shares; on bicycle tire companies' share­ holders; on" bicycle tire companies' share­ holders' fabulous wealth: and, lastly, on the fact that said fabulous wealth was now almost within his grasp within my grasp. "If we" mark the "we," please "if we can raise the small, the ridicu­ lously small, sum of two hundred pounds sterling."

Now, I don't know whether I am inclined to be gullible; but I do know that I, like many other people, have a weakness towards filthy lucre, and Simp- son's flowing rhetoric raised ambitious hopes within me. Wealth, and the end­ less benefits it confers on its happy pos­ sessors; a month on the Continent, a hunter, a trap, a lovely residence in the suburbs, and its mistress my adored Angelina the idea made me gasp. "You intend' to float a company to work this tire, I suppose?" I asked. "Exactly." "You'll want money to do this?" "Only a couple of hundreds in the first in­ stance." "Have you got that much?" "Well," said Simpson, blandly, "to be candid, I have not." "Not any of it?"

"NOT A SINGM: PENNY.""Then what do you purpose doing?"

"Well, Tubbitts," said Simpson, coolly, "I want you to give mo a cheque for that amot-nt and leave the rest to me, miud only two hundred pouyds." I laughed. "Two hundred grandmothers! Siuipsou, do you take me for a CroesusV"

">vot exactly, Tubbitts, my boy; I wish yon were. But I fancy you are good for £200, at any rate; and please to remember," he went on impressively, "that this little matter will land you, my dear fellow, in the lap of luxury; look at," and ho rattled off a dozen well-known city names, the possessors of which he declared had suddenly found themselves rolling in wealth, all through this pneumatic tiro business. "Why, my boy," he went on, rapturously, "just think of it! These fellows simply don't know what to do with all they've got. Somo of them have bought majestic mansions, surrounded by goodness knows how many acres of densely wood­ ed lands and half-a-dozen ornamental lakes! Others whose ideas of a holiday was formerly a trip to the Isle of Man, are now sunning themselves in Monte Carlp; or scouring the Mediterranean iu 50-ton yachts; more still are cruising about the Norwegian fjords, in floating palaces, at £50 a head! Others, who not very long ago couldn't tell a gun from a broomstick, are now shooting grizzlies or trying to shoot grizzlies in the Rockies."

I certainly had been told of this be­ fore; of the fabulous wealth gained by a lot of people who were lucky enough to hold shares in connection with pneu­ matic tires. "Do you really think you could float a company to work this tire?" I asked, with some eagerness. "Float!" shrieked Simpson, indignantly. "Float? Aye, not only will it float, but the shares will bound up to the tune of 500 per cent, in a week! Man alive, are you not aware that the city is at present tire-mad; stark, staring mad? The sight of a yard of rubber tubing on an iron hoop is sufficient to set people rushing pell-mell to some bank or other to throw their 'money down in sacksful and implore an allotment. Look here," and taking an "Evening Telegraph" out of his pocket he shoved it under my nose; "read that!"

The paragraph he pointed to was some­ thing to the effect that the scene in D street, on the previous day, abso­ lutely baffled description. Crowds of eager applicants for tho Tyre surged into the Bank from early morn to dewy eve, the presence of several stal­ wart members of the M. P. only prevent­ ing a serious obstruction to the ordinary traffic, if not, indeed, a riot. It als<5 added that the capital had been applied for two buudrcd and forty-seven and three-fifths times over. This fairly fetched me. Angeline was mine! Simp- son and I"talked the matter over fully that night, and next morning I paid a visit to my bankers and withdrew my little all.

"Now," said Simpson, "the very first thing we must do is to engage a suite of rooms at the Metropolc." "The Metro- pole!" I exclaimed, aghast. "Why, the cost would be something enormous!""POOR MAN, WELL HAVE LOTS OF MONEY thousands, shortly. Why, you must be jolly green to imagine that a pneu­ matic tire company could be success­ fully floated without a suite of rooms in the Metropole! Absurd." And Simp- son's look implied that the thing was perfectly impossible. Wh/>n this was done we had a busy time of it for the

next few days, calling on Influential people and the press with the new tire, which was, according to Simpson, des­ tined to knock spots out of every other tire previously invented. After a deal of difficulty we obtained a fairly respect­ able array of names for the directorate, and wild norses can never drag from me what I know regarding certain little "ar­ rangements" ,necessary ;to get these. Every morning and evening newspaper in the city, and many elsewhere, soon had our prospectus, brilliant with heavy type, points of exclamation and italics. It consisted of most attractive and smart matter, arranged by Simpson on the most up-to-date system, and so ingenious­ ly worded that it might mean anything or nothing. It concluded by saying that the share list would open at 10 A. M. sharp on the following Monday morning, and would absolutely close the same day at 3 P. M. for the city,'and the fol­ lowing day at noon for the country. These prospectuses were also scattered broadcast through the country, and near­ ly every paper published a stereotyped par. on the merits of the wonderful Slap- bang Pneumatic tire. I left the whole matter In Simpson's hands, and each time I asked him how things were get­ ting on he would rub his hands and say, "Splendid," "Nothing better." "Mag­ nificent," etc.

I began to consider it quite time that I should look out for that fine residence standing in its own grounds with every modern convenience, including coach­ house and stable; and I spent a good deal of time thinking as to whether I should choose a tiara of the purest diamonds or a complete set of the finest pearls as the best wedding present to give my dearest Angelina. At length the eventful day arrived when the share lists were to be opened. By arrangement I met Simpson who was in tho best of spirits at 9 o'clock that we might stroll round to the bank and see the fun.

We walked casually past the entrance at 9.45; but the crowd had not yet as­ sembled, so we strolled round and had some light refreshment to prepare us for the excitement. When we got back to the bank the door was open.

"THEY ARE ALL INSIDE,"said Simpsou, chuckling, and winking confidently at me. ' 'Let us go in for a moment." We strolled in. There, sure enjigh, wore the big bundles of our prospectuses and application forms on a special table with inks and pens in profusion but no applicants. "It is too early yet, of course," said Simpson; "wait a bit." We went back and had another light refresher; then wo started for our "temporary offices," where wo found things very dull, and afterwards hud some mysterious Stock Exchange transactions. It was nearly 12 when we got down to the bank, but the ex­ citement had not commenced even then. We went inside. "Many applications received for Slapbang Tires shares?'' asked Simpson of the cashier. "None as yet," laconically responded that gentle­ man, with something like a yawn, as he dipped his pen into a pot of ink and went on writing without tho slightest show of emotion for the hard work in prospect for him raking in the gold for the S. T. Co. shares. We returned at 1, and even Simpson Irokcd grave when the eashiar informed us that no one had applied. "Could there have been a mis­ take in the prospectus?'" he said, anxi­ ously. On close inspection, however, he found that tho miino of the bank, the date and hours were all correctly given. "What the deuce can it mean?" mutter­ ed Simpsou, as wo departed. I groaned dismally. Oh, my Angelina! Even at 2 o'clock the rush had not commenced. Simpson looked grave. At half-past 2 tho police has not found it necessary to put in an appearance to preserve order. Si my son was now quite pale; while I had to lean on his arm for sup­ port. I felt bad. At 2.45 not one of our prospectuses or application forms on that special table had been disturbed. Simpson was now a lovely green. I feebly moaned for a cab. At 3 o'clock, as the doors of the bank were closing, we wc-ro informed that no one had ap­ plied for any Slapbang stock. I stared at SSmpson. Simpson stared at me. "Wo are sure to receive a lot of applica­ tions from out of town in the morn­ ing," said Simpson, hopefully. But none came. Simpsou hasn't come back from a little holiday he took shortly afterward. It was all my fault. 1 have since been told that nobody but a lunatic would ever have had anything to do with the Slapbang tire. Well, how was I to know that? I depended on Simpson. If ever I but there, what's the use? Phil­ ander in "Irish Cyclist."

EVEN THEY ARE TIRED OF TRASH

Yachtsmen Taking Steps to Get Rid of the Tin Pot Prize.

The eloquent plea of A. Carey Smith in favor of making the prizes for yachts sums of money instead of pieces of plate has struck a responsive chord in the breasts of yachting men all over town. It was the almost universal subject of discussion throughout the week in tho vicinity of the New York Yacht Club and in the down-town restaurants where yachtsmen gather at noon to talk about business and sailing. There are plenty of precedents for Mr. Smith's propo­ sition, since nearly all the prominent re­ gattas in France and England are sail­ ed for substantial monetary considera­ tions.

The theory that all yachtsmen are millionaires is not supported by the facts. Many rich mon go into yachting for the prestige and fame it confers upon them, and some of them are liberal and display a sportsmanlike spirit, but the real backbone of the sport in this country is lodged among men to whom yachting is almost a passion. They are not all of them men of ample income by any means. Indeed, three of the most indefatigable workers and most skillful sailors in the New York Yacht Club are men who are obliged to work hard for their living, and who find it difficult to meet their yachting expenses at the end of the season. They practice the most rigid economy, and yet if the public were asked to pick out the three most promi­ nent yachtsmen in New York they would probably name those men and set them down as millionaires.

Another point is that the cups for tho regattas are so numerous as to be prac­ tically a drug in the market. A few of the big historical cups, or "mugs" as they are technically called, are well enough, but since horses race, and men shoot, row and ride for money prizes there would seem to be no good reason why they should not also sail for them. Those who support the "mug" prize idea in cycling will find no consolation in this latest kick against the farce of forcing a winner to take a useless prize as a reward for his prowess and speed.

THE COURAGE TO DON'T.

How Few There Are Who Will Walk ujl a Hill Even When It is Best to do so?Moral courage, and plenty of it, is re­

quired before even a crack rider dir . permit himself to be seen walk!: g up a hill. It doesn't matter how good a man may be, he always has an aversion for admitting to his fellows that he is for orcc in a way dead settle 1. Mediocrity, too, is afflicted in like fashion, but in the case of the third-raters the effect is, of course, more painful physically more painful, that is. For your third-rater has frequently just as much pluck, and occasionally more, than his fellow, the highflyer, so that it is quite possible the consequences of straining up a long hill when in a hull-settled state way

Special Model 35

COLUMBIAGreat Reduction in Weight

To meet the demand for an especially light wheel for ladies, we offer our graceful '

Model 35 equipped with wood rims, front wheel brake, and laced guards, and claim it to be far ahead of any other. .......

LADIES' LIGHT BICYCLES

in beauty of design, quality of construc­ tion and every essential particular that goes to make up a desirable mount. This special machine is most thoroughly constructed and serviceable.

PRICE $125.

It is safe to Buy.

Pope Mfg Co.,

CATALOGUE free at ourAgencies, or mailed for two two-cent stamps .......

Boston, New York,

Chicago, Hartford.

be downright serious for him. It is after gazing upon tho features, set hard as if in pain, of men engaged in toil­ ing up a long hill that the plodder feels almost inclined to thank his stars that he is not a scorcher, for it is frequently very obvious indeed that of half a dozen men grinding up a hill in company at the end of a long day's ride there is not one who would not walk up if he were by himself and there happened to be nobody about.

GROWING CIVILIZED.

So at Least a Critic Thinks Wheel­ men Are Becoming Some Hints on How to Accomplish Further Ad­ vancement,Figaro thinks cyclists as a class are coming more civilized and more con-

ontionat, which is exceedingly compli­ mentary to the old-timers. In tact, it

a pronouncement which requires to read two or three times before its

inwardness can be grasped. But, Figaro is a joker whoso license,not been refused, and is exercised

full thenaas not been re, unrestrainedly. The volatile fellow ob­ serves further that cyclists are rapidly lining transformed into orderly citizens. "In order to postpone the undesirable occurrence, I offer a few hints to the tyro. The first and most important is, to always remember that the road was made' for you. When possible, ride on the footpath, but keep a good look out, for the police are sore unregenerate. Wear loud clothes, and, as you, of course, have a good pair of legs, call marked attention to them by diamond pattern stockings. Don't use a bell, a cvclorn is much more upsetting. If you should see a lady cyclist, don't fail to say something that will make her cheeks tingle with indignation. Remem­ ber that she is not your sister, though she may be somebody else's. Be care­ ful, however, not to do this if there is a man about. He might not see your ioke, and then it would be awkward for you." Which is funny, but rather unfair.

HE FOUND IT.

There Was a Second Bridge and It Was Unknown Until a Rider Took a Header.The Devil's Bridge, which is situated

about 12 miles inland from Aberst\vith, deserves a place among the curiosities of architecture. Two arches have been thrown across a very deep chasm, one of which is over the other. The first bridge is said to have been built by som« monks in the eleventh century. The builders of those days worked not for an age, but for all time, and their work to-day is strong and substantial, although vegetation has played havoc with its former strength. Six centuries after another bridge was thrown over the chasm at a higher elevation, j ml this is now used by the inhabitants of the district.

Last year a careless wheelman r1s- covered the existence of this second

bridge in a somewhat remarkable way. Taking a header from the upper bridge ho was thrown over it and into the bushes, which have grown around the lower arch. The dense vegetation saved him from a terrible death. Ho clung with the energy cf despair to the bushes on which he had been thrown and shout­ ed for help. His cries were eventually heard by some laborers, who rescued him from his perilous position. Prob­ ably dazed by the shock, he no sooner regained the road than he mounted his machine and rode off without a word of thanks to the astounded la­ borers, who even expected a more solid form of gratitude.

His Racing Suit.Ho asked us to make hlru a racing suit

My sister ;iml I together; It would not take long, 'twas easily done,

The goods were as light as a feather. So we asked for a pattern to go by, you know ,

Ho sent the old one down to iis; Two little pieces of oil-scented rag

For us to sit down and discuss.

We Spread out the upper, then ripped it apart,Aud sewed up u bag just like it.

I can yet see my sister, as outward she held'The trouserlets worse than a misflt.

"Brief In the extreme, as to length, I should say,"She remarked, "we will make them longer"

Suggested a ruffle or fluting of lace,"While I thought they should be stronger.

So simple they seemed. We ripped them apart.The trousers I gave her to baste;

She said, "It's so easy just two little legs,And a rubber to run round the waist."

She banded them over to me with a smile;I took them my smile quickly vanished;

She had two little legs there all right enough.But the need of a seat she had banished.

The front centre seam and back centre seam,Together were lovingly Iwisted;

No one under the sun could into them pet,And all of our time was quite wasted.

We ripped them apart not so simple they seemed

The machine now began to drop stitches: And 'twould of course never do to thus looselj

sewThose elegant brief racing breeches.

Two full inches longer she made them, and thenThey looked made for some one diminished;

Who possessed a limb not a half a foot long We shook our heads when they were finished.

The emblem we sewed on the breast with great care,

The gorgeous hues Wending together; We wondered just bow he would look In thOM

things They scarcely would do ia wet weather,

A bathing suit's brief, we admit willingly.But the briefest with which we're acquainted,

Is a bicycle racing suit. Soon they will \veurJust the emblem in club colors painted.

"1'aolflc Cyclist."

Where to Get Comfort iu Future.The Philadelphia home of the "Solid

Comfort Saddles" is about to change. The Curtis-Child Manufacturing Company's new factory building at Thirty-first and Ludlow streets, being all ready for occu- pancv, they will take possession on Juno 1, after which date all eomuiunicatkms should be addressed there. In the new factory tbe Curtis-Ohild Company will have ample room, with new machinery, to make larger quantities of "Solid Com­ fort Saddles" tliaii ever before. We are

.glad to note the increase in the demand for these popular saddles. They certainly, merit the approval of the trad*.