Evening Star Newspaper, October 30, 1897, Page 15

t THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1897-28 PAGES. pe “You Are Welcome to Credit.” Another of the Lansburgh Furniture Co.’s Wonderful Sales. We start next week with an- other of our famous sales, and for three days these prices hold good. If you acquaint your- self with the really magnificent | quality of the goods, you will acknowledge with the rest that our prices defy compe’ tion. And to emphasize the wonder of it all We Give Trading Stamps With every cash purchase. Be sure to get vours. CHAMBER SUITE—a magnificent value—solid pol- ished oak—serpentine top— 30x24 bevel mirror. The mark- TTR TIT oT TIT wi 3 = ed price is $25. Three 45 E day sale 17 price. “YOUR CREDIT IS GOOD.” > PARLOR SUITE—A big- ~ ger bargain still. Mahogany finished frame, upholstered in silk damask, spring seat. Reg- [7 | ular price is $25. Only a limit- || ed number of these. ;| | hree - 85 | day sale REDIT IS GoD.” R CHAIR—A very ~ pretty one—mahogany finish - frame, upholstered in fine silk L, damask, in 6 different colors. Three - day sale price... . “YOUR CREDIT IS GOOD.” TABOURETTE — Three different styles—solid oak— mahogany finish, or the fash- ionable forest green. $1.00 is the price every- id where. Three-ar QOG | sale price. ee = “YOUR IT IS GOOD.” TABLE—A charming little mahogany finish table, with bra claw-feet, 24-inch top, ; undershelf. A regular $2.00 |, value. Three- -28 day sale 1 price. ‘YOUR EREDIT Is GOOD.” LADIES’ DESK — Most fascinating, solid polished oak, well finished inside and out, | French legs. Cheap at $5.00. Three - day $3 sale price... . “YOUR CREDIT Is GOOD." ROCKER—A truly won- . derful bargain, mahogany fin- ish frame, cobbler seat, a hand- ome and capacious arm rock- er that never sells for less than $3.00. Three- 98 day sale 1 price 0UR CREDIT IS GooD.” _ BOOK CASE—Solid pol- ished oak, open front. It is marked $5.00. $3" Three - day sale price “YOUR CREDIT IS GOoD.”" CHINA CLOSETS — A magnificent one, stands 5 feet 6 inches high, 4 feet wide, swell sides, polished quartered oak frame. The regular price is $27.50. $19 Three-day sale price. “YOUR CREDIT Is Goop.” BEDS—White Enamel Beds —ttinch posts—solid brass knobs, all sizes. A regular $6.00 quality. 85 | Three - day $3 | sale price... “YOUR CREDIT IS GooD." = ani SID JARD—Splendid 4- oak top, 40x18 shaped French plate bevel mirror, cast-brass ( ular price, | $27.50. $19* | sale price. : “YOUR CREDIT Is GOOD | TABL ‘olid polished oak, *| center leg. Never sold for less Three - day sale price. . | _, "YOUR CREDIT Is Goop.” 5 CHIFFONIER—Solid pol- _ foot sideboard, with quartered trimmings. Cheap at our Teg- Three-day | [| 6-FOOT EXTENSION than $6.00. $3 ished oak, with 5 large drawers 4 { 4 ‘YOUR CREDIT Is GOop.” LAMPS—We've | fully 50 styles of the celebrated Roches- ter Lamps for you to seiect from—plain or decorated Many globes, or silk shades. remarkably handsome ones. From $3 up. CASH OR CREDIT. Lansburgh Furniture Co, _, 1226 F St.N. W | or with hat box. A $9.00 || | value. Three- 85 lé fb day sale § a B (Wiese cs H eeonnevsitininivn There Is A Big Difference in Photos. There are good photes—and othe: make the good Kind—the ones yon went— the natural. lifelike. artistic photos. If you in- tend having some photos made, you'll inake no Ey Our photos Of fou will be the F photos of you wi the best can be produced and sou will be pleas ** W H. Stalee,1107 F St. 0c20-16d “MARLBOROvGH —Hair PSacheen t —— THE CYCLING CLUBS Current Notes of Interest to Local Wheelmen, © CAMPAIGN FOR DISTRICT OFFICIALS Address Issued by One of the Candidates. SOME FREAK INVENTIONS es eS The roads tomorrow will hardly be in the best condition for riding, owing to the ex- terded length of the rainfall, which was svflicient to render the best roads bad for cycling. The rain last Sunday ‘prevented all the clubs from taking runs. This city was not the only one that suf- fered from the unusual weather. Balti- more had its share, and the intercity races which were scheduled last Saturday after- noon have been postponed indefinitely. The century run of the Myrtle Wheelmen of Baltimore, which was to have been held last Sunday, was also postponed. If every- tning is favcrable the century will be made tomorrow, under the same rules and over the same route as published in The Star last week. The progress for the road race of November 9, while satisfactory, was slew during ihe week, owing to the weather. The struggle for the offices of the District division of the League of American Wheelmen. was continued mer- rily during the week. While still several weeks off, interest is considerable. Capital Bi. Club. The club did not take a run last Sunday on accotnt of the weather. No trip is scheduled fer tomorrow, as it is thought the roads will be in none of the best of condition, though it is likely that some of the members will go out if the weather is up sufficiently to allow the roads to dry out. A ladies’ whist contest will be held Fri- day evening at the club house, which is open to the club members, their wives and sweethearts. Mr. W. C. Allen, the chairman of the amusement committee, is now in San Fran- cisco. He has taken his wheel along with him, and expects to do some riding out on the coast. Frank Libbey, one of the club members, contemplates making a double century*tu- morrow, if the weather is propitious. He will start at 12 o’cleck tonight and reel off one-half of the 200 miles, expecting to be over in Baltimore in time to start out on the century run of the Myrtle Wheelmen. A mandolin, banjo and guitar orchestra is now in pracess of formation in the club, there being several expert players on these instruments in the organization. Rialto Cycle Club. The weather of the week spoiled several of the plans of the members of the Rialto Cycle Club. A gocd program of events was mapped out, but the inclemency of the weather orevenied their execution. A number of the members of the club attended the dance of the Levant Wheel- men, which was held Wednesday evening, spending a very enjoyable time. The straw ride, which was to be given during the week, has been postponed on account of the weather. No date has been named for the event. If the weather permits, a short ride wiil be made tomorrow afternoon, starting from the residence of one of the club mem- bers, the destination being agzeed upon before starting. Libbey’s tandem is still in use among the club members, and ts popular with all. At the next meeting of the club the mat- ter of entertainment for the winter will be brought up and some definite action most likely taken. Jt is at present proposed, to hokL a series of card parties and probably one! or two dances. Miles Cycle Infantry. During the week the roster of the com- mand was increased by of two recruits. The company has been steadily increasing in size during the fall, and at the present rate an extra large membership is looked for by the opening of spring. Next Saturday evening a practice march will be made to Fort Russie and the time spent in signaling and drilling. These marches have become quite popular with the members of the company, who are ac- quiring a great degree of proficiency in the art. Lieutenant Weaver has returned to the city, reaching here a few days ago, after spending several months on business ia New York city. He is expected to report for duty at the meeting this evening, as his leave expires tomorrow. the enlistment Alpha Cycle Club. Very little was done during the week in the ranks of the Alpha Cycle Club, the weather being responsible for everything. No run was made Monday evening on ac- count of the rain. The straw ride which was scheduled for Monday evening to Hyattsville has been postponed indefinitely. An all halloween party will be held Mon- aay evening at the residence of Miss Browne, 2011 H street. All of the club members are expected to be present, and a number of invited guests will be there. Games of all sorts will be played, accord- ing to the usual custom for the night. Altair Cycle Club. The regular monthly meeting of the club will be held Monday evening. The most important business is the appointment of a committee to make arrangements for the coming annual club banquet. Capt. J. E. Hanger, who won the club championship, and all the other races at the recent club meet, visited Charlestown, W. Va., Thursday, and entered in a num- ber of the events at the meet given by the Charlestown Cyclists. He succeeded in winning the quarter-mile dash, the two- mile handicap and came second in the five- mile handicap. The club members are proud of the showing made by him. Levant Cycle Club. The first of the series of dances to be given by the Levant Wheelmen during the winter season was held Wednesday even- ing, at Haines’ Hall, corner of 8th street and Pennsylvania avenue southeast. There was a good-sized gathering of young peo- ple, and a pleasant evening was spent by The hall was prettily decorated with unting, while good music contributed much to the pleasure of dancing. Among those present were: Miss Mattie Smith, Misses Fordham, Belt, Giesberg, Miss rie Hall, Mrs. and Miss Walker, Mrs. Sexton, Mrs. Altman, Mrs. and Miss Hutch- inson, Misses Thompson, Butler, David- son, Boyle, Thorne, Mr. C. J. Montgomery and Misses Rose and Coleman, the Misses Montrop, Miss Lulu Goldsborough, Mrs. C. A. Goodman, Miss Bornhand, Misses Flor- ence and Bessie Beans, Miss Beauchart, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce, Miss Anna E. Hutch- inson, Mr. and Mrs. James Sexton, Miss Bliss, the Misses Mc! ly, Miss Fordham, Miss Freck, Miss Buchard,Miss M. Branson, Miss A. Coffey, Messrs. Webb Lindsey, Tom Carter, Charles Grace, H. B. Fryer, Welker W. Norris, J. B. Altman, A. Tew, WA Pyies, J. Powers, George 8. Ball, Geg. W.}) Beamer, Fred Repetti, Hall, Rein- Anderson, Harper, Royall, Robert . Jarboe, P. Hutchinson, W. Hall, 8. Steinberg, H. H. Grogan, A. Leane, Smith, Paul Carr, George Griffith, Joseph Ander- son, E. Mack, George Duvall, Joseph Jack- son, Fordham, Marschalk, William Brear- ley, Bliss, Theodore Plitt, jr., Theodore Beauchart, Richard Edelin, Milton Berlin, W. F. Stridham, Warren Cochran, Galatzo, Tomlin and John Johnson. Century Cycle Club. Club runs will be called off for awhile un- til after the century race with the Arling- ton Wheelmen, which comes off within thirty days. Captain Byrnes will announce to the public next week the names of the team for the coming race. The deposit will be made early next week. Several members will leave here tonight for Baltimore to join in the Myrtle century run. No effort will be made to capture the prize, as the boys have all they can attend faverable. Courtry riding is entirely out of the question until the weather clears with the century boys, and at all practice games one may find from ten to twenty members hard at work. Of course the reg- ular team has been selected and the uni- form ordered, which will consist of black and white striped shirts, white suits and shoes. This will make a very noticeable showing on the floor. Queer Wheelmen. The basket ball team of the Queer Wheel- men is getting into shape. The members have had several practice games and the showing made by the candidates for the team is gratifying to Manager Neumeyer. Mr. Paul von Boeckman, one of the best players of the team, has not fully recovered from the effects of a broken shoulder, caused by 4 fall in a recent race meet at the International Athletic Park. As a result he has not been in any of the practice games, but will be with the team in three or four weeks. The members have not as yet decided upon the uniform to be used, but are talking about getting something on the Queer order. The resignation of Mr. R. A. Roseberry was received and accepted with regrets at the last meeting. Mr. C. F. Campbell was elected to fill the vacancy on the house committee caused by Mr. Roseberry’s res- ignation. The recently organized Queer Social Club has created considerable comment among the members of the Queers, for although not in any way connected with the club, it is a coincidence that they should decide on a part of the name and adopt identti- cally the same colors (old gold and green) which were selected by the Queer Wheel- men when organized, so as not to conflict with any other organization of the Dis- trict. That had always been their recog- nized and undisputed club colors for the past Your years. On account of the rain during the week there is no iun called for tomorrow. Arlington Wheelmen. Tke Arlington Wheelmen have been anxfously awaiting some response from the Century Cycle Club relative to the covering of the deposit made with The Star, which was in reply to the challenge issued by the Century boys for a century race. The Arlingtons have the good will of the local branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, judging by a communi- cation received during the week by the sec- retary. which was signed by the superin- tendent of the S. O. branch. The letter hereeagis gre winged A boys on the stipu- lation that the century run shall not be run off Sunday. —_——__. COMING LEAGUE ELECTION During the week notices and official bal- lots of the coming election of the local di- vision of the League of American Wheel- men were mailed to every member in the city. The date for the annual election is set for Friday evening, November 12, at 8 o'clock. The official ballot bears the names of all of the candidates for office, with instructions as.to the casting of the same. In the meanwhile the struggle for proxy votes goes on with unabated vigor. The candidates for the different offices are hustling, though it would seem as though the present board of officers, candidates for re-election, have an advantage over the others. Mr. John Woerner, jr., as the candidate for chief consul, has prepared a platform upon which he will run and which he expects to carry out to the letter. A copy of the platform has been furnished to The Star, and is as follows: “To the members of the District of Co- lumbia division of the League of Ameri- can Wheelmen: In the event: of my elec- tion it is my earnest purpose tg do every- thing in my power to further the interests of the members of the Disitrict of Colum- bia division of the League of American Wheelmen and the bicycle riders generally. “Legislation favorable to the bicycle- riding public is one of the objects to be attained, and the matter will be brought to the attention of the officials of the District with the view to secure the equal- izaticn of the rights of the drivers of ve- hicles and bicycle riders. An earnest ef- fort will also be made to secure better roads, which every one realizes is necessary to the comfort and pleasure of both driv- and riders. infortunately we are here deprived of expressing our opinion by means of votes, but we should not let this fact discourage us, as we have in our ranks as riders many members high in official and public fe, who can by their influence do much for us. “One of the principal points to receive attention is that our rights on the streets and thoroughfares are given proper con- sideration; that we be accorded the same treatment as a driver of any vehicle, and uot forced to submit to regulations which are daily transgressed by drivers without protest, except from indignant bicycle riders who have been unfortunate enough to be hauled up before a police magistrate for breaking them. ers should not be governed by the same rule; and if we must carry lighted lamps at night, why not compel carriages and wag- ons to do the same? “Close attention should also be given to our roads in the District, some of which, we will admit, are in extremely poor con- dition. They should also be properly desig- nated by means of sign boards placed at convenient places. With the hearty co- operation cf the members of the league of the District and help of our fellow-mem- bers in the outlying suburbs of Maryland and Virginia much good ought to be ac- complished. “In conclusion, I desire to add that when the league of this District pro- motes a venture of any character, such as a century run, for instance, it will be for the ‘greatest good for the greatest number,’ and not to advance the interests ef individuals. What we want above all are good roads, and ff perchance I am elected to the cffice of chief consul of the District of Columbia division of the League of American Wheelmen I shall do all within the persuasive power of an earnest man and promoter of the bicycle rider's interest to secure them, as well as give proper attention to racing and other mat- ters of interest to members of the league.” In a talk with Mr. Woerner he expressed |- considerable surprise at the manner in which the local campaign is being con- ducted. “When I was nominated for of- fice,” said Mr. Woerner, “it was in the na- ture of a surprise for me. I had no inten- tion of seeking the office, but I was urged by ry friends to run and endeavor to break up the ring that controls the af- fairs. I made application for a list of the members of the division shortly after my name was presented as a candidate. “I received permission to have the same, but the very same day the permission was revoked, and I was informed that I could not get the list of membership. I simply wanted to send out circular letters an- nouncing my candidacy, but this was de- nied me. From good authority, coming di- rect from persons high in the national or- ganization, I am informed that I was en- Utled to receive the list for the purpose I state]. I would not have thought so much of this were it not for the fact that I un- derstand on good authority that the pres- ent board of officers have used the entire list; that a house-to-house canvass has been practically made to secure proxy votes for the side. I certainly do that this is fair. Med eet rl “It also been charged that cundidate of the local eycle board of Stac: Where this rumor originated it is hard to state, but most likely from the candidates on the other side. This fact has been cir- culated assiduously, and has been. the means of obtaining many proxy votes. There is no truth in the statement, and I do not consider it fair means to’ secure votes under such false pretenses. I might add here that the cycle board of trade has in its ranks only a very few league mem- ters. these Articles Given Away OOO> ---During the--- E GOMMEMORATE our 20th Anniversary the coming week. We heartily thank the public for their support and patronage during the past twenty years. From a small be- ginning we have been enabled by votir liberal support to gradually extend our business until we now utilize the large building, corner 7th and D streets, employing from thirty-five to forty people, and do- ing a business second to none in the city. Your good will and patron- The Following Valuable Articles Absolutely Free of Charge. The artitles are graded in accordance with the amount of your purchase, as follows: recog Ss ee i a se tete Seg ee Sordenireseesertoesecsentonteatententp ste Gift No. 2—Actual Size. GIFT Seed esteedeegontrageatoatnese fonteeseesentoeteesontents purchase of $5 or over, GIFT No. 3 and over. E TEN PE IR. Gift No. 3—6 inch. Xo. 1—A Sterling Silver Penknife with every purchase of $2.50 and over. GIFT No, 2—A Sterling Silver Salve Box, Button Hook, Nail File or Scissors with every, Gift No. 2-4} in. AcSterling Silver Shoe Horn or Bonnet Brush with every purchase of $10 Inasmiich: as Diamonds run into so much higher figures we propose to give to all CENT IN CASH in lieu of the “souvenir” gift, making this an o makes it a:profitable investment and a value unapproached by any sort of competition. Ao arris & Co., Cor. 7th & D, COOMMM AMARA RAM TTT YE biti 20th ANNIVERSARY SALE R. HARRIS & CO., COR. 7th & D Sts. age, and our honest methods, combined with the never ceasing en- deavor on our part to give you the best goods at the lowest possible prices are responsible for this success. 2oth anniversary we shall present to all customers who purchase of us this week anything to the gmount of $1 and over, a Silver Rabbit's Foot, and Gift No. 7—} size. GIFT No. GIET GIFT of $50 or GL No. 7 4—A Sterling Silver Hair Brash w 5—A Genuine Solitaire Diamond Ring with every purchase of G—Choice of a fine 8-day Cathedral Clock or Silver Watch ith every purchase of $15 or over. And to commemorate our Giit No. 6. $25 ond over. with every purchase ‘This Silver Tea Set of 5 pieces with every purchase of $100 and over. purchasers of Diamonds a special DISCOUNT OF pportunity to buy a diamond for Christmas at a price that has been waged quietly, and the ticket dub- bed the ‘“machine'tnglaims over 500 votes. During the week there were eight new members admitted: to ithe local division of the league, jpaking -tHe total: membership feot up te-8éS; TH¢, yew! niembers are as follows: oh af Joseph W. Anderson, M.D., 1911 11th street northwest. Frank Baldwiti, 807 A street northeast. John F. Dowling: genéral land office. M. Fisher, 1014 Pennsylvania avenue northwest. J. C. Keiper, 918 § street northwest. H. E. Moran, 715 22d street northwest. L. 8. Pennell, Sth street southeast, Wm. H. Pope, 1505 Vermont avenue. THE CHAINLESS The much-talked-of chainless bicycle has made its appearance in this city. To many. its advent was in the nature of a surprise, but to others it was not. Since its arrival the motel bas been examined by several thousand persons, mostly bicyclists, who are interested in the new style of the transition of power. Comments of all kinds have been made on it, some favorable and some unfavorable. It is seldom that a departure from a usual form is received with open arms. The public is generally’ suspicious and holds off. ‘The idea of a chainless bicycle has been agitated a good deal during the past year. This is probably due to the fact that the manufacturers who contemplated piacing such an article on the market let out some of their intentions In order to whet the appetite of the people. This has been en- larged upon from time to time, until all riders began talking of the new invention. Thus the matter was kept up and the way paved for an auspicious introduction of the new style bicycle. The public has heard all about the merits of the new style. It now wants to sce a practical demon- stration, which can be obtained only from general experience. The chainless models of this year are not the pioneers in the field. The original chainless safety made its appearance sev- eral years ago. Its method of construc- tion was somewhat cn the order of the model of this fall, but it did not become popular. While several of the wheels were sold, it was found that the wheel when in motion gave a whirring sound, which can be caused orly by’ the working of cog wheels. Then again,.so it is charged, there was trouble’ with the connecting rod, the revolutions of which furnished the criving pewer for the pedals to the rear driving wheel. The ssle not meeting with expec- tations, the local agency was discontinue To show that there is distrust of the new style of transmitting power amonz those who ought to know something of bicycle construction, the following answer to 2 correspondent is taken. from a well-known eyciing journal: 5. 5 Question—“‘What‘is-ypur opinion concern- ing the chaintess 'yafety? Will it te pop- ular in ‘98?"" . “2 Answer—“Wait ;-a year from now, and we will be :pleased to answer this question.” Ges qe This reply is saggéstive. The cycling journal in questi¢f ows all about the claims that are vanced for the new wheel, from the manwfacturer’s side, but knows little of its practical workings, It would seem from pagar a that the ed- itor. has some dou! aout the workings cf the chainless, and, a diplomatic indi- vidual, evades the question. A New York letter to The Star has the following to say: & than 10,000 per- sons visited a sf ‘store in New York city last Thursday , t look at the new chainless wheel, ypt the Carriage Man- ufacturers’ Association proclaims cycling to be in its decline.: Opinions of the new machine very greatly. The chief merit ac- corded it by all is its immunity from the effects of rain, mud.and dust, due to the behind incased. driving The only criticisms, apart from those of me- yhanical “appear to be on ae o! ¢ theorists, score of its wide tread and its weight ican market. They were heavy, clumsy, and, worst ox all, were not entirely dust proof and water tight. It seems to have remained for Yankee ingenuity to con- ceive the idea of introducing rubber into the gear-case make-up and bring it to per- fection. As far as Is now known, ten mak- ers will produce the beveled-gear whee!s for 1898, while more than a score will of- fer an inclosed chain model. Those who will put out a wheel having no sovering for its gear can be expected to be in the minority.” According to information received by the cycling department of The Star, there will be eleven manufacturers who will turn out @ chainless wheel rext season. Tf this be the case there is every prospect of a large number of this style of wheels being placed cn the market. If they find a ready sale it will be an excellent thing for the manu- facturers. Their profits will be increased considerably, with very little, if any, more expense attached in the cost of production. The first year of the new style will un- doubtedly make them more of a novelty than anything else, and novelty prices are asked for them. The competition of the trade will eventually result in a cutting of the price, the same as on the chain wheels; but that'_may be a year or more distant. Many will ride the new make simply be- caus? it is a rovelt: Of course the new wheel is not piaced on the market without a general summarizing of its many good qualities. The ten points in faver of the bevel gear chainless are given out as follows: It will go faster and further with less effort. It is much easier to keep clean. Every motion is positive—no back lash. It has no links or teeth to “catch things.” Its driving mechanism is always thor- oughly lubricated. Its motive parts are not affected by the weather—by rain, mud or dust. Its bevel gears actuallyAmprove with use, while a chain deteriorates from the first. It saves repair money, work and worry, and increases the safety and delight of eyeling. It removes the one serious source of danger that every bicycler realizes, and substitutes confidence for dread. The weak part of a chain and sprocket bieycle is the chain. The bevel gears will cutlast any other important part of the machine. On the other hand, an expert at Cornell University is the authority for the state- ment that no better means of transmitting power on a bicycle has been devised than the chain, It may be the means of gather- ing dirt, it may get cranky now and then, but for all of that its advantages cannot be estimated, as it affords the means of furnishing the maximum speed with the minimum of power. The friction is claimed to be less than on a chainless, and it is much better to have a perfect fit between the teeth of the sprocket and the links of the chain. In a bevel gear it is an extreme- ly difficult matter to mill the teeth of the cog wheels so as to make a perfect fit, which has heretofore proven a serious ob- stacle in this respect. Again it is stated that there is much greater wear, and con- sequently greater friction in a bevel gear than in an ordinary gear arrangement of cogs. STRENGTH OF THE L. A. W. ‘The League of American Wheelmen has @ membership of more than 100,000 and is now by far the largest association of its kind in the world. The L. A. W. was or- ganized in Newport, R. I., May 31, 1880. It was the idea of Kirk Munroe, who was at that time editor of Harper’s Young People and president of the New York Bi. Club. He had arranged that other clubs. should jcin his in a public display of their |) wheelmanship and the unattached cyclists were also invited. It was suggested by the president of the Beston Bicycle Club, Charles E. Pratt, This was in the days of the old high wheel. The coming of the safety made a great change in cycling in this country. First the old high wheel riders’ laughed at tt, and there are some who ride the old high wheel in preference to it today. But its advantages were soon proved, and when the pneumatic tire was added the bicycle became a thing that was not only useful for pleasure, but in business and many other ways. From this time on the mem- bership increased rapidly, and the L. A. W. began to be a thing to be respected. Wheelmen forced legislators and city of- ficials to respect their rights. In ‘96 it had a membership of 70,000. Sec- retary Abbott Bassett has just announced that the figures had reached 100,777. QUEER CYCLE INVENTIONS It has ever been the case, and doubtless always will be, that wherever a thing has proven to be popular there are always hundreds who are williny to rush in and attempt to improve the invention. One visit to the patent office will disclose this fact. Scarcely a village and hamlet in the coun- try is without its inventor, and if a census of all were made the result would doubt- less be a large enough list of names to make a good-sized city. The bicycle has been a fertile field for the inventor. It has been worked over and over, and still produces weekly crops in the shape of applications for patents. A number of freak patents in the bi- cycle line have recently been allowed. One of the most unique was that given to an inventor of Yonkers, N. Y. His model is an improvement on ‘the upright wheel. It is a front driving affair, similar to the or- dinary. On the backbone of the wheel the patent provides for an arrangement which can be used as a child's seat or’a recepta- cle for carrying articles. The great inno- vation is in the arrangement of the handle bars. Instead of being in front of the rider, as is generally the case, they curve around from the rear. A rod is attached to the head of the wheel, running beneath the saddle, to the end of which the handle bars are attached, curving upward at an angle of nearly 45 degrees. The brake is directly in front of the horn of the sad- dle, and is operated on the lever system, by shcving downward and in the direction the wheel is going. The saddle is attached to the backbone of the wheel by means of @ goose-neck saddle post of more than or- dinary curve, so as to allow the free working of the rod which connects the handle bars with the head. Another strange invention is that of a Boston man, which is evidently designed to lessen vibration, but which hardly a) pears to be practicable. His invention pro- vides fer a curved telescopic bar, which runs from the head to a point in the frame almost directly beneath the saddle post. The bar is provided with an inter- nal spiral spring, of more or less strength, which fits into projections of the frame, made especially for the purpose. To still further lessen vibration, a similar bar and spring is placed at the lower part of the bicycle, running from the main sprocket arrangement to an extension of the frame, designed especially for the purpose. To keep the two wheels together a jointed bar runs horizontally between the differ- ent portions of the frame. This improve- ment. is designed to make the bicycle a sort of rocking chair for the rider. Still another freak upon which a patent was allowed is the idea of a Philadelphia man. It is hard to describe this inven- tion, owing to its many complications. The front wheel is less than one-half the di- ameter of the rear wheel, and is hung in back-facing forks. It turns on a verti- | the title of an invention of an inventor of — Milwaukee, Wis., upon which te been secured. The Donets OF idea consists of a small wheel, about 12 inches in diameter, which ts attached to the forks of the driving wheel by a spring arrangement. The idea is simple and is designed to aid an inexperienced rider to steady the ma- chine when learning the my; - cycle riding. = nae See ae A resident of Kinsman, the government to secure Ee stand and e device provides for a special ~ several bars the invention, when in op- eration, may look all right, but the carry- ing of the attachment when not in use would undoubtedly prove a bugbear to the rider. One rod drops down to the ground from the extension in the forks, and is Suppos>d to keep the wheel in a Standing Position. Another rod runs upward, paral- lel with the front forks, and connects with a third rod, one end of which is fastened to the head of the wheel, while at the other end a locking arrangement is at- tached, which encircles the Ure and rim. Ohio, has paid @ patent on an lock for the bicycl These are only a few in ths line or ty of the late freaks jeycle construction which inventions have been allowed. They have been selected because of their unique- ness. Many other inventions could be de. scribed not so strange in their make-up, but equally as impracticable for general use. If the records of the patent. office were searched enough could be written about hte strangeness of the ideas to {ill several good-sized volumes. —_—___ Knew How to Work Her. From the New York World. . The book agent had square jaws, but so did the woman at the door. And there was a sinister look about her ilps. “But, madam—" he tried to say. “I don’t want none of your old books!” she snapped. “But this is on ‘Social Manners,’ and “Git out!” said the woman, tighter hold on the broom. “Well,” said the book ag the lady next door said.” “What did she say?” asked the woman at the dvor, her face showing signs of interest for the first time. “Oh, she sald that a woman like you would have no earthly use for a book on manners—” ‘She did, did she?” yelled the woman at the door. “The hussy! Just give me two copies, and I'll send one over to her with y compliments. How much?” “Five dollars per volume. Ah, thanks.” Sometimes men know more about women than you give them credit for. —+e+—_____ Millions of *Em. From Spare Moments. Visitor (in search of apartments)—“Have you plenty of fresh eggs?” Landlady—“Thousands thousands of 'em.” nd fresh butter?” “Tons of it, mum; tons of it.” “And pure milk?” “Oceans of it, mum.” nd fleas?” ‘Millions of “em, mum; h’'m—er—what did taking a “it’s just as of ‘em, purr;