The Hastings Standard Published Daily. MONDAY, NOV. 2, 1896. THE BICYCLE OUTLOOK.

Hastings Standard, Issue 161, 2 November 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

MONDAY, NOV. 2, 1896. THE BICYCLE OUTLOOK.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The scientist and the humorist will find in the bicycle illimitable scope for treatment. To the former the varia- | tions in thought, liahit and relationship of the now many thousands upon thousands of nun and women who mount the cycle afford never ending food for reflection, for examination, and for delicate treatment. The humorist—well, he linds sport in all things, and the cycle and the cyclist lend themselves readily to his wit. How rapidly the bicycle has climbed into popular favor, and what havoc it has played with vested interests. It seems not to be the plaything of any one nation; it is cosmopolitan. It has found its way into all civilized countries,and the semi-civilized will in time be wheeling. The rapidity with which the cycling craze has "caughton " is not the least remarkable phe- ' nonKriioii of modern times. Perhaps j this is due to that passion £o* change, I for novelty, which seems to possess

mankind e\ c.'vwhci'e ; bat it may bo also that as sport and pastime it has no superior. Furthermore its tendency to level all ranks, its power of drawing men and women together may account for its popularity. To women the cycle a fiord s the perfection of exercise. As compared with riding it is infinitely superior ; the posture of the cyclist is such as to bring into play and exercise most of the muscles, and on wheels freedom, exhilaration, sightseeing and enjoyment come with every breath. The bicycle has come to stay, and it will do so because it fills the proverbial long-felt want.

The new craze if it has dispossessed and damaged certain trades and industries has brought with it much solid good which more than compensates for the harm it has done. The development of the bicycle business has been marvellous, and many millions sterling arc now invested in the industry. It has opened up a new avenue for the employment of labor, it has enriched our sports ; it is certain to cause a marked improvement in the state of our main roads. It has brought to life a whole heap of literature, and in the matter of dress it has caused some sensational changes. In the Century Magazine for September one of the leading members of the New York division of the League of American "Wheelmen discusses the present and future of this popular vehicle, and some idea of the magnitude of the bicycle business in the United States may be gathered from the fact that is estimated that during the present year 1,000,000 will be sold, while the number of bicycle riders in the States is set down at 2,500,000. A capital of £15,000,000 has been invested in 250 factories, 21 manufactories of tires, and 000 establishments for the making of bicycle sundries. The Yankees have a world-wide notoriety for the excellence of their manufactures, and their bicycles are calculated to enhance that reputation. A first-class American bicycle like the Columbia, for instance, cannot be excelled anywhere, and in the matter of price the Americans know how to do business. Eetwecn England and America there is a very keen competition in wheels, and according to experts there is nothing to choose in style and finish between the competitors. The Yankees, however, with their "notions" may steal a march on their English cousins. The bicycle has bit the popular taste and will remain in favor for many years. Under such circumstances we may be sure that the price, which is all that stops the more extensive use of the machine will gradually come, down to the pocket level of the comparatively poor. At the present rate of progress it will not be very long before walking will be considered a criminal Avaste of time. The high price that has now to be paid for a machine places it beyond the reach of many, and a percentage of the people have in consequence lost all idea of the obligations enjoined by the eighth commandment. The bicycle thief is the most contemptible rascal we have amongst us, and needs to be put down with a strong hand. The bicycle outlook is a brilliant one, brilliant for man and machine.