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A CYCLING FIASCOThousands Gk To Th© Oolos-seum, But See No Raoe, As The Champion Left Town.JOHN PRINCE IN HOT WATERHe Was Not To Blame, As He Begged Michael's PartyTo Stay.It Is Stated That Manager Shafer Decided That The Weather Coudltlens Were Unfavorable—Chairman Mott Was On Hand And He May Figure Largely In The Matter—Will The Racing Associations Defy L A. W.?There was a “pretty howdy do’* at the Colosseum last night. The public to the number of thousands, the weather, John S. l'riuce, manager, James Michael and Fred. Titus, cyclists, and the absence of s race, were factors In the trouble.“Jack Prince was the greatest sufferer, as he lost a lot of money and came in for a hearty round of abuse from those who Journeyed to the track only to be disappointed. It was not Prince's fault, nor was the weather to blame. The fault was exclusively with David Shafer, the manager of Michael. Prince had contracts for a race between Michael and Titus and these contracts called for a contest between these men at the Colosseum last Tuesday night, but In case of rain on Tuesday, It was to be postponed until last night No provision was made for any further postponement.It was raining at noon yesterday and ominous clouds gathered about 2 P. M. The proprietor of the hotel, w’here the cyclers were atopplng, heard the racers’ managers giving orders to pack up forshipment, so he sent for Mr. Prince. The Colosseum manager pleaded with Manager Shafer not to go away, as there was u possibility of a dear night, but Shafer said there was no chance and be contended that even if It should clear up later there wt^ild not be a big crowd present, but Shafer never made a greater mistake. Despite Prince’s arguments, the cyclers embarked on a train at 4.30 P. M. for Boston, where Michael Is to race Saturday. Besides the champion rider there were thirty six pacemakers In Michael’s camp, wheels enough to stock a store, a machinist, a stenographer, bookkeeper and manager, the “outfit’’ casting $1,800 a week to support.Among those who Journeyed to the Colosseum wag Albert Mott, chairman of the racing board of the League of American Wheelmen. The L. A. W. has stringent rules governing the breaking of cyders’ contracts to ride when billed. The track last night was perfect, and the night was an exceptionally good one for a race, there being but a gentle breeze.When asked what action he would take In the matter, be replied: “I never prejudge a case, there may have been some other canee than the fact that it rained thla afternoon to have caused the post ponement, that being a matter which would require Investigation.”No other cause developed last night and now conies the question. What Is to be done about It? Chairman Mott has wide discretionary powers and he can, if he desires, fine and suspend the racemen for the failure to fulfill their contracts. That he acts without fear or favor Is known.While the L. A. W. is the supreme body governing professional, as well as amateur cycle racing men, the American and National Associations have become such powerful bodies lately that they do not stand In such great awe of the parent body as before. They virtually own such tracks as that at Manhattan B*-acb, Willow Grvve, Philadelphia; Charles River, Boston, nml the Chicago course. Besides owning these, they control all of the crack riders and If n body of these should b“ suspended managers of other tracks look lng for ste'lar attractions wonld either be forced to Ignore the L. A. W, ruling or close up shop. The complication Is a bad one, but Chairman Mott Is the greatest diplomat In the L. A. W. and the chances are that he will straighten matters out to the beat advantage.This would not be the outcome perhaps If the decision were made by some of the hundreds who tried to wear out The Sun’s telephone last night In their efforts toknow whether or not there was to be a race and If not, why not? Though they uttered “Beautiful language, soft and sweet, the ’phone dutifully conveyed It to s^rs not Intended to hear it.Before he left Baltimore Manager Shafer said ht would return with Michael the third week In August and race him at the Colosseum. Titus was anxious to remain and race if possible. Besides Michael and Titus tlj^followiug were also billed to ride hero last night, and these names are in terestlng because some of their owners may be In dauger of L. A. W. penalties:B Ledie. Chicago’ A. Nesrhouae, Buffalo: J. Ruel, Newark; J L Ivet, Baltimore: Roes Miller Baltimore 'A. W. Krsgcr, Baltimore T P. Hulli-\an, Han ^ranciaro. if Kikes. New York. W. U Le Compte Charle* Parker arid W. Wilkin *oo« Baltimore; F. C. Hart. Connecticut; Albert Wer-ntg, Buffalo: Bert Uepme, Naahrilie; EdwardWedekind, W. Thornburg end A J. kPrrphj,Baltimore, and Kendall Spier, of Atlanta, Qa.
Newspaper Details
Baltimore Sun
Baltimore, Maryland, US
Fri, Jul 29, 1898
Page 8
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
FL, USA 16 Oct 2020
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