Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

BICYCLE TRADE. Tremendous Proportions of a Grow¬ ing Industry, An Immense Capital and an Army of Employes. People who call bicycling a passing fad have probably never stopped to consider what an enormous amount of capital is employed in the business of making wheels iu this country, and probably have no idea of the number of people dependent upon the busi¬ ness. Tho figures are astonishing. There are in this country today about 130 good sized bicycle manufactories. If all thesmaller concerns were counted in, concerns that turn out from fifty to two hundred bicycles a year, the number would be swelled to about three hundred. The number of bicy¬ cles these three hundred factories will produce this year will not be less than 500,000. At nn average cost of $75 each to the buyer, this means that $37,500,000 will be spent in this coun¬ try this year for bicycles, providing, of course, if the entire product is sold. But there is little doubt of that. Go to a bicycle store and try to buy a high-grade wheel. They will take your order and tell you they will de¬ liver the wheel iu a couple of weeks. More good wheels have been sold this season than have been made, and it is doubtful if8ome of tho manufacturers catch up before the snow flics. But the $37,500,000 do not cover the entire expenditures iu the bicycle way of the people of the country. There are costumes—bloomers and such lamps, cyclometers, patent mud guards and patent tlm-that-aiid-tbe uther kind of apparatus that will swell the sum to $50,000,000. In a Chicago factory that turns out 30,000 bicycles a year 800 persons, mostly full-grown men, are employed. That would be an average of 37.5 bi¬ cycles to each employe. If there are 500,000 machines, to be made, and each employe makes thirty-seven and one-half machiuos, there would have to bo, therefore 13,333 1-3 employes. But as there cannot very well be a third of an employe, it may be well to drop tho fraction, call the number even 13,333 and let one of them work a little overtime. That estimate, however, includes only the people employed in the act¬ ual or exclusively bicycle factories. It takes no account of tho workmen employed in machine shops in mak¬ ing bicycle parts, which are sent to the bicycle factories and handled by the employes there only as tho bicycles are put together. Tho Chicago factory mentioned above does not manufuct lire more than one-half the parts of its own machine. The fact, of course, makes it necessary to double tho 13, 383 to fiud the number of people in the bioyclo army, which gives 26,6GG, and still not including tho country agents and their salesmen and helpers who surely swell the total to 30,000. Next year enough more money will be invested, factories started, people em¬ ployed and wheols made to increase by half all tho estimates above given. The number of bicyclos to be turned out next season is estimated at 800,000. What will they be like? What will they cost? Will they be as heavy as the ones now iu use, and will they be as strong or stronger? First as to weight and strength, There is a probability that there will be a light increase in both, and it is needed. Bicycles now are too light, and cor tainly they are not strong enough. At least that is the evidence of many bicycle riders, and one does not have to be very observing to know that men enrrying brokou wheels through the streets are more numerous now than they were before the days of light wood tires. Broken frames ou race tracks are commoner now, also, than in the days when wheels were heavier, nnd bicycle accidents of all sorts occur with much greater fre¬ quency. All of which leads a good part of the bicyole public to demand heavier wheels, for everybody knows that during this year, at least, the manufacturers have sacrificed consid¬ erable strength to lightness. Heavier wheels would be stronger wheels. Three or four pounds material judi¬ ciously distributed over a 20-pound wheel would add a power of strength to it, and the increased weight would scarcely be noticed by the rider.— New York Sun. A Queer Clock. Among the effects of the late J. F. Davies, which are to be sold by J. S. Pitt next month, is a curious form of night clock, which is not described in any of tbe histories of dockmaking, and is believed to be altogether unique. Water clocks and sand clocks are known to have preceded more me¬ chanical timepieces, and Asser attrib¬ utes to king Alfred the Great the adoption of candle clocks, with wax candles twelve inches long, which burned all day at the rate of an inch in twenty minutes, and were put in horn lanterns to prevent draught. This clock is more modern render¬ ing of the same idea. It consists of a light stand cast iu lead in the form of a candlestick on the top of a glass cylinder used as a reservoir for the oil, tbe wick being placed iu a little projection at the bottom, very much like the Isobath inkstands which are now in use, and, of course approxi¬ mating to the very earliest form of oil lamp, Passing vertically over th3 oil reservoir, immediately behind the wick, so as to be lighted by it, is a band of metal, on which are marked tho hours from four to twelve, and then on to five, presumably with the idea that it does not get dark before four, and that by five everybody ought to be up and about. The stock of oil was no doubt calculated to last the requisite number of hours. The relic, presumed by the British Museum authorities to belong to the last cen¬ tury, is quite perfect and is likely to excite a good (leal of interest among antiquaries.—Bristol, England, Mer¬ cury. “General I.” Tlie shortest name in the world has been developed by the war between Japan and China. It is that of Gen¬ eral I, a Tartar commander, who has, perhaps, distinguished himself above other Chineso generals, having con¬ ducted a campaign—though a losing one—of some effectiveness. The French are supposed to have a monopoly of smunines, names which consist of one letter. A considerable number of surnames have been cited in the French press from time to time. Mademoiselle O, for instance, keeps a grocer’s shop at Louviers, and Mon¬ sieur A, is a ruruul guard *in the de¬ partment of Cote-il’Or. A family named Y is the pride and joy of a small Belgian town. Iu tho United States, given names —they could hardly be called Chiis iian names—consisting of a single let ler, have not infrequently been be¬ stowed. A Western business man boro the given name of P—no more, no less—through a long life, and a cer¬ tain New England boy is named J. No name so short as that of General I has yet been discovered, however, as I is certainly tho thinnest letter in tho alphabet. —Youth’s Companion. Bicycle Riding and Obesity. It is not necessary to go away from home to fiud the “new woman” ; that is, the womau who has boon almost created anew by the bicycle and a close observation of the laws of health. There are several of them here in Lin¬ coln. One hears very frequently now of a charming woman who has lost forty pounds of nature’s geuerosity, and has had the looks of her girlhood restored to such an extent that ac quaintances pass her every day on the street without recognizing her. The transformation was made by dieting, by taking baths and by riding the wheel. When the “new woman” movement assumes this form, the masculine population will take off its hat in cordial and undisguised admira¬ tion.—Lincoln (Neb.) State Journal, A Comfortable Route. The Siberian railway is now in com¬ plete running condition, and open to Omsk, 2,200 miles from St, Peters¬ burg. In the construction of the line the engineers and men engaged in drawing a bog sixty miles wide bad to live in huts built on piles, which could be approached only in boats. The mosquitoes were so plentiful thaj masks had to be worn and 4,000 were in use. It is said that Queen Victoria has painted a portrait of Emperor Wil¬ liam, the likeness being excellent. GATE CITY GOSSIP. \VH *T IS GOING ON AT GEOB GIA’3 CAPITAL. Exposition Notes and Other Matters of General Interest. Attorney General Terrell has not yet rendered his opinion in the Gate City Guard’s case. When seen by a reporter he said he was reserving his opinion in order not to interfere with the present status of affairs. The Gate City Guard has plans for entertaining visitors at present, and he thought best to reserve his opinion, which, however, he will give in time to settle the complications that would naturally arise again in the preparations for “Georgia Day.” * __ * The Southern Railway has bought the Atlanta Compress property for $325,000. The site will be used for a new union passenger station. A few months ago the Southern bought some property on Peters street around the East Tennessee passenger station. It was the original purpose to build a fine station there, but it was found that the extension bridge would have to be built. So that site was abandoned and the company has purchased ground on the east side of the tracks. * _ * From the sturdy king city of the great northwest a great army invaded Atlanta last Monday and Tuesday. The glorious republic of Illinois has conquered the Empire State of the south. Her chief executive, the flow¬ er and chivalry of the state and her loyal soldier boys came to do the south and weld anew the ties of love and make stronger the bonds of fellow¬ ship. Thrice welcome was Chicago and her soldiery. With wide open gates Atlanta received them with warm heart and cordial greeting. The city was theirs, and they were given a right royal welcome to our land of brother¬ ly love. *__* Hon. W. D. Mayfield, state superin¬ tendent of education of South Caro¬ lina was iu the city a few days ago making arrangements for South Caro¬ lina day at the exposition on Thanks¬ giving Day—the 28th. Mr. Mayfield looks for a big attendance of people from the Palmetto state on that day. Governor Evans, accompanied by his staff, will be here, and so will the girls of the Winthrop Normal and Indus¬ trial institute at Rock Hill, the cadets from the Citadel academy at Charles¬ ton and Clemson college,Fort Hill and several companies of state troops. Al¬ together, the display will be the most imposing yet made by any state out¬ side of Georgia. * ___ * New York day, November 25th, promises to bo the greatest day of the fair, judged from a spectacular point of view. People who visited the Chi¬ cago world’^ fair remember the grand show made there by the New Yorkers, The Atlanta (lay promises to be on quite as grand a scale if not grander. The most prominent guests of tbe oc¬ casion will be Governor Flower, who was here at the opening of the expo¬ sition, and Hon. Daniel E. Sickles, congressman from New York, who came here a few years ago when there was no exposition. Along with the governor and other dignitaries will come that great American volunteer military organization, the famous Seventh New York Regiment. It is also more than likely that the Twenty second Regiment, which holds a posi¬ tion hardly lower than the Seventh, will come aloDg with the governor, the commissioners and others. »___* S. M. Inman Day. Thursday, the 28 th day of November, was fixed some time ago for a second trial of Atlanta day, this being Thanks¬ giving, on which business will be gen¬ erally suspended. It will be remem¬ bered that the last effort at Atlanta day was not as successful as was ex¬ pected on account of the exceedingly bad weather on that day. At the meeting of the board of directors a few days ago a resolution of thanks was tendered Mr. Inman for his re¬ cent work in behalf of the exposition and a resolution was unanimously adopted instructing that the admis¬ sion tickets for Atlanta day shall bear the features of Mr. Inman. This will be done and this makes Atlanta day S. M. Inman day as well. There is ti ns double inspiration for every At¬ lantic to honor the day. ♦__ A Generous Act. Vice-President St. John, of the Sea¬ board Air-Line system has issued a circular to tho employes of that sys¬ tem in which he savp, speaking of the Atlanta exposition: “Recognizing it as a vast educational institutional, and desiring that the employes of the Sea¬ board Air-Line shall reap that benefit, which should prove profitable alike to themselves and the company which they serve, we beg to advise that all who have been in the service of the Seaboard Air-Line for a period of three mouths or more, will be furnish¬ ed with free transportation to Atlanta and return, npon application therefor to their superior officers, and when accompanied by a statement from such officer, that such party or parties can be spared from duty without detri ment to the company’s interests. Such request for free transportation may include the wife and dependent mem¬ bers of the immediate family of the employe.” * __ * To Adjourn for Georgia Day. An important act of the house of representatives a few days ago was the : adoption of the resolution introduced by Mr. JeDkins, of Putnam, providing that the legislature adjourn ou Geor¬ gia day, November 19th, and attend the exposition in a body. The resolu¬ tion, provides that: “Whereas, the exposition sets forth the wonderful advancement and devel¬ opment made in the south since the war, and the same embodies the spirit of the movement which is sooner or later to make our section of the United States one of the most prosperous and progressive; and Whereas, the people of Georgia have a profound interest in displaying to the world all of the great resources of our great state, and it is the duty of ourselves as representing the people to take some official action and notice of the same; and “Whereas, there has been set apart the 19th day of November, to be known as Georgia day, to be especially devoted to the state at large; there¬ fore, be it “Resolved, by the house, the senate concurring, That the Cotton States and International exposition, and the spirit which it embodies, has our warmest support, concurrence and help, end in behalf of the people of the state we most heartily indorse and subscribe to any movement which looks to the upbuilding of our country. “Resolved, That both the senate and the house shall adjourn on Ihis day and attend the exercises in a body and that a joint committee of eight be ap¬ pointed—three from the senate and five from the house—whose duty it shall be to provide a programme for this day, and said committee is di¬ rected to invite the mayors of the various towns and cities of the state and the officers of all public institu¬ tions, colleges, railroads and military organizations to co-operate with them in securing a good attendance of the people of the state at the exposition on that day.” TRADE TOPICS. Previously Reported Advances in Prices Have Been Checked. Bradetreet’s report on business con¬ ditions for the past week says: “The interruption of general trade throughout the country incident to the election has been emphasized by unusually mild weather which checks demand for clothing, heavy weight textiles and other seasonable goods. Except for iron, steel and cotton, the larger portion of advances in prices of commodities reported since March lost has largely disappeared. Antici¬ pations of a continuance of advance in prices and demand this year, the out growth of the activity of two and three months ago, have met with disappoint ment. But there is little reason for the reaction in settlement by many who discuss business conditions. The sentiment of traders generally is that the outlook promises an active spring trade and with the holiday season will prove satisfactory. “Bank clearings throughout the United States for the week aggregated $1,221,000,000, a gain of 3.5 per cent over the preeeeding week. The fall¬ ing off during the week in comparison with tbe like total in 1892, when the volume of business was very heavy, is less than 5 per cent. It is to such ex¬ hibits as this, together with greatly increased railway earnings, the heavi¬ est iron and steel production on record, widespread advances of wages and prices for cotton and cotton goods promising prosperity during the com¬ ing season that those should look who have felt only disappointment in the falling away of demand since Septem¬ ber. “The feature of the business week among larger eastern cities is an im¬ proved demand for textiles with in¬ creased strength in iron at'Pittsburg after the recent reaction. At cities in the central western states a moderate volume of business is reported without material change, complaints being most numerous from Cincinnati. A fair business is reported from Chicago in shoes and rubbers, owing to the weather conditions. St. Louis reports a larger volume of trade, while at Kansas City the opposite is true, owing to the consequence of prolonged dry weather last month. Similar advices are received from Omaha. At Milwaukee, Minneapolis and St. Paul general trade is quiet, in part owing to the mild weather. Grain continues to move freely to Duluth and lake traffic con¬ tinues active. At the south unreason¬ ably warm weather is complained of and in some instances there are reports of decreased demand for staples, but on the whole the prospect favors an active spring trade. Mercantile col¬ lections are improved and in a number of instance? longstanding accounts are being paid. ” Wb always learn fastest in a day of sorrow. WOMAN'S ENEMY. nntiTONiTis sisr.no u Sp A!lB3 VICTIMS. ITS ■=SSSS- uiora Woman, From the Herald, Baltimore srandehildren. Mrs. J. P. Grove, a mat-rial 'i a1v ru” 1 lives 417 Pinkney Baltimore. She would easily state woman of of good half health her age. and owes her rrZ Hrl? ? and probably her the use of Dr. Williams’ Pint pnig. A ’ _ reporter called at the house a few a av and was informe,1 that Mrs. j for Grove had 2om> out a walk and would scribe was ushered into the parlor to her arrival. The room “ gave every attention!! wld of refinement and the care and a good housewife. Choice books lay arou Jamil, J givingproof of tho intelligence of the and the walls were decorated with m articles of virtu and bric-a-brac Wyri s.,,™ « Amertoa, Japan, } rom Whi» and other countries Mrs. Grove was announced the renort« and astonished healthy to find her She such is a younir edueafe l^t f » 13 woman. well is a fluent talker and Interestin'' to sr,Z}% . the She, results however, she declined at first" to had experienced skid, from * MM W the Pink Pills ns. she she did not !lk« to have her name appear in print in any wav tation, ‘However,” she added, after some little Wu the pills did me so much good «... I other might sufferer be doing know wrong what by they not did letting soml ,? Then she said, f or L “Dr. Williams’ Pink Pm, theS certainly all the proprietors represent ^ to be. I never had such relief f, om other medicine. A short time ago I had attack of peritonitis which left an prostrated nnd mo in such , spalred nervous condition that sleen" I de of recovery. I could neither eat or read with any degree of peace or sab isfaetion. and life was absolutely a burden Having heard that others had been cured ot the same troubles by Dr. Williams’ Pink Pill, I secured several boxes and began to take them. As if by magic I at once began to improve. Thev cured me, and now I have no symptoms of nervousuoss or of the disease which so prostrated me. Now that’s enough ” said Mrs: Grove, in reply to another ques¬ tion. She walked to the door as lightly as a young girl and, with a pleasant goo t morn¬ ing to the reporter, disappeared within tho portals of her happy home with a little grandchild clinging to her skirts. Dr. Williams’ Pink Tills contain, in a con¬ densed form, all the elements necessary to give new life and richness to the blood and restore shattered nerves. Pink Pills are sold by all dealers, or will be sent post paid on receipt of price<(50 cents a box. or six boxes for $2.50—they are never sold in bulk or by lObj, by addressing Dr. Williams’ Medicine Company, Schenectady, N. Y. The Bessonette Cotton Bale. A man of the name of Bessonette, of Temple, Texas, has invented a process of compressing cotton, which, it is es¬ timated, will save to the south $32, 000,000 annually. Imagine, if you please, a cotton bale so dense and so well covered that a fire may be built upon it without causing calculable damage; also imagine a bale so packed as to occupy much less room than an ordinary compressed bale, yet not need any ties to keep it in shape. Imagine further a bale which contains no moist¬ ure, no air and nothing but cotton, and so compact as to be like a block of hard wood into which nails can be driven the same as if it were wood. The cotton, according to the Besso¬ nette process, is ginned into bats, wound on iron spindles, pressed down upon theVpindle by a revolving cylinder with auy required pressure, and then wrapped with cotton duck, something after the style of the wrapping of a cigar. Cotton dnek cups are placed over the ends of the cylinder of cotton, after the spindle is withdrawn, and strands of wire passed around the ends of the cylinder hold the caps in place. No iron bands are used, as the way the cotton batting is wound on the spindle retains the full force of the compressage. The duck is to protect the outside of the cylinder of cotton from dirt.—Tuscaloosa (Cal.) Times. That’s Just as Bad. It wasn’t really her fault that the biscuits burned a little ou the bottom, and he ought not to have raised so big a row about it. “I suppose such a thing never hap¬ pened in all your mother’s cooking,” said she sarcastically. “Occasion¬ “NeveT,” he asseverated. ally she used to get them so light that they would float up to the top of th« oven and get scorched that way, but they Dever burned on tho bottom. — Cincinnati Enquirer. Need of Help Then. “Oh, do come and help !” gasped “there » boy who ran up to a policeman; in is an awful fight going on onI street!” “Who’s fighting?” another man.” “My father and they been at it ? ^ “How long have “Oh, half an hour.” “But why didn’t you come auc. i tel me about it before?” ths “Why, because dad was getting _ minnW best of it along up to ten ago.”—Tit-Bits. A Practical Youth. Old Bullion—What! You wish to marry my daughter? She is a ffi ert schoolgirl yet. I early . Suitor—Yes, sir. came WeeLy avoid the rush.—New York Dora—Mr. Spooner says he alwap feels like fish out of water when n< a is with me. hooked hinii Cora—Then you’ve Bazar. have you?—Harper’s “Splendid hat you’ve got there. Must have cost a lot. How muc • “Don’t know. Man wasn’t in shG when I took it.”—El Liberal.