Wednesday, August 14, 2013

It's a Bicycle War!


 
 
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, April 16, 1896.

IT IS A BICYCLE WAR!

Cortland Wagon Co. Has Something to Say About Wheels.

   When we offered our Cortland friends a good reliable bicycle at $40, we thought we would make those dealers who have been making 35 and 40 percent profit out of their friends and neighbors squirm, but we don't care for that.

   If you want a bicycle and a good one, we will sell it to you at a price that will be satisfactory to you and acceptable to us and we will let the other fellow borrow the trouble over our transaction. When they offer you a so-called up-to-date 1896 wheel for $50, remember that wheel has been made by some one at a profit and that the dealer has to have a profit beyond the manufacturer. How about quality after two big profits have been deducted from $50?

   The bicycle we offer for $40 is on exhibition in several windows on Main-st. We do this as we want people to see the wheel. We know we are offering the greatest bargain ever known in bicycles in Cortland county and want people to judge for themselves.

   Note the features. Detachable rear sprockets; oil tempered bearings turned and polished ; drop forged connections; cold drawn seamless tubing; swaged spokes; chain with hardened blocks; option on handle bars, saddles and tires; guaranteed one year. Examine it closely, feel it, buy it, save money and be happy. Let the other fellow worry.

   Remember, we are not dealers, we are manufacturers and jobbers, we have contracted for 5,000 wheels, we offer the prediction that we can sell you less than the "other fellow" pays and then make a profit.

   Still more. The company that made these wheels is in existence to-day and is no other than the old, only and original Cortland Wagon Co. whose guarantee has always been back of everything it ever manufactured and is back of these wheels. Come and see. Don't be buncoed [swindled--editor].

CORTLAND WAGON CO.

 

 

   AN EARLY MORNING RIDE on one of our STORMER bicycles is the thing for pleasure. Nothing in the world affords so much enjoyment and solid benefit to the health as the bicycle. Riding a wheel will add years to your life, and every year will yield you a threefold satisfaction. It’s no wonder that bicyclists are enthusiasts, and certainly riders of our wheels are perfectly satisfied and better pleased with their wheels than are less fortunate owners of machines of inferior make and finish. Prices? Come and see; we guarantee them. That means something.” Beaudry's Department Store.

 
 
 
INSURANCE ADJUSTED.

Cortland Forging Co. Begin Clearing up the Ruins.

   The representatives of numerous insurance companies were in Cortland yesterday adjusting the loss at the recent fire at the works of the Cortland Forging Co. They viewed the ruins, looked over the remains and decided that the loss on stock could well be considered as total, and that the company would be entitled to receive the full amount of their insurance on stock. The matter of the buildings is not yet quite completed, as they desire a detailed statement of the size and character of the buildings so that they may carefully estimate the loss. This is entirely satisfactory to the Forging company who will furnish the specifications at once. The interview between the company and the adjusters was entirely harmonious and very satisfactory to both parties.

   To-day workmen started to clear up the debris and get under cover all of the stock left in the ruins. So far no rain has fallen since the fire and no harm can have come to stock that survived the flames. An examination will be made of all the machinery to see in what condition it is found, and the result of this examination will very largely determine the question of whether the works will be rebuilt.

   It is believed that the boilers were not injured. Opinions differ widely as to the condition of the engine, but an effort will soon be made to get up steam and test it a little.

   Very large inducements are constantly coming to the company to locate in different parts of the West where their trade is, and some of them are very liberal indeed. Still the members of the company would far prefer to continue in Cortland as all have their homes here and own property here. If enough can be found of value in the ruins to justify it the works will probably be rebuilt, otherwise the question is doubtful.


BICYCLE BAGGAGE BILL.

Governor Morton Affixes His Signature to the Measure.

   ALBANY, April 21, 1896.—Governor Morton has signed the bill of Mr. Armstrong, compelling railroad companies to carry bicycles as baggage free of charge. He is doubtful about its constitutionality but believes the courts can decide that.

   The provisions of the bill are:

   Bicycles are hereby declared to be and be deemed baggage for the purpose of this article and shall be transported as baggage for passengers by railroad corporations and subject to the same liabilities and no passenger shall be required to crate, cover or otherwise protect any such bicycle, provided, however, that a railroad corporation shall not be required to transport, under the provisions of this act, more than one bicycle for a single person.

   The act takes effect immediately.

   It was said that Governor Morton had been influenced by the railroad companies, that they would immediately test the constitutionality of the measure. One railroad has been advised by its counsel to issue an order compelling bicycles to be at stations one-half hour before train time in order to secure transportation.






Reference:


No comments:

Post a Comment