The Topeka State Journal

Bicycle Succeeds a Horse for the White House Route.

Washington, Dec. 30.-There is only one department of the government at the national capital where a bicycle is supported by Uncle Sam for the use of a messenger, and that is at the White House. For many years the private mail pouch of the executive mansion has been carefully guarded by a colored equestrian named Edgar, and his horse has always stood ready saddled in a stall under the White House conservatory. With the march of progress, however, the bicycle has well nigh superseded the horse and dusky Edgar, like Othello, may some day find his occupation as a mounted messenger to the president gone glimmering in the ashes of the past With a view of facilitating the delivery of mail matter and newspapers at the executive mansion the administration decided upon a bicycle for this work and a white wheelman named Marshall is now the courier of President and Mrs. Cleveland. His duties consist in carrying the private mail pouch which formerly nestled behind the saddle of the colored horseman Edgar. There has been a vast improvement in the service in consequence of this new arrangement and there are more deliveries than ever before in the history of the president's house. Care was taken to provide one of the best make of bicycles for the use of the president's messenger, and he is also famous as one of the fastest wheelmen in this vicinity.