Evening Star Newspaper, November 4, 1928, Page 74

In the Motor World BY G. ADAMS HOWARD. SUGGESTION wort! of consideration comes from Joe Harrington, local hack inspector, who would make it a habit for every driver of a closed car to pull one of his windows down a bit as soon as he opens the door in the mornings. During the cold days, soon to come, Mr. Harrington states, hun- dreds of drivers will jump into their cars and drive down to their offices with every window tightly closed. Soon after reaching their work they feel drowsy or dopey. Food at lunchtime has no appeal for them. They wonder what is the matter and are at loss to ex- plain. The trouble, the hack in- spector avers, is that they have breathed in just enough gas fumes to make them feel that way. This| feeling, he says, could be provent- ed by opening one of the side win- dows just enough to let fresh air into the car that has been stand- ing idle all night. | A Good Suggestion. The suggestion is a good one. And while on the subject of gas fumes, every motorist again should he cautioned not to start his car in the mornings until the doors of his garage are flung wide open. Carbon monoxide gas is deadly and cannot be easily smelled. Sufficient, quantity of fresh air in the garage will prevent fatal tragedies. Last year a woman called up this newspaper to be ad- vised as to what automobile she could buy that would not gener- ate the poison gas. She was not told to buy a steam or electric car, but was told that if her garage was opened before starting any‘ car in the mornings and if a win- dow was let down a little from the top while driving, she need not have anything to fear. Fresh air is good for every one, especially the driver of an auto- mobile. Old machines and ma- chines not taken care of generate more carbon monoxide than oth- ers. Play safe! Surround your- self with plenty of fresh air. Traffic lights were turned on for the first time Friday at Fourth street and Rhode Island avenue northeast. Here the street cars will turn left on the red light when going west on Rhode Island avenue and right on the green light when going north on Fourth street. This rule does not apply, to automobiles. Complaint has been raised over the traffic signals at Monroe street and Park road on Thirteenth street. Because of the narrowness of the intersections, great diffi- culty is found in making left and right hand turns without badly jamming the flow of traffic. It is not the fault of the lights, but the intersection itself. Traffic Direc- tor Willlam H. Harlond is seeking permission from the Highway De- partment to have a few feet of the sidewalk chopped away. This has been done in other instances and, it is believed, will be done at the above places also. Parking has been banned for some time on one side of the street, the side alternating with the morning and evening rush hours between Monroe street and Spring road. A plan of extending the ban as far as Kenyon street is being considered. Massachusetts avenue, recently paved, is being torn up in spots again. Luckily, however, no long detours are planned. A kind taxi driver was noted a short time ago in Richmond. A stray dog became engulfed in a traffic jam on the way to a foot ball game. It looked like the ani- mal’s last hour had come. But the taxi driver scooped the dog up on his running board, and in a few minutes the dog was taken to safety. Warn Not Arrest. Mr. Harland states that he sees no need for a policeman to arrest the driver of a machine because the tail light has gone out. The traffic director is of the belief that a warning is all that'is necessary. It is impossible for a motorist to - know at all times that his light is on or out. A slight depression or rut in the street may break the tiny filament of the bulb. Willful driving without the required light should be punis] Mr. Harland states on the other hand. Re- cently several machines were stopped because of lack of lights, and it was found that not only were there no bulbs in the sockets, but that there were no wires, Some time ago policemen were handed yellow tickets requiring motorists receiving them to re- port at the Traffic Bureau and prove that faulty lights and sim- ilar delinquencies had been at- tended to. This ticket was issued as a warning. It is understood that, following Mr. Harland’s dec- laration, will be put in operation again. Checking Records. The office of the director of traffic is at present busily engaged in looking up records of motorists who have convictions against them for two or more serious of- fenses. This is being done before the issuance of the new three-year driving permits, which will be commenced July 1, 1929. This list of violators, who num- ber around 600, is being sent the following communicatioh: “In our check of traffic records| we find that your record indicates | several violations. “You will therefore please call at this office, 1414 Pennsylvania avenue northwest, within three days from the receipt of this let- ter, exclusive of Sundays and holi- days, between the hours of 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., where you will be given an opportunity to present such facts as you may desire in connection with the investigation which is now b ing made as to whether or not your permit should be suspended or revoked.” The plan is one of a general check-up and warning. Should the motorist fail to appear, a red seal will be placed on his record on file and a new permit will not be issued until he appears. Many changes of address are found also by this plan. Fatalities Decrease. Pleasing news comes from the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce, located in New York City. The lessening of traffic fa- talities can come only with care- ful and considerate driving. The New York report states: A distinct turn for the better in the hizhway accident situation '3 reported for most of the larger gities in the country in the monthly bulletin of the street traffic committee of the National Automobile Chamber of Com- merce issued this week. Twenty- three cities of more than 100,000 population had fewer motor fa- talities in September this year as compared with Segtember a year |ago. New York, Chicago, Phila- {delphia and Detroit all record an improvement. Cleveland and Bos- ton totals exceed their figures for September, 1927, but Baltimore, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Los | Angeles, Cincinnati and New | Orleans have better records. This is also true of Kansas City, Mo.; Portland, Ore.; Jersey City, Rochester, N. Y.; Toledo, Ohio; Providence, St. Paul, Akron, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Bridgeport, Springfield, Mass.; Nashville and Reading, Pa. Among the cities which have been recording a consistent im- provement in street traffic safety during the past several years is Providence, R. I. While the total motor fatalities for that city were somewhat higher than 1927 dur- ing the first half of the year, it is expected that the total for the 12 months will be under 1927. Improvement Seen in 1927. In 1927 the figures were some- cord a very conspicuous improve- ment over 1923. The motor fatal- ity decreases in the city may be seen in the following facts: Average Monthly Motor Accident Rate per 1,000 Cars. ..229 17.25 17.72 897 .. 812 5.) 5.14 Fatal Accident 000 Cars. Average Monthly Rate per The figures in the tabulation given above are for accident fatal- ity rates and represent a decrease in relationship to population and registration, rather than actual decrease. The number of fatal accidents on the streets of Provi- dence, for example, in 1923 were 34, and also totaled 34 in 1927. This total does not include fa- talities in Providence hospitals brought in from outside. Al- though the number of fatal cases remained the same in 1927, as compared with the rest of the country it is highly favorable. Had the Providence record been sus- tained all over the country, the motor fatality record in the United States for 1927 would have been 16,450 instead of 22,480. | Statiscal Showing. The rate improvement is further indicated by the following table: Motor Fatalities per 100,000 Cars in Use 1923 United States. . 1126 1115 Providence. ... . 1300 846 “Providence has improved its record in the face of handicaps,” says the Automobile Chamber re- port. “This city lies in the path- way of through traffic to Bostoa and Cape Cod and has had to cope with an increasing volume of ve- hicles. The excellent safety rec- ord which has been achieved is an example of what can be accom- plished by a continuous safety campaign. “Education of school children, careful selection of drivers by commercial vehicle owners, and| an awakening public sentiment for law enforcement are among the essentials of accident reduc- tion.” Among the sources applying statistics for this bulletin are State Bureaus of Vital Statistics, Connecticut and Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Departments, De- troit Automobile Club, Detroit! Police Department, Automobile Club of Southern California, Safe- ty Councils of Louisville, Ky.; Milwaukee, Atlanta. Baltimore, Memphis, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Syracuse, Wilmington, Del.; Springfield, Mass.; New Haven, Toledo and others, and health de- partments. Commerce Rubber Report. An interesting report of the United States Department of Commerce Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce on rubber consumption outside of the United States follows, in part: The annual rate of rubber consumption outside the United States is now about twice that in 1922. Statistics showing actual consumption are available only for Canada and Netherlands, but a close estimate of United Kingdom consumption may be made on the basis of net imports adjusted for changes in stocks on hand, and for other countries net imports may be taken as rep- resenting approximate rubber | consumption over a period of years. The table below shows | figures representing total foreign consumption for each year sinre 1921, with 1928 estimated. This table shows that foreign consumption has increased each year (except 1928), but the in- crease has been especially large each second year (1923, 1925 and 1927). For the intermdiate years, the increase has been small, and for 1928, it appears from statistics thus far available, that the total will even be lower than for 1927 by nearly 5,000 tons. As the sta- tistics used are net imports, espe- cially heavy arrivals during the last quarter of 1928, might in- crease the total above that of 1927, Explanation of 1928 Decline. One explanation offered for ap- parent 1928 decline in consump- tion is that the statistics of net imports do not necessarily cor- respond to actual consumption each year, that during 1927 actual consumption was much lower than net imports, while in 1928 consumption was higher than nef, imports. stocks of rubber were built up dur- ing 1927, just as in the United States, but that stock reduction has taken place during 1928. An- other explanation offered is that reclaimed rubber was used abroad in much larger quantities in 1923 ST [ what better than in 1926 and re-| {1921.. 1927 |} This would mean that : : THE SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, D. €., NOVEMBER 4, 1928—PART % DOWN THE ROAD—The High Cost of Po THE CAMPAIGN CIGAR THAT ~LOSTH - TWE . "VOIFES WHILE GETTING ONE. _— " (Conrnt 198 1 Frank 1i_Beck, T-ade Mark, Reg U S Fat OF than in 1927, with a consequent reduction in the use of crude rub- ber. Reclaimed rubber exports from the United States were slightly léss in the first half of 1928 than in the first half of 1927, but the decline was in shipments to Canada and Australia; ship- almost doubled this year. Ex- ports of scrap and old rubber from the United States to foreign coun- tries were increased 50 per cent during the first half of 1928, com- pared to 1927, which seems to sup- port the idea that foreign reclaim- ers are more active than last year; the greatest increases occurred in shipments to Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan. Foreign Rubber Consumption. Increase Long tons Long tons 98,604 It appears that 1920 should normalgy be a year for heavily increased consumption of rubber outside the United States, or, at least, for heavily increased net im- ports. It is likely that stocks have been reduced in other countries during 1928, just as in the United States and England. American- owned rubber factories in England and Australia will normally use more rubber in 1929 than in 1928. Even allowing for possible further increased use of reclaimed rubber, owing to keen manufacturing competition, foreign rubber con- sumption is certain to show an in- crease and net imports next year should exceed consumption in or- der to replenish stocks. Finally, the following table, which shows foreign automobile registrations as of January ] each year since 1921, indicates continued increase in the demand for tires abroad. Tire exports from the United States are expected ta show little increase in 1929, because certain foreign markets will be supplied from British factories, so that practically all the 1929 increased demand for tires abroad will be met by foreign production. Foreign Auto Registrations. Beginning Increase of Number. Number. 1921 1,711,000 371,000 958,000 Foreign registrations are now over three times as great as at the beginning of 1922, and increasing at the rate of nearly 1,000,000 per year. Some of the concomitant effects of restrictions to which relatively little attention has been directed are worthy of special mention. When the scheme began to cause really high prices for rubber, sup- plementary toll was levied on rub- ber consumers in many ways. The minimum rate of duty to which exports from Malaya and Ceylon were subject was increased; the cargo rates on rubber from ports in the Middle East to consuming centers were increased several times, and the percentage com- missions of brokers and insurance companies, as well as interest rates on capital, tended to increase 2 3Y;-ton Masters 1 3%-ton Service 3 2V/;-ton Masters ments to United Kingdom have | Efficiency in Auto Repair Service IS New Trend Motorists who are not aware of the new trend toward higher efficiency in automobile repair and service, a trend that is resulting, not only in more ef- fective repair, but in lower prices, would do well to put themselves in touch with the radically chanred state of affairs, in the opinion of Rudolph Jose. director of the local Automotive Trade Association. Many car owners, he says, are sacrificing the greater safety, economy and pleasure of an automobile kept in the best of repair because they do not realize that splen- didly progressive strides have been made in this sphere of. motordom. “In the maelstrom of progress of the last two years in the field of motordom this particular feature has missed the attention it deserved from some quar- ters,” says Mr. Jose. “It is, none the less, of fundamental concern to every motor car owner.” ‘The factors that have resulted in the present favorable situation are nu- merous, he declares. Factories and dealers, for one thing, are working more closely than ever before and, in some cases, the research departments of fac- tories have special divisions devoted en- tirely to the solution of service prob- lems. These divisions are concerned, not only with finding an inexpensive way to make a specific repalr, but with determining the most effective way through the use of the proper machines and tools in the hands of expert per- sonnel. Schools Organized. In connection with the mechanical force of the dealer’s service station, the factory, in many cases, has set up training schools where foremen, and even whole mechanical forces, are given the most thorough instruction in diagnosing and remedying deficiencies that may be found that specific make of car. Familiarity with every possible trouble is insured in this fash- ion, and, in addition, the repairer knows the method or methods whereby the repair may be made most effective- ly and in the shortest ible time. “The method of selecting the ‘faculty’ of these training schools is indicative of the thoroughness with which the motor car maker has gone into the problem of service,” says Mr. Jose. “In every case, the teacher is an engineer of long training and experience. More than this, he must have the ability to impart his knowledge to others. “This departure is one of the great- est importance to the motor car owner. In having his car regularly serviced and repaired, the labor cost is the largest item in thousands of instances. ‘This is becoming particularly true as a result of the design progress which has reduced part wear and breakage to a minimum. As a result of the training that is being given, the labor one gets is much more skilled than ever before. The mechanic goes about the job in a way that saves time, and time is money in the automobile re- pair shop.” ‘The toolmaker is another important contributor to the greater effectiveness of modern car repairing, Mr. Jose says, pointing out that he has developed machines, tools and instruments of a type undreamed of a few years ago. His creations have found their way into thousands of automobile service establishments and speed and precision have supplanted with remarkable effect upon the motor car in need of repair, the motor agency head declares. The dealer, in_addition to selecting | his personnel with the greatest of care considerably for each ton of rub- ber. Already the lower price for rubber has brought in its wake a lower rate of export duty and re- duced freight rates for ocean ship- ment, while reduced brokerage, insurance and interest fees follow lower prices as a matter of course. The Washington Automotive Trade Association will meet to- morrow night at tHe City Cluo. Nominations for officers, to be elected at the December meeting, will be made. An address by W. F. Burruss on “Hiring and Training Salesmen” will be given. Dump Trucks for Sale 12” solid tires rear, 5” solid tires front. 42x9 pneumatics rear, 36x6 pneumatics front. $1,200.00 Each $500 Cash, Balance in Ten Months Trucks are in good mechanical condition and are all working General Auto Truck Company INCORPORATED . 213t Street and Virginia Avenue West 2166 to Satisfy Motorists and training it with an eye toward efficiency and acquiring the most modern of equipment, has taken the further important step of making his service establishment a clean, airy, fireproof plant, says Mr. Jose. “The trend has completely obliterated the justice of the old excuse for dodg- ing car repairs—that it was costly, in- effective and a great time consumer,’ he declares. “The car owner who be- lieves in the safety, economy and pleas- ure of a good car must start with the e facilities that are at his o New fflighwnys for Alaska. Highway work is progressing in Alas- ka during the Summer months, and the Juneau office of the United States Bu- reau of Public Roads is engaged in su- pervising the construction of four proj- ects, entailing an expenditure of ap- proximately $250,000. One of these proj- ects is an extension of the Glacier high- way which, when completed, will con- nect the Territory with British Colum- bia and thence to the northern border of the United States. Quantico, Va. Waldorf, Md. light, | to Moncure Motor Co. Moreland Motor Co. AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT. 0ld Method Displaced by Late In- vention, Inventor Claims. LONDON (Special).—Armstrong Sid- deley, it has just been announced, has developed an automatic gear shift, com- pletely doing away with the old method of gear control. The new shift is said result of five years' experi- mental work: it will be used at present on only two models, the 20 and 30 horsepower chassis (both of which were exhibited at the motor show which opened October. 11). The gears are the “always in mesh” type (in- stead of sliding gear) and are operated by a mechanical finger controlled from a lever or pointer on a dial placed in the center of the steering wheel; there is no gear lever. The gear positions are marked on the dial on the steering wheel. A feature of the self-changing gear box is claimed to be its silence. The new invention is said to be simple and is expected to appeal to woman drivers and to beginners; there is less chance of accident than in the old gear system, where the driver becomes con- fused in gear changing. Additional par- ticulars will be published when avail- | ings in all American cities having pop- able. = . In Constantinople the blind wear red ribbons, and yellow ribbons denote the wearer is deaf. ENGINEERS' COUNCIL OUTLINES STANDARD OF TRAFFIC CONTROL Survey of Nation Shows Basic Errors in Use of Signals, Signs and Markings. Standards of traffic control for the Nation have heen framed by the Amer- jcan Engineering Council. The council, announcing the findings of a survey conducted by its committee on street trafic signs, signals and markings, warns that sent practices in some cities are defeating their own aims. These cities, declares the report of the council's committee, are making two fundamental errors. Pirst, placing traffic control devices without adequate study of th» conditions which their use is intended to improve. | d at some or of the evil effects pro intersections resulting from the attempt to correct undesirable conditions at one particular intersection. Second, employing traffic control de- vices at places and times not justified by the conditions. Way to Avoid Errors. “This neglect,” the committee asserts, “will lead to ultimate defeat of useful and effective methods of traffic control. Such fundamental errors can be avoid- ed by obtaining expert engineering ad- vice before any system of street traffic ft‘sgl;ls& signals and markings is estab- ed. “The density of traffic in many cities emphasiges the need of the standardiza- tions of traffic signs, signals and mark- ings. In these cities the safety of every one depends upon the instant and full recognition of the meaning of the message 10 be conveyed by traffic control devices, but the diversity of use anc meaning that now prevails causes great hazard and delay. Moreover, the uss of ‘more uniform traffic control devices will insure large economies. “The study shows that there is a wide variation in the practice of placing the official responsibility for the selection, placement and maintenance of traffic signs, signals and markings. The prac- tice is so diverse that no general state- | ment relating to it can be made. Serious Defect Seen. “In most ‘cities the responsibility is placed upon some branch of the police department. No standard official organ- ization handles questions relating to traffic signs, signals and markings and this defect is perhaps one of the most :erlous features of the present condi- ion. “As there is great variation in the State laws regarding si and signals, it is obviously impossible to make rec- ommendations that can be universally adopted until many such laws are amended. Consequently some munici- palities may have to permit such devia- tions from these recommendations as to make them conform to the requirements of State laws. “A vast amount of the equipment now in use does not conform to the recom- mendations here made, but most of such equipment can be made to conform substantially with the recommenda- tions without excessive cost. Purchasing New Equipment. “Whenever new equipment is pur- chased or replacements are made be- cause of the need of repairs or because of obsolescence, strict adherence to the preferred standards should govern the selection.” The engineers sought to determine the existing t practice in the use of street traffic s&m, signals and mark- ulation of 50,000 or more and in some selected smaller cities in which excep- tional conditions have necessitated the adoption of exceptional practices. A local committee was organized in Because it emphatically startled and de- lighted American motorists, the new De Soto Six leaped into public favor with amaz- ing swiftness. : The truth is, no new car in the whole history of the industry ever attained so large a sales volume as that reached by De Soto Six dur- ing the three months’ period immediately following its introduction. See and ride in this newest Chrysler-built six, and you will readily appreciate the reasons for itsimmediate and widespread popularity. MAYFLOWER MOTORS, Inc, 2819 M Street N.W. each city selected for study. The mem- bership of these committees included en- gineers, safety men, automobile club members and representatives of other groups. The council's main committee was composed as follows: W. B. Powell, Buffalo. N. Y., chair- man: Sidney J. Williams, Chicago; A. B. Barber, Washington: S. H. Bissell, Syracuse, N. Y.; W. Graham Cole, New York: James A Cook. Lynn, Mass.; W. . New York: Thomas Fitz- burgh: E. P. Goodrich, New ; E. W. James, Washington: M. G. Washington; Burton W. Marsh, sburgh; Thecdore D. Pratt, New Yerk: A, H. Rudd, Philadelphia; C. O. Sherrill, Cincinnati; Ernest Smith, Washington; F. H. Winkley, Schenec- tady, N. Y.; L. W. Wallace, Washing- ton. American Makes Prominent Olympia Motor Show. LONDON (Speeial) —The Olympia Motor Show opencd recently, with sev- eral outstanding fgatures. Every man- ufacturing country is rej ted, but American_cars form one of the out- standing featurcs. There is a great im- provement in car design, with prices, domestic and imported cars, generally lower than a year ago. Closed models of sedan and salon types predominate. Practically the only open cars shown at are sport models four-wheel brakes, standard throughout; greatly increased use of fabric bodies, and color designs “are brighter, yellow, red, blue and green predominating. - Full accessories equipment standard- ized and tendency noticeable to fit ‘bumpers on British cars, although their use is not yet general. A larger number of British manufacturers include ultra light or baby car among models ex- hibited, and these are attracting wide attenticn. There is also a marked in- crease in six-cylinder cars on British stands. The attendance was unusually large for the opening day, and indica- tions point to the most successful show held up (o the present time. NEW FORM OF GLASS. Recent Invention to Revolutionize Industry, Is Claim. SHEFFIELD, England (Special) — The Sheffield press announces the in- vention of an unbreakable glass-like substance, destined, it is sald, to revo- lutionize the glass ’“""‘"me,' is suj posed to be so hard that d nds can- not cut it or a hammer break it, and, when perfected, will be used, in addi- tion to other purposes, for motor ve- hicles. A factory is reported tc be in the course of construction at Notting- ham for the manufacture of this sub- stance. Machinery will be largely em- ployed so that less manual labor will be needed than in the manufacture of glass. Prof. E. C. Baly of Liverpool Uni- versity and Dr. Fritz Pollak of Vienna have collaborated in perfecting this glass-like substance, criginally invented by Dr. Pollak. Pt SR AT LR, ‘When installing oversized tires, it is necessary to have your speedometer shecked at a service station, or the gpeed and mileage record will not be correct. _by record-breaking sales Facwfi,lm;m Espanol, $845; Sedan Coche, $845; Cupe Business; $845; Sedan $885; Cupe ‘de Lujo, $885; Sedan de Lujo, $955. All prices at Phone North 1104 Associate Dealer 1825 14th St. N.W. PRODUCT of Neumeyer Motor Co., Inc. Phone North 7522 CHRYSLER Torrey Motor Co. 2108 L St. N.W. Roney Motor Co. Frederick, Md. DE Soro S1x » Rewal‘ded e N