Evening Star Newspaper, July 26, 1931, Page 39

In the Mo BY G. ADAM OLITICS being just—politics —and political expediency demanding the utmost in haste on the part of the expedient ones, we find Washing- ton again about to be infested with another series of limitations on where Mr. and Mrs. Public may park their automobiles. What with the entire city circumscribed as to parking ereas with unloading signs, sternly admonishing poten- tial parkers that at some indefinite time some one is to unload some- some one’s door; stop loading ed out “for thing outside various taxi and bt areas; ereas m [ official cars only” around the Government buildings, and arecs restricted as to parkiag for this reason and that reason, we now are to have still another class of “no parking” areas. The latest circumscribed areas, where the curbstones now are breaking out in paint, embellished by stand-up signs, are to be for members of Congress and Govern- ment officials of the various de- })artmencs and independent estab- ishments, where they may park their cars while engaged on busi- ness. Twelve buildings occupied by Government units are to be embellished with these *“official parking” areas, and each official is to be given two cards, bearing the signature of the secretary to the Board of Commissioners, one of which is to be stuck in the windshield of the car and the other to be kept in possession of the chauffeur or driver. Few Are Politicians. With so many areas throughout the city in which John W. Public may not park his buzz buggy while he goes into a shop to buy peanuts for the youngsters, if the present orgy of restricting parking for the favored few continues, the unfa- vored driver of an automobile may as well give up his car and ride the busses and street cars. If he is a politician or has some way of getting into the barred areas, he is alright, but most of the drivers of the 135000 motor vehicles in ‘Washington have no such way. Meanwhile the restriction of park- ing area goes merrily on. To be sure those on official business should have a parking area set aside for them, but most public buildings have a court or alley in which official cars may park with- out further restricting the public parking area. A few more thoughts on speed- ing up traffic in Washington by increasing the speed limit come to mind in conversation with ‘Traffic Director Van Duzer. Being a politic gentleman not addicted to irrational ideas, Mr. Van Duzer agrees that if some method could be found for increasing the speed limit and at the same time keep the saturation point of vehicular traffic on the streets at its peak, he would go along with it. But he points out that a speed of be- tween 20 and 25 miles an hour by all the cars on the streets permits more cars in any given area in the city, on the general theory that when cars travel at those speeds they remain closer together and more cars can be put on the streets at the same time. Mr. Van Duzer points out that the driver unconsciously remains farther behind the car in front when he is traveling at 30 or 35 miles an hour, urged by the safety factor, which is his ability to stop if the car ahead stops suddenly, and therefore fewer cars can be put on a given stretch of street at the higher speed. Possibilities Only Hinted. Being the aforesaid politic gen- tleman again, Mr. Van Duzer only hints at the possibility that the careless pedestrian is much to blame for some of the traffic troubles in the National Capital. Wide streets and lack of positive control of pedestrians at light or officer-controlled intersections, he says, make it possible for a few pedestrians to muddle up the traffic stream. And did you know that on the statute books of the District of Columbia today there remains a pedestrian control regulation? It is not enforced however, at intersections con- trolled by lights or officers because a court decision two or three years ago rendered it unworkable. From California, where traffic ordinances are as forward-looking as in any State, comes a new idea for speed control. In this case it is not high speed which needs controlling, but slow speeds. Cali- fornia has just passed a law which will literally place the slow pokes “‘on the spot.” The new regulation forbids driving at a speed so slow tor World 1S HOWARD. bringing the State motor vehicle regulations into line with the pro- gressive thought on speed permit- |ted in Virginia. And out in Cali- ‘fornta the legislators thought the lspesd limit in open country ought to be lifted altogether. Every Driver Responsible. In Connecticut, where the speed limit has been removed, the driver of every vehicle is held responsible for the safe and sane operation of his car at all times. How | catisfactorv this has been is shown by the accident table in the Nut- men Stete. which shows that in- stead of increasing eccidents by incr e the permitted speed. the no-speed-law has decreased them. | Perhaps other States might commendably follow California's example and make slow driving just s much a crime as driving a few miles above the allowable limit now lis. Now comes Charles A. Hartnett motor vehicle commissioner of the State of New York, with more thoughts on this business of dan- ger in.motor vehicle use. Mr. Hartnett says one of the main obstacles to prosress in cutting down the annual tot2l of death and injury on the Nation’s high- ways is public indifference to the situation. He adds that any disezse that caused an equivalent number of deaths, permanent in- juries and less of productive time as do automobile accidents soon would be stamped out or put un- der control. Experienced drivers assume or achieve a peculfar sort of indifference or carelessness that is the source of a great many accidents, he says. The increase in accidents has kept pace with the increase in the number of drivers who have had years of | experience behind the wheel and | feel that they do not need to | observe the fundamental rules of | prudent driving. He adds that the new driver is seldom invoived in a serious accident. “The average man’'s indifference to death on the highways is shown in the reluctance of grand juries to hand down indictments in accident cases,” Mr. Hartnett says. “The assumption is, that however negligent the driver might have been, the death was unintentional. The evidence may be strong, but that is most often the fault of the public because those present at an accident are usually unwilling to acknowledge | thev saw it.” | With modern automobiles so nearly foolproof that accidents caused by mechanical failures are |rare indeed, many folks are be- | ginning to wonder if here in the District of Columbia we cannot have a periodic check-up on the | physical condition of those who |drive motor cars. The time-lag between the reflexes of a man in good physical condition and one whose faculties are impaired, is large enough to cause accidents, while those whose eyes or whose llimbs do not function fast enough {can be declared to be potential menaces to themselves and others on the highways. Medical men tell us that the reflexes of drivers under the influence of even a |small amount of liquor are slowed idown. Is it not also possible that those who do not see well, or who | have some impairment of limb or muscle will act in much the same way. Accidents do not just happen. They are usually the result of circumstances, and the man who can see a possible bad situation arising and meet it with proper bound to be the safe driver. If his physical co-ordinates do not co-ordinate, may that not be the cause of an accident? |THEFTS FROM AUTOS PROVE BIG PROBLEM District A. A. A. Official Offers Precautionary Rules to Balk | Car Sneak-Thieves. Theft of articles from unguarded au- tomobiles is one of the greatest prob- |lems of police authorities, especially in |larger cities, and motorists annually ‘luse valuable packages which in many | instances cannot be replaced, according | te the District of Columbia Division of the American Automobile Association. The A. A. A. made this statement in | connection with an appeal to car own- | ers to aid in the campaign against this form of larceny. | Unguarded automobiles on streets in | business areas offer a better opportu- co-ordination of eyes and limbs is! nity for the “sneak-thief” than one parked several blccks away, it was stated, because in the hustle and bustie the thief has a better opportunity to make away with his ill-gotten gain. Some protective measures were sug- gested as follows: “Whete baggage or packages are left that the reasonable flow of traffic| 1s retarded, and traffic officers are| given full authority to enforce this| section of the law. This simply| means that they may arrest drivers who move along so slowly that th i ,a,: tb:}{m%ue ngma_lg,"r% Iwfiogé; in the automobile, see that all windows Silvers it lo/gabionieTh G| are closed and that the doors are locked. Eebinhieine abire sy sure that the windshield aiso s fas- i ke e scenery. | tened. This is believed to be the first| “Where it is not possible to lock the time that a State Legislature has|car, remove the baggags and parcels publicly acknowledged the (acttlndl h:"el ‘hemhfihtgm lt’flomekcdfln- hat { iving—as s il | venient place while the car is parked. Ithough articles usually are Accidents in motor travel—as | Sife 1 o2 recognt: 2 G5 e autBorities: ko arek’“e in those of recognized standing, be sure that pocketbooks, jewels, vanity caused more by circumstances clsu'_hlnd n&ch articles are not left lying than by fairly high speed. But|an the seats. California has not stopped there.| “Always see that the motometer, i i spare tires and other accessories are of ‘The Legislature has lifted the % tvpe that either are locked or per- speed limit in open country from/| . .entiy attached to the car. Hun- 40 to 45 miles per hour, thus| greds of thousands of dollars sre repre- | sented in the annual loss from theft of | accessorles from parked cars.” MOTOR DON'TS | Don'T SPEED THRU WATER! HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS |LESSEN OPERATION COSTS | | Better Gasoline and Oil Also Cuts Down Maintenance Charges,® Survey States. Improvements in American roads are contributing very largely to the decreas- |ing costs of automobile operation, the | American Research Foundation reports in a bulletin just made public. “Most important factors in the re- ducing costs of automobile operation, of course, are improved construction, bet ter gasolines, better lubricating oils, and |a better knowledge on the part of | drivers as to how they can get the best | results from their individual cars,” the .| bulletin points out. “A steadily increas- |ing proportion of drivers, for example, | now realize the importance of regularly changing their motor oil and under- stand the fact that in the average new car they must change to a heavier grade of oil after 3,000 to 5,000 miles of operation and to a st¥l heavier oil after 15,000 to 20,000 of driving.” It 1s wise To DrIvE sLowLy THRU DEEP PUDDLES, AND USE SECOND GEAR. FORDING A STREAM. IF YOUR CARS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GETS SOAKED, IT MAY QUIT TEMPORARILY AND IT 1S UNNECESSARY To SPLASH THE BODY OF THE CAR ALL UP, AS QWELL AS RISKING PASSENGERS' CLOTHES) THE SUNDAY CHECK-UPS ADVISED BEFORE AUTO TOUR Motor Company Says Task Can Be Done Best at Shop by Trained Men. $ave you ever started on a Ikng trip and found various little things going wrong with your car—just enough to make the trip a nightmare instead of the pleasant jaunt through strange country that you expected it t> be? Here are a few hints that may help you in stopping trouble before it starts, contributed by the tourist bureau of one of the larg: automobile companies. Probably the first item to be inspected by the tourist is his tires. The casings should be inspected carefully for cuts, blisters and weak spots. Spare tubes should be chacked for weakness. If necessary, tubes and casings should be replaced. The spare tire or tires shculd be availabls at s minute's notice and should therefore be in good dition. All wheel lugs should be cleaned, of and gr:perly tightened. If the wheel rims have been sprung or bent in strik- ing curbs or cther objects, these should be either conditioned or re- placed. Battery Easy te Check. Overheating should be avoided in long drives. Therefore, the tourist shoule first check the radiator n:se and its connection. These parts ordinarily should be replaced at least twice each year. Connections should be water- tight. The radiator itself should be drained. flushed and filled with clean water. The radiator core should be free cf bugs, dust and leaves by using an alr or water hose from the Interior of the hood. If water is used, the en- gine and wiring should be covered to 'puvem. shorting of the electrical sys- em. ‘The owner easily may check the battery condition with a hydrometer. Any garage and most filling stations will do this for him. The water should be ap to the proper level and the specific_gravity at the right propor- tion. We recommend that ti au- thorized service station for the car check the generator output to con- form to the type of driving expected. They should also check the adjust- ment of the steering mechanism and the braking system for safe driving. All lights should be checked for local adjustment and it is a good plan to include at lesst one spare bulb for the head, tail and stop lights. Wires May Be Broken. ‘While the owner may check ignition wires and battery terminals fcr break- ages and bad connections, the thorized service station usually has an expert for this type of work who also will check distributor and spark plug points. The engine should be inspected and reconditioned, if necessary, by me- chanics thoroughly experienced with the particular make of car. An im- perfectly operating engine ordinarily will run_hot and develop insufficient power. To obtain the most satisfac- tion from your motor vacation get the advice of competent service men. Among the other jobs which the owner may do himself are lubricating of door bumpers and hinges to pro- vide easy opening and closing, check- ing of license plates and brackets for proper attachment and the proper packing of luggage and other vacation equipment. In this connection it is unwise to place heavy luggage on tops and fenders, because of the unneces- sary strain on these parts. Trunk racks ars obtainable for most cars, and certain types of luggage can be fastened securely at the rear. Grips and suit cases can be carried on the running boards if properly attached. Lubrication Important. ‘Two more items remain to be cHecked before the tour. Both are connected with lubrication. If the Winter lubri- cant in the transmission and differen- tial has not been changed. it should be taken care of before starting the vacation trip. The engine oil, of proper grade for Summer use. should be fresh for the trip, while the entire chassis should be lubricated thoroughly and the snubbers or shock absorbers in- spected and oiled. With these precautions, which should be done regularly in ordinary driving and by competent mechanics, the Sum- mer motor vacationists should have little or no trouble on their trips. 16 STATES AND CAPITAL REQUIRE AUTO LICENSE Driver's Certificate and Exams Both Requisite, With Permit on Re- quest in Nine Others. Sixteen States and the District of Co- lumbia now require an examination as a prerequisite to securing a license to drive, and in these States the accident situation is improving as compared to those where no demonstration of driv- ing abllity is required, according to the District of Columbia Division of the American Automobile Association. The A. A. A. listed the States where an examination is mandatory as fol- lows: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hamp- shore, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. “In addition,” it was stated, “nine States have license laws with an exami- nation either optional or not required, leaving 23 States in the non-licensing group.” The A. A. A. pointed out that every 16 minutes a human life is snuffed out on our streets and highways. The statement continued: “In States where an examination of drivers is mandatory, the records show that about 25 per cent of the appli- cants fail to secure their license on the first examination. The examiner either finds that they are ignorant of the rules of the road or the practical driving test shows that they have no knowledge of how to handle an automobile in traffic. Then they come back for a later exami. nation, and ultimately only 3 per cent of all candidates fail to get a license. “The significance of this is that 22 per cent of the candidates in & licens- ing State are required to learn the rules of the road and how to drive, whereas in a non-licensing State they may go on the road incompetent to drive.” NEW LUBRICANT FOUND Parafin Gives Superior Grade of 0il. Parafin wax, formerly a trouble- some by-product of petroleum distilla- tion, has just been converted into a superior - grade of lubricating oil, ac- cording to a statement just made by a member of the Petroleum Researcn Committee of the Soclety of Automo- tive Engineers. While it has been known for some time that the mole- cules of the ideal lubricant were mads up of two hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom, it has remained for a chemist in Indlana to prod: syn- ideal luce a thetic lubricating ofl having this structure. In the natural oils it has been very difficult and expensive to secure such “olefines,” but new meth- ods of modern research have revealed a way to crack paraffin and secure an oll of pale-straw color, highly resistant ¥ tmder Bigh température. Engineiss up iperature. ineers explain that the viscosity can be easily controlled and that therefore they are well ted for severe service at either thick g low temperatures or thin- ning high temperatures. {tain Boys, and _historical | which recall Vermont's herofc past. STAR, WASHINGTON, D, C. JULY 26, 1931—PART FOUR. Scenic Tour Through Vermont FASTER BARS USE COMPILED BY THE AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA 12 £.53rd. ¥ TOURIST IN VERMONT ENJOYS GREEN MOUNTAINS SCENERY Lakes Abound in Historic State on Route Leading Up Connecticut River Valley and Through Quaint Towns! Every traveler who has ever visited Vermont knows it is one of the most beautiful States of the East. It makes no difference which direction you travel -—north, south, east or west—all the roads are scenic. The charm of the coungryside is due in a great measure to the lovely line of hills that stretch northward across the State, known £s the Green Mountains. They are so called because they are covered to their very tops with verdure. ‘The mountains extend from the Mas- sachusetts line to the Canadian border and reach nearly to the Connecticut River on the east and to Lake Cham- plain on the west. Vermont is unique in that it is the only State east of the Rockies traversed from end to end. by a mountain range. The State has many hundreds of miles of improved roads, according to the Automoblile Club of America, New York City, which usually run through the valleys, following clear, swift rocky streams, but frequently they climb by easy stages up to the heights, from which points are obtainable fine views of the surrounding countryside. Quaint Colonial farm houses may also be seen, with old-fashioned flower gardens, which remind one of ths Green Moun- monuments State’s Lakes Attractive, And after the mountains in impor- tance come the lakes. They are every- where throughout the State, some large, some small, often reflecting virgin spruces and always sparkling clear. Champlain, the largest of them all, may be followed through Vermont for a hun- dred miles, with the Adirondacks in the background and the Green Mountains | near at hand. Two main trunk highways traverse the State from north to south on either side of the Green Mountains, and there | are about half a dozen main east and west roads. The trip outlined below will be found to offer an attractive tour, not only through Vermont, but through the States which must be crossed to reach the Green Mountain State. The route was laid out bearing in mind present road conditions, and it will be found to offer good traveling. After reaching New York from Wash- ington over the Lincoln Highway, leave the city by way of the Hutchinson River Parkway in order to avold the construc- tion on the lower portion of the Boston Post road. The parkway is followed to its end at Westchester avenue, where a right turn brings the motorist into Port Chester. Continue along the Post road, running through Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport to New Haven. Here turn north on the College Highway, which takes one clear across Connecti- cut and up into the center of Massa- chusetts. It runs through Milidale, Plainville, Farmington. Avon, Grarby, Westfleld and Easthampton to North- ampton, famous university town. where Smith, the largest woman's college in the world, is Jocated. Here also is present home of Calvin Coolidge. This is an ideal place for the first night's stop, if a leisurely trip has been made, as it is about 150-odd miles. Peak Visible from Route. Continuing up the Connecticut River Valley, the highway passes through South Deerfield and Greenfield to North Bernardstown and then enters Vermont, coming into the historic old town of Guilford. Next comes Brattleboro, a beautiful village on the banks of the river. Vermont side of the river, you pass through Putney to Westminster. Here it is advisable to cross the river just to run through the town of Walpole, one of the most beautiful in the whole val- ley. There are wonderful old elms here and fine houses dating back to Colonial days. Run up on the New Hampshire side, then to North Walpole, crossing back over the river again into Bellows Falls. Running northward from here one can see off in_ the distance the lone peak known as Mount Ascutney, located n the towns of Weathersfield and Windsor. It is a beautiful mountain, a landmark for all the surrounding region. Next comes Windsor, an historic old town, beautiful in its location under the shadow of Mount Ascutney. Then comes White River Junction, an impor- tant highway end railroad center, and then our route turns away from the river, following route 4 to Woodstock, one of the most popular Summer and Winter resorts in the State. Thirtesn miles west of here is Plymouth, the birthplace of former President Coolidge, where he took the oath of office as President of the United States. To reach this town, one continues from Woodstock along route 4 to Bridgewater Corners, and then run .via 100A to Pm&hm run down to Plymouth Union, and then turn north, this time on route 100. At West Bridgewater, the route joins route 4 and continues along to Sherburne, where the Green Moun- tain Club maintains a picturesque resort known ss the Long Trail Lodge. Here ‘burne Rgss, where highway n thway for hikers, m gfi‘u Green Mountain Range from the Massachusetts border to a point north of Jay Peak near the Ca- nadian line. Still following route 5 on the | | _Continue along route 100 to Pittsfield, then east along route 107 through Stockbridge and Gaysville to Bethel. | From here run straight north along |route 12, passing through Randolph, | East Roxbury and Northfield into Mont- pelier. the capital of the Green Moun- |tain State. Turn east here on route 2, | passing through Middlesex to Duxbury. | Near here is the Camel's Hump, the fourth highest peak of the Green Moun- tain Range. The name is derived from the saddle formation of the summit | This mountain, thrust farther out into | the Champlain Valley than its neigh- | bors, is a conspicuous and picturesque | feature of the landscape, and furnishes an unobstructed view covering scores of | miles. After Duxbury, going eastward, comes | Jonesville, then Richmond, and finally | Burlington, with a wonderful location ion a hillside, sloping down to Lake Champlain. On a crest of the h'll are | buildings and campus of the University |of Vermont. To the cast may be seen | the range of the Green Mountains with | two of its highest peaks, Mansfleld and | Camels Hump sharply defined against | the horizon. To the west beyond the | lake may be seen the Adirondacks, ris- | ing peak upon peak. | At Burlington our route turns south. ‘The main road on this side of the State is national route number 7. This takes one through Charlotte, Vergennes, and | Middlebury. Below here, at the present | time, the following route is advisable, | because of construction on the main | highway. Several miles beyond Middle- bury, you turn left, for a short distance, | and then south, passing on the east side |of Lake Dunmore, one cf the prettiest of Vermont lakes, down to Forestdale. Turn west here to the main highway, then turn left and run to Brandon, & most attractive town on the Neshobe River, with beautiful shaded streets. Here turn east again, off route 7, fol- lowing route F10 over to route 30. Turn south here, on route 30, passing through ‘Sudbur,\" which is near Lake Hortonia, 8180 | which though it is only a small lake, 2 miles long, is very lovely, fed as it is by mountain springs. Its wooded shores are interspersed with green meadows and cultivated fields. Passes Historic Town. Continuing_ south, the road then passes Lake Bomoseen, the largest lake lying entirely in Vermont. It is a very popular Summer resort. At Carctleton Corners, turn east again, running over to Rutland, the second largest city in Vermont and the center of the world's greatest marble industry. Killington Peak, the second *highest mountain in the State, lies off to the east from Rut- land. This peak is the dominating one in a group that rise from a single base, | which have been designated the Cool- idge Range zy the Legislature in honor of the former President. Below Rutland, one passes through Clarendon, South Wallingford, Danby, East Dorset, at which point the high- way passes Emerald Lak: deep green hue of its waters. One then passes through Manchester, Arlington and Shaftsbury to Benning- | ton, probably the most historic town in the State. Its impressive battle monu- ment, one of the loftiest in the world, is 8 landmark for all the region round about. Williams College on Way. The last town on the Vermont side is Pownal, and then, in Massachusetts, comes Williamstown, the site of Wil- l'ams College, and one cf the most a tra~tive towns in all New England. Th highway now runs south thrcugh the Berkshire Hills, passing Pontoosuc Lake just before Pittsfleld is reached, the business center of this region. Next comes Lenox, and then Stockbridge and Great Barrington, all noted Summer resorts, and then Sheffield. Crossing the State line into Connecti- cut at Canaan, bear right along route 17 into Norfolk, a lovely hill-top town with an altitude as high as that of the Adirondacks. Then follow route 312 down to Torrington, and then route 8 down to the shore passing through the Valley of the Naugatuck River through Waterbury and Naugatuck. Once on the shore road, turn right for New York following the Post Road to Port Chester, there turning right for the Hutchinson River Parkway. e, noted for the AUTO THEFTS INCREASE BALTIMORE, July 18.—More auto- | moblles were stolen in the first six months of this year than any other | simflar veriod in the history of the lice department, according to a re- grt olp Commissioner Charles D. Gaither. For the six months ended June 30, the police records show a total of 1,865 -machines reported stolen. Of this num- ber 189 cars are still missing, In the first six months of last year the num- ber of automobile fts was 1,377, with 1,347 recoveries. Five years ago the total number of thefts for the first six months was 1,450. Investigations made by the police lead to the belief that many of the cars stolen this year, not. recovered to date, were driven out of the city by autojacks residing in other cities, DESPITE HIGH COST Power Preferred to Saving on Gasoline, Chemist De- clares of U. S. Automobiles of greater luxury and power are gaining favor, according to Dr. Harrison E. Howe of the American Chemical Bociety, who points out that | the price of speed, made possible by chemistry and engineering, eventually mvixfi be reckone@ I’“hl. " your memory is long enough, you will recall that about four or five years ago you expected and got from 18 to 20 miles per gallon of gasoline,” Dr. Howe says. “The car that followed did not do quite so well. Perhaps it gave you 15. You were persuaded that it was only fair to expect 12 on the next car, and this became 11 when you traded it in for a newer model. A popular ‘8’ of today makes no pretense of over 10 or 10%; miles per gallon, and if you must have a higher number of cylinders, of course you sre expected not to worry about a shrinkage in the mileage figure. Discoveries Used for Speed. “This is not the fault of the pe- troleum technologists. When scientific research provided us with efficient anti- knock compounds, one of the points stressed was the possible saving of, say, 20 per cent of motor fuels. Higher compression was to make that possible. ““Technology did not fail us, but those who advertised anti-knock fuels on a thrift basis were outstripped by those who presented it on a power and speed basis. Instead of conserving our re- sources as a Nation, we became more interested in Dbigger and better auto- mobiles. More of us want to ride in greater comfort, with heavier and more luxurious cars, easler riding tires, smoother roads and, withal, more and more speed. “Those who believe in speed at any price should be thankful to chemistry and to engineering for what has been done to increase the supply of motor fuels. Without such accomplishments it would have been necessary long since to reduce weight and speed in order that the gas supply might be adequate. Motors Rarely Fully Efficient. “Instead, we feed high-power motors that only at rare intervals can be oper- ated at their maximum efficiency, and the number of passengers per car goes to show what high-cost transportation it is. We see no disposition on the part of the public to change its ways. “Luxurious, powerful cars are held in high esteem, and, fortunately, there 15 no indication that technology will fail in maintaining the power supply. Nevertheless, the cost of speed is there and some time must be given full con- sideration. “Those who 20 years ago predicted that 1930 would see the use of motor fuel from shales and industrial alcohol as substitites for disappearing gasoline have lived to see a world surplus of that fuel.” LICENSE RECIPROCITY REIGNS IN 23 STATES Only 16 Had Tag-Honoring Laws in June, 1929. T. J. Keefe of A. M. A. Reports. Complete reciprocity between mo- torists of each State in the matter of automobile licenses is urged by the Legisiatives Committee of the Ameri- can Motorists' Association. A survey, made by the association in June, 1929, when it launched its campaign for full reciprocity, showed that at that time only 16 States grant- ed full reciprocal courtesies. A sim- ilar survey, just made, shows that 23 States now “have reciprocal arrange- | ments with reference to automobile licenses. “Despite the fact that there has been a uniformity of opinion in the State Legislatures and State Highway Motor Vehicle Commissions that full reciprocal licenses should be universal among the States, there are still 26 States which have not adopted them,” it is pointed out by Thomas J. Keefe, general manager of the A. M. A. “Two States, viz, Mississippi and Texas, permit foreign motorists 25 days of motor vehicle operation with- out the necessity of securing a new automobile license. Georgia and Ten- nessee give the foreign motorists 30 days. Arkansas, Indiana, Nebraska and Oklahoma have a 60-day law. Thirteen States have a 90-day limitation. They are Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregen, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, ‘Washington, West Virginia and Wy ming. Arizona has a four-month la: while Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico and Virginia each have a six-month limi- tation. “Good roads have annihilated dis- tance. Interstate travel has become common and universal. A proper auto- mobile license from one State should suffice for all other States. Yet, not- withstanding the fact that full reci- procity should be common to all and that there is no logical argument against it, there are today seven dif- ferent limitations made by the 48 States and the District of Columbia,” Keefe declares. ‘The 23 States having full reciprocity at the present time, according to the association’s survey, are 3s follows: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Del- aware, District of - Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts. Maine, Maryland, Mis- sourl, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina. North Dakota. Ohlo. Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. CAPITAL ON HONOR LIST FOR FEWER CAR DEATHS Washington One of 60 U. 8. Cities Cited by A. A. A. on Records in Reducing Fatalities. ‘Washington was one of the 60 Amer- ican cities on the'“safety honor roll” for 1930, comprising those cities where fatalities were reduced as compared to 1929, according to the District of Columbia division of the American Automobile Association. The splendid record of these cities, sald the A. A. A, in the face of the mounting toll of deaths and injuries on the streets and highways of the country as a whole, should inspire’ traffic au- thorities in every municipality to exert all possible effort to promote safety. ‘The statement listed the cities with more than 500,000 population on the honor roll as follows: Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland. Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louls. Those with from 300,000 to 500,000 population include Cincinnati, India- napolis, Jersey City, Louisville, Newark, New Orleans and Washington. Other cities, in all sections of the country, ranged in population from 100,000 to 300,000. ‘The A. A. A. pointed out that the model municipal traffic ordinances, promulgated by the National Conference of Street and Highway Safety, of which the A. A. A. is one of the sponsors, are now available to cities and towns in- terested in imj traffic conditions by having form regulations. “Uniformity in these basic rules,” it was stated, “eliminates confusion, one of the most frequent causes of accidents, and facilitates the flow of traffic with iter degree of safety.” PROBLEM OF ACC IDENTS NOW AMONG MOST SERIOUS IN U. §. Public Must Aid i Alarming Increase n Efforts to Lesser , Declares Head of National Auto C. of C. “One of the most serious problems facing the American public.” ‘That is the way Alfl Reeves, gen- eral manager of the Natfonal Automo- bile Chamber of Commerce describes the job of reducing the number of au- tomobile accidents. Mr. Reeves declared that, while it is {reasonable to expect some increase in accidents as automobile registration mounts, it is alarming to find that the | number of accidents in_proportion to {the registration of vehicles is increas- ing more rapidly than the number of cars. “Rigid enforcement of regulations and observance of the golden rule are im- portant factors in bringing about a more safe condition for both motorist and pedestrian,” he says. “Automobiles are safer now than ever before. Now it is the human element which enters into the accident problem far more than the mechanical. Records show that most trafic mishaps are caused by ex- iced but reckless drivers with cars n good condition. Traffic Rules Necessary. “The mechanical excellence of the modern automobile occasionally makes a driver too sure of his car. Insurance against accidents makes many drivers reckless. Many drivers feel a sense of security in the knowledge that the in. surance company will take care of da ages in case of accident and conse quently overstep the ordinary bounds of caution. “Trafic regulations are the result of | necessity and experience. While at times some regulations may seem irk- | tion. some, their strict enforcement would bring about a steady decline in acci- dents and save many lives. The surety of punishment if regulations are broken ‘would be a deterring force among reck- less_drivers. “Of course, first offenders should not be severely punished, although the seri- ousness of reckless driving should be impressed upon them. Long Lights Irk Drivers. “In some cases regulations may be at fault. As an instance, city traffic lights stay one color too long. Both motorist and pedestrian become impatient and this tends to make for recklessness. Pe- destrian control, as important as motor control, is difficult under these condi- tions. A review of regulations to bring Milady’s When planning to get & thrill from |sceing the speedometer touch 80 re- member the old one to the effect that “Whom the gods slay, they first make glad.” “If you want to get into the swing of driving,” suggests a woman who once knew the trepidations of being a novice awheel, “always have some goal in ! mind when vou take the car out. Even if it just an errand at the nearest pro- vision store, you will find that having an objective takes your mind off your- self. You think about where you're going and not so much about how you Don't wdrry if the engine bucks lnd' seems troublesome when ycu are driv- ing through a park at 10 miles per hour and under. That speed shows up the slightest irregularities, which may ge temporary and due to gas condi- ions. A neat piece of parking merits a com- pliment and doubtless there would be better parking if more people would comment on a job well done. Our congratulations to the woman pedes- trian who stopped & successful woman parker to praise the job. Considering the number of sets of unread books which hard-bofled ex- ecutives have purchased from winsome repres:ntatives of shrewd publishers, it is a puzzle to many why the automobile | saleswoman has not become a factor in the business. Dealers tell me it's sim- ple enough, pointing out that in the case of automobiles it is the little wom- an at home who finally decides the | question as to what car to buy. A dap- per salesman has more sales appeal. But women are playing an increas- ingly imporignt, though somewhat si- lent, part in many an automotive estab- lishment. They take your sad story of woe over the telephone, cheer the deal- er when he has been forced to over- | trade and keep the wheels moving. One dealer is blessed with a sister who at- tends to all the bank loans. “An effort to be kind to her new car resulted in a friend of mine inflicting Eumshment on the fine finish of the 0od. In fact, she finished the finish | by lifting the hood and letting it fold back on the other side cne hot day when stopping to let the engine cool. Some hoods can be lifted up without folding back, but where this conven- fence isn't provided it is far better to | stop in the shade and avoid further risk of damaging the finish. A woman with a large car com- about uniformity and better adaptation to present times and knowledge would help, although, with few exceptions, ex- isting regulations are fair, enforceable and promote safety. “But with 89 per cent of the cars in- volved in accidents found to be in good mechanical condition, it is & problem of the individual—a problem of human responsibility. Eight out of ten accl- dents are due to the thoughtlessness of the individual. Nearly every one at one time or another is a pedestrian or mo- torist. If he would remember his feel- ings in both cas:s and observe the Golden Rule there would be few acci- dents. Child Accidents Fewer. “Better tires, brakes, motors, glass balance and the multitude of safe features of the modern automobile ca: not do the job completely without th co-operation of the individual. Thi can be secured to a very great exteni through educational methods. The s of a pledge, such as that of th Siivertown Safety League, s educational and helps to give the individual a sense of responsibility. Instruction in the right kind of driving and in under- standing traffic regulations is important. “Accidents among school children have been greatly cut down by educa- | tional methods, until now the adult presents the major problem. “No one can do_a complete job of safety education. It takes all the ef- forts of every agency interested in the work, and every agency should be sup- ported by funds and public co-opera- Sight of Officers Is Caution. “If automobiles had no horns, peopl would drive more carefully and have fewer accidents. Too many people have too much confidence that horns will always give them the right of way A lack of horns would mean morc courtesy among motorists, and courtesy would do much to cut down the num- ber of accidents.” Mr. Reeves advocates placing police men on the streets and highways ir conspicuous uniform, with shiny badges on bright, highly polished chromium- plated motor cycles, not so much t extend the strong arm of the law t make arrests as the moral effect i would have on reckless drivers. I would have the greatest retarding effect possible on dangerous driving. Motoring BY FREDERICK C. RUSSELL. plained to the salesman that she eould not seem to cut the wheels fast enough to back into & parking space gracefully He volunteered to watch her perform the job and quickly discovered the trouble. She was allowing the car to back too rapidly while cutting the wheels. Back slowly, but steer quick- 1y, should be the rule. ‘When the service man says the timin chain needs tightening any woman * Jjustified in feeling as if she were si! ting in on her first hand of contrac: but even when he starts talking abou “swinging the generator,” she need nc be alarmed. The timing chain is perhar the simplest of the car's vital units. It looks like a glorified bicycle chalr and is installed in a case at the fror end of the motor, connecting th sprocket of the main engine shaft witi t of the smaller shaft, which oper- ates the valves. On some cars there is a third sprocket, which automaticall takes up slack in the chain, but in mos arrangements this sprocket is connecte |to the generator and sometimes watc pump shafts. In order to take up slac: in the chain in such cases it is neces sary to pull the generator shaft awa: from the engine block—just a trifie. is known as “swinging the gen- erator.” Do you remember the bobbin winde on the sewing machine? You move this forward until its drive wheel caugh against the belt. The winder took u slack just as the generator sprocke does on what is known as a manual ad justment for the timing chain. Some cars use gears instead of th chain. Here, if wear occurs, it is cu: tomary to replace the gears themselve. ‘There's & warning in the foregoing even if youdon't have the complete sens of it. Just note that I stressed the sim plicity of the arrangement. Naturally that suggests ease of adjustment, bu don’t get the notion that any roadsidc mechanic or crank case drainer can at- tend to this job for you. I wouldn't trust my car with any but the official service station people, who know just how much tension the chain will stand. Putting on slip covers to save the up- holstery is good business, especially where the car is to be populated with young children. Don't, however, make the mistake of having the covers tacked to the upholstery in such a way as to leave the latter filled of holes when the covers are removed. This has been done. Some of the newest covers arc held in place by spring metal rods and are virtually automatic as compared with the older type. (Copyright. 1931) PORTION OF AMERICA’S HOME IS ON WHEELS| Part of America’s home is on auto | wheels i one considers the 150,000,000~ 000 miles traveled by private utomo- | biles, declared W. R. Smith, president | of the American Road Builders' Asso- ciation, in discussing the need for gcod | roads. Busses travel encugh miles so that every man, woman and child in the country could take a good trip five | times a year. | “Every one demands safety, comfort | and convenience in home life and the same demand is made for the home cn automobile wheels,” continued Mr. Smith. “But there are other benefits. The money profits from roads are apparent in the increased prosperity of those States and counties that have good roads. Co-operative marketing associations flourish, increasing farm produce at lower prices. Isolated sec- tions are moved closer to schools, | churches, markets and movies through | good roads. The trading area of citles is extended. Profitable tourist travel is | encouraged. In North Carolina follow- ing a State road bond issue and general highway improvement, property values increased eight times, while values in | :Fe whole United States increased four | imes.” Avoid Cutting Back Quickly. Many drivers who have the misfor- | tune to run off the surfaced portion of the highway onto the soft shoulder often err in trying to steer the car too quickly back upon the surface. This point is made by Oscar Coolican, local automobile distributor, who declares that if the condition of the road edge permits it the driver should allow the car to drop to iow speed before ventur- ing to turn back onto the highway. Battery and Ignition Service Delco Batteries CREEL BROTHERS 1811 14th St. NW. Decatur 4220 profits and giving city dwellers fresher | PLAN NEW BABY MODELS Changes to Be Made Despite De cline Shown Last Year. Despite the fact that the registration of “baby” cars in Great Britain showed a decline during the production year ended September 30, 1930, British trade reports indicate that at least four, and probably five, of the leading British motor car manufacturers will shortly introduce new models of this type. Trade Commissioner Willlam L. Kil- coyn, in London, informs the Commerce Department. Two cf these firms are not at present making small cars. At the present time the Jowett is the leading make in the 7-horsepower class, the Austin, M. G. Midget, Morris Minor, Singer Junior and Triumph in the 8-horsepower, the A. J. 8. and Riley in the 9-horsepower and the Rover, Standard and Trojan in the 10-horsepower classification. DOES YOUR CAR SHIMMY? Q YOUR » SPRINGS NEED ATTENTION We can make them RIDE LIKE NEW Springs Manufactured and Repaired for All Makes of AUTOS, TRUCKS, BUSSES Quick Service For High-Class BRAKE LINING SEE US WASHINGTON SPRING WORKS 1410 Church St. N.W. DE. 0840 Between P and Q Str. \