back-lock feature. Considering that they are capable of attaining a speed of about 15 miles per hour on the level, and often run faster than this, owing to favorable grades, it will readily be seen, as is proven by their records, that they are vehicles too dangerous to be operated in crowded city streets. The average modern two passenger vehicle weighs about 1,000 pounds, and has a larger radius of action than these cabs; it has a longer wheel base, a lower centre of gravity and improved means of control, all of which make it a much safer vehicle. For a three passenger car there is no reason why the weight should exceed 1,500 or at most 2,000 pounds. and even if the present cab construction were to be retained the greater part of this weight should be brought much nearer the ground than it is in the present cabs, by suitable modifications in design, particularly lengthening of the wheel base. In view of the above noted facts and of the record of the cabs, it would seem to be time that some measures were taken to force these antiquated vehicles off the streets.
Speeding to Be Repressed in Connecticut
In his inaugural address delivered in Hartford last week, Governor Roberts, of Connecticut, referred to the speed excesses of automobile tourists in that State, and recommended a revision of the present State automobile law, particularly with reference to an increased severity in the penalties for violations. He said that he had been informed that automobilists from other States (by which he undoubtedly referred to New Yorkers) regarded pursuit by officers of the law as part of the fun of a tour through the State, and that when caught and fined they would boast of the matter. He recommended jail penalties for the more exasperating cases instead of the present small fines, which are no deterrent for wealthy automobilists. This, we believe, is the first time the speeding evil has been referred to at an important political function. That there is some justification for the Governor's remarks cannot be denied. as all the law defying New York-Boston record runs, for instance. have led through the State of Connecticut, and many fast touring cars are driven from New York up through that State to the Berkshires and Eastern Massachusetts every summer, frequently, no doubt, at unreasonable speeds. If the Governor's remarks should lead to the adoption of some measure calculated to check reckless driving, it would be hailed with satisfaction by the great body of automobilists. A revision of the present Connecticut State law would be generally welcomed, for, aside from having failed to prevent speeding. it has been an irksome restriction on law abiding automobilists. While the limit of 12 miles per hour in built up sections is quite liberal, the 15 mile limit for the open country is altogether too low, and if a new law be adopted the speed limit should be placed at 20 or 25 miles per hour. Automobile laws are bound to prove failures if they do not permit the reasonable and proper use of the machine.
Obstructed Drivers' Seats
One serious objection to the present arrangement of the controlling devices on practically all touring cars is that the entrance to the driver's seat is entirely obstructed by the brake and change gear levers, and that both occupants of the front seat are therefore forced to enter and alight at the left hand side. Since under ordinary conditions. and in accordance with road rules, a vehicle is always drawn up with its right side to a curb, the occupants of the front seat must walk around the vehicle, perhaps through mud, every time they enter or leave. The disadvantage of this arrangement is obvious, and it seems certain that something more practical will be found in the future. In some cars this objection is overcome by mounting the change gear lever on the steering column. and placing the brake lever comparatively far back, at the side of the seat. Another possible solution of the problem would be to make the left hand seat the driver's seat, and arrange the levers in the middle of the car, though in this case the driver would still have to enter and leave at the off side. The left hand control, properly speaking, does not seem to “catch on,” in spite of the determined efforts of some manufacturers to popularize it, but the arrangement referred to would really be a right hand control. The present arrangement of the controlling devices, when the steering column has the proper tilt and height, and the levers are at a suitable distance from the seat, seems to be an ideal one so far as convenience of operation is concerned, but it should be quite possible to find an equally convenient arrangement that is also free from the objection of obstructing the most convenient entrance to the front seat.
Catalogue of Vehicles Exhibited
In the present issue we print again a catalogue of vehicles to be exhibited at the Madison Square Garden Show, a feature that was inaugurated by us last year. The vehicles are arranged in the order of price, which, we believe, is the most practical for the purpose of visiting purchasers and agents. The Show will this year be larger than ever before, and what has been said with regard to former Shows applies therefore even more strongly to this, namely, that the number of exhibited vehicles is so large that the average visitor becomes confused, and when finishing his visits has no more definite idea as to what vehicle is best suited to his needs than when he first arrived. It is therefore desirable for the visitor to know beforehand just what vehicles may suit his requirements, so that he may confine his attention to them, and not waste his time in searching over the whole Show. With the majority of purchasers the leading factor determining whether a car comes within the range of their possible choice is the price, and we have therefore arranged the vehicles in that order; but some purchasers, especially experienced ones, have very determined notions regarding the practicability of certain mechanical features, and might not want to consider certain vehicles that do not suit their fancy with respect to mechanical design, even though right in price. We therefore give a brief specification of each vehicle, which will enable a visitor to select the vehicles that come nearest to meeting his requirements in many important particulars. We believe a visit to the Show can be made most profitable in this manner; that is, by selecting beforehand a limited number of apparently suitable vehicles and thoroughly investigating these as to workmanship, design of details, mechanical finish, comfort, etc. The visitor will then carry away with him a pretty definite idea of the merits of the different cars, which will greatly aid him in his final selection. While we have made every effort to make the catalogue complete, it may be that there will be shown a few vehicles not listed therein, or some of the vehicles listed may not appear, as exhibitors sometimes change their plans at the last moment. All exhibitors mentioned in the first published list were asked for information, and the replied received from all, except a few who had decided not to exhibit, have been incorporated in the catalogue.
