The times., 1899-10-25
MOTOR VEHICLES IN BERLIN.
Consul General Mason Writes oi
Their Exposition There


a unique issue of the consular reports. -
published daily by the State Department.
appeared yesterday. This issue OF the
pamphlet is profusely illustrated with
many full-page half-tone engravings, the
subject of illustration being a report from
Consul General Frank H. Mason, of Ber-
lin, on the International Motor Carriage
Exposition at that city.
Mr. Mason reports the opening of the ex-
position on September 3. in the presence
OF the German Emperor and describes the
principal features of the show. A part Of
Consul General Mason's letter follows:
AS classified under the schedule pre-
viously announced, the exhibition includes
forty different models and types of motor
carriages for one passenger or more;
thirteen exhibitors show motor wagons for
freight twenty-six numbers cover ex-
hibits of motor cycles and trail carts be-
longing therto; six firms exhibits motors
and parts Of the same; two show only
springs and wheels for motor carriages;
htty-one firms exhibit various miscella-
neous parts. fixtures, and materials for
motor carriages not included in the pre-
ceding classes, and five exhibitors display
the literature, drawings. maps, and models
which the new science of automobilism has
thus far developed.
In estimating the success of this exhi-
bition, it is essential to remember that au
tomobilism and the manufacture Of motor
vehicles are of comparatively recent birth
IN Germany. But this exhibition has re-
vealed for the first time how vigorously
German engineers and manufacturers have
taken hold of the new industry The ex-
hibition shows about the usual proportion
of carriages propelled by electricity, and
some form of hvdrOaa rI,Cy, oil I,sy,
zine, or gasoline. Large sales have been
made, some of the different types having
been sold as many as twenty times for
future delivery, and it is noticed that for
town or city use the electrical carriages
nave the preference among purchasers,
while fer country districts and freight and
delivery wagons the benzine and gasoline
motors have the call.
This is the natural result Of considera-
tions which apply equally in all countries.
The electrical carriage Is more easily han
died than those Of the oil or benzine type
1t is self-starting. free from smell, practi-
caily nCtseless, and can be run at wide
ranges CT speed without the use of differ
ent gear wheels. It is good for forty miles
without recharging which is quite sufi-
cient fer ordinary city, park, or suburban
driving, and can be managed by a skill
ful amateur without the presence and help
of a professional driver.
Three trials of speed were among the
prescribed features. The first, from Berlin
to Baumbarten Bridge aud return, 4O.4
miles. on September u was won by an
AstOr tricycle. driven by Broca, in one
hundred minutes and thirty seconds.
although the winner lost some time
through having been shut off at railway
crossings.
The second race, from Berlin to Dresden
and return, 1l9 miles, was fixed for Sun
day, September II, but was more or less
deranged by. heavy, persistent rains. The
third race from Berlin to Munich, via
Magdeburg, Cassel, Frankfort, Stuttgart.
and Augsburg. 62S miles, started at noon
today, September %"