New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-11-22
AUTOMOBILE INGENUITY
HORSELESS VEHICLES AND SLIPPERY
ASPHALT-FIRE CHIEF CROKER
AT THE SHOW.

The ingenuity OF the average young American
better illustrated than It was In the
rain furry yesterday afternoon. Those who have
watched vehicles of all sorts slipping about on
wet asphalt will appreciate the predicament OF
a young in Lexington-ave, near Forty-thfrd-
ST., yesterday. He the driver OF one OF the
automobiles OF the runabout pattern and
had stopped in front OF the Grand Central Palace
to IN and look over the exhibit OF automo-
biles. After the rain ceased he out and
jumping into the seat, pulled the crank. The
asphalt was wet and slippery, and the young man
was astonished The wheels spun around like
those of locomotive slippery rails. but the
machine itself did not move an inch.
big crowd gathered. OF course. and the man
with ideas began to tell the young what to
do. Then even the women among the spectators
offered suggestions. but the youthful driver did
not to think much OF any of them. Then the
wag suggested that go down the
Horse Show and borrow animal long enough
get the horseless vehicle started. The young
looked silently, and then idea broke
upon him Paying no further attention to the
onlookers he stepped from his machine. Drawing
a newspaper from his overcoat pocket. he sep
arated the sheets and placed piece OF paper
the pavement beneath each Of the wheels. The
lockers began to wonder what going to hap
pen, when the young climbed into the vehicle.
gave the lever a savage twist. and the automobile
moved of as If nothing had happened.
"a little sand would have done the same thing"
said the young man. the machine moved up
the street.
Fire Chief Croker visitor at the show yes
terday. Mr. Croker is interested IN the automo-
bile question: and believes that the horseless
hice can be used in the Fire Department with
advantage 10 the Department and to the city. He
examined all the various makes and styles, and
asked innumerable questions about the motive
power of each machine. and how far 1t would
all sorts OF streets without being re-
charged He seemed to think that one Of the
electric machines which is guaranteed TO run a
considerable distance without reCharging would
about suit him Mr.. Croker admitted that he had
had more or less experience with automobiles, but
from the way he said 1t he has had his troubles
well. Another demonstration of liquid air
made at the show yesterday.
Automobile enthusiasts find some opportunities
at the show to learn much concerning their ma
chimes. At space in the show is engine
from automobile laid out table, and be-
side 1t the firing basin and the boiler. 1t IS the
chief machinery Of q vehicle dissected in such
n way that every part can be readily understood
In charge has steady employment explaining TO
owners Of that style of carriage the reason for
any difficulties they have had, and tnStructnS them
how avoid such difficulties in the future.
One Of the most interesting competitions OF the
week at the Palace last night. Five
vehicles, three electric and two steam were entered
in obstacle Chairs were placed on the
track and in the centre of the ring. Just enough
space left for the vehicles 10 pass through
to make the return backward all OF them silpped
up. 1t was believed that the committee in charge
had made the curves difficult that II was prac-
tcally impossible for any of the machines 10 make
the angles backward. The trials, however, seemed
to amuse the spectators immensely.