The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-11
UNDER A BLAZE OF LIGHT
The Automobile Shows Brilliant
Opening at Convention Hall.
Horseless Vehicles of Every Descrip-
ton on ExhibitiOn-PIeasing Ell
feet of Decorations - Contests
Scheduled for Last Night Port
poned-A "Professional Matinee.n

Automobiles, locomobiles, motorettes, and
motor cycles whirled about the elliptical
track last night from 6 o'clock until II
at Convention Hall, Fifth and l. Streets
northwest The occasion was the opening
night Of Washington's first automobile ex-
hibition. The attendance was large and
pre-eminently distinguished = -
| Convention Hall was most tastefully
| decorated, and most picturesque effect
met the eye upon entrance to the exhibi-
tion floor. From the centre rafter, at the
| very top Of the high ceiling. wide stream
ers Of alternate white and black were sus-
pended from one end to the other over the
immense enclosure. The great iron arches
which sustain the roof were ablaze with
red and blue incaEdescent lights, while
rows Of arc lights made the scene like day.
The Hall was encircled by track. and
within this space the displays were ar
ranged. Each exhibitor added some deco
ration to the space allotted to him. and
many electrically Illuminated signs added
to the effect. Post lights. encased in
globes of automobile red. encircIed one OF
the exhibits, and a green bower Of vines
formed an attractive booth in the centre OF
the hall for a floral display.
The spectators wandered in and out of
the exhibits, examining them and listen
ing to the expositions Of those having
them in charge, or watched, from the seats
and boxes, the race Of the vehicles about
the track. Owing to the unfortunate de-
lay on the part OF the railroads in deliver
ing part Of the consignment of the ex-
hibits, 1t was found advisable to abandon
the programme OF contests which were to
have marked the opening night. These
have been postponed until later occa-
sion. An exhibition of trick bicycle riding
was given during the evening. and Haley's
Band. which will provide music during the
week. offered splendid programme.
The most celebrated manufacturers of
automobiles were represented. All man
ners of motive powers utilized for auto
locomotion were in evidence. There were
machines run by electricity. steam, gaso-
line. hydrO-carbon, and kerosene
The largest display was made by the
Riker Motor Vehicle Company. which had
nine exhibits upon the floor. Among
these were an ambulance and tally -ho,
rr brake" as it is denominated by the
manufacturers. The Riker concern is the
holder Of numerous prizes. Among others
It was awarded first prize in the fifty
mile road race at Long Island, during
the spring of this year.
A most magnificent exhibit OF landaus
Victorias. cabs. stanhopes. of the more
expensive class of autos, was made by
the Woods Motor Vehicle Company. The
wagonette seating twelve persons which
is used in Central Park, n. Y, was among
their displays. A gasoline runabout was
the Knox Automobile Companys fea-
ture. This is a three wheeled vehicle, of |
extreme lightness of construction
The Columbia Electric Vehicle com- |
pany, which also had large exhibit, |
had an interesting machine on the floor, |
which was named a jaunting cara steam |
tricycle., having q seat for the motorman |
and dos-a-d dos seats for passengers. The
Overman Automobile Company showed a |
vehicle noteworthy from the fact that au-
tomato devices have been added to all
OF Its machinery. The Columbia Cycle
Company offered an auto-tricycle and u
300 pound electric wagon. The latter is
one OF the lightest in weight Of the autos
using electricity for the motive power.
The only imported exhibit was the De
Dion Bouton motorette. The vehicle dis
played was the only one on the floor last
night which had made the journey from
the metropolis to the Capital.
MIR. c. G. Wridgway. who has brought
IN EIDE Dion Bouton gasoline motorette
over the road from New York TO the au
omobile show at Convention Hall. reach
ns mere MONDAY morning, hau quite a
engthy and disagreeable trip on account
u the bad condition of the roads. His
lctual time for the 26l miles was seven
cen hours. fifty minutes. His best run was
rom New York to Philadelphia. made in
I've hours, forty-five minutes, very near
ecord time. The roads from Baltimore
o this city were the deepest in mud and
lie had to pry his machine out of the mud
lOles several times. 1t required three
lours, ten minutes to make that stretch.
The same company has a racing vehicle
IN exhibition which is good for mile
minute in long stretches. D.
1t is anticipated that the exhibition
will be in complete order tonight. Two
events have been arranged on the pro-
,ramme. brake contest, at O'Clock,
md an obstacle contest. for $3.50 O'Clock,
will be given for steam vehicles
Thursday afternoon will be known as
Professional matinee. The members of
The Girl from Up There" company. with
Edna May. and the Belle OF Bohemia
cmpany have been invited TO lend their
Presence TO the success OF the exhibition
s spectators. On Thursday evening.
mong other events, the flower contest
as been scheduled, and for the successful
ompetitor having the finest flora! deccra-
ion of his Vehicle a solid silver cup Is
o be awarded.