The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-08-25
AUTO DEALERS OPPOSE
AGE LIMIT IN LICENSES
Say Boys Are as Capable to
Run Machines as Men.
DISCRIMINATION NOT FAIR
Easier to Manage an Automobile Than
Driving a Horse-Chauffeurs of
the Same Opinion.

The decision OF the District Commits
missioners placing restriction upon
persons under eighteen years of age from
operating automobiles has met with
much adverse comment by both the auto
mobile manufacturers and ehauffeurs in
this city.
All of the prominent dealers in Wash
ington were interviewed by Times
reporter yesterday afternoon In order
to obtain their views upon the action
taken by the Commissioners.
Each of the six firms with whom the
matter was discussed expressed itself IN
favor of doing away with the age limit
entirely. In several of these establish
ments boys were employed who are
under the prospective regulation limit,
who are experts in the handling of
machine, and who by the adoption of the
new rule. Will be deprived of their oc-
cupation. The dealers in motor electric
and gasolene cars contend that a boy
fourteen years old is usually as we'll
qualified TO run an automobile as is
man. They cite a greater number OF
instances in which men were responsible
for accidents than those caused by
youngsters.
Views of the Dealers.
One of the most prominent dealers.
who voices the views of all the others.
said:
Il think the proposed regulations re-
stricting persons under the age of eight
cen from operating automobiles is too
arbitrary. 1t will take away the chief
pleasure of many of the weIl-to-do
children of the city. and, apparently.
for no good reason.
"A boy of fourteen is, in my opinion.
capable of successfully handling an auto
mobile. In nine cases out of ten he
knows more about 1t than his father
The youngsters have nothing TO do in
the way OF work and much of their spare
time is consumed in the study of the ma
chine. They pry into its mysteries until
they know before long what each and
every little cog or piece of machinery
controls. and with a little experience
they soon master the art. of running
the car.
If an age limit is to be placed on
those operating automobiles, why not
upon those who drive horses? II
child barely able to sit up in a carriage
and hold the reins is seen driving
horse, policemen are powerless TO inter
fere- There is no law preventing him
from driving.
Child Powerless With Horse.
If a child of ten is allowed TO drive a
horse. why should not one of the same
age be permitted to run an automobile?
In all fairness he should be allowed TO
operate a machine, provided he is in
telligent. A frail, weak child ian easily
manage an auto II he is endow I'd with
the least intelligence. but what shcw
would he stand with a horse, 5hould the
animal run away?
AS the matter now stands. a man
usually knows what questions Will he
put 10 him when he is brought up for
examination. With him II is simply a
matter OF studying them. going around
TO the District Building. and answering
them and getting permit"
Many prominent men of the city who
use automobiles were also interviewed
upon the subject. and were unanimous in
declaring that anyone capable of quail
tying in the examinations should be per-
A.