The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-09-27
The Auto-Boat.

The autoboat seems about to invade
the peaceful waters Of our fair Minnie
tonka. Orders have, been given, for
building a craft for next season at the
lake which will make the present launch
seem like a towboat. It is hoped to
approximate the speed of the autoboat
"Vingt-et-U H., - which last week
made a record run on the Hudson river
of a little better than twenty seven
miles an hour, which is considered the
worlds best average for it's class. Its
length on the waterline is thirty-eight
feet, with 8. beam of three. feet eight
inches, seven. inches draft, the screw
and rudder drawing two feet nine
inches aft. It is equipped with sixty
horsepower Mercedes auto-engine. The
new boat for Minnetonka will be laid
down on much the same lines.
It will plainly be seen that such a
boat is racing machine, something to
90 Hfaster than the other fellow
Comfort is sacrificed for speed. Amer
| leans are living at an accelerated speed.
The utilization Of the power Of gasolene
has enabled him to crafty his desire
to ride faster and faster under the
guidance, Of his own hand. 1t is one
thing to ride in a. Pullman train at the
rate of eighty miles an hour, and an
other to have that speed under the con-
troll of ones own hand and foot. 1t is
the auto idea that fascinates.
The automobile and power launch are
enabling the gentleman amateur to enter
the sphere Of responsibility that has
heretofore been monopolized by the en-.
gineer and pilot. The assumption Of the
responsibility by every one who runs an
automobile or motorboat should have
steadying effect, and there should be
a distinct gain in the matter of courage
self control, alertness and cool-headed'
ness. - ~ .'S'F -.
With the spread of the auto there
will come to be general recognition
of the fact that there is an Fought to =
which goes with it.. An g ought to'' in
respect to those who ride, and an
Fought to- in respect to others on the
road. There is no question but what
the multiplication Of the autoboat or
Minnetonka will increase the hazard OF
1 the slower craft, and it will also give
it's operators an opportunity for exhibit
ing a high degree Of courtesy and con
sideration for those who are at best
timid in any craft. ~. ~.
! r., Transatlantic racing with motorboats
is the next invasion of Neptune 8 do
main. Rules have just been formulated
by the transatlantic cup executive com
mittee to govern these races. There il
to be no limit to the size, length
breadth or depth Of the boats. The en-
CINE must be capable of being started il
limited number Of seconds. The mini
mum Of speed in smooth water must bt
fifteen knots No fresh supplies may
be taken on from start to finish. Jul,
is designated as the most suitable month
for the races.
A good many of us will still prefe
to engage passage on the ocean liner. =
The state Of Tennessee has begun a.
action at law against the Standard o.
, company for violating its antitrust law
The charge is, and it is said to be sus
tanned by ample proof, that the agent
of the company arc in the habit of brib
, ing dealers who have ordered oil Of a
, independent company to counternan
, their orders, They are not given money