The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-01-23

As a matter OF couse Providence was
not behind other cities in showing en-
thusiasm for the Automobile show in
Madison Square Garden. New York. last
week nor in the number OF representa-
tives who inspected the exhibition, and
everybody who has seen the bewldering
array of machines has returned home
with greater enthusiasm than ever over
the prospects OF the sport for the fu-
ture.
The show has proved clearly the ten
dency toward constructive perfection
which has inspired the handsome designs
for 1908.
Altogether the changes this year are
not as radical as were anticipated The
general trend. however is shown to be
rather toward an established standard
Of design, the aim being 10 give the ma
chime a distinctive appearance In the
details of which the makers' ideas are
brought into play.
The proposed amendment 10 the Kane
Automobile law which Is 20 provide that
bicycles of every description shall carry
lights between the hours OF sunset and
sunrise on public roads. and which is 10 be
presented in the legislature within the
next week or ten days by Representative
Kane OF Narragansett. who promulgated
the Kane law now operative in this state,
has received the Endorsement OF automo-
bilists and horsemen I'm general In this
state, all OF whom claim that the utmost
necessity exists for the interests OF traffic
In the adoption OF the amendment. The
compulsory carrying Of lights on bicycles
prevails I'm many localities. generally as a
local ordinance. and 81 Is now planned
10 bring the law into effect in this state
The proposed amendment brings up the
question as to what other states are do
ing in the way OF automobile legislation
this year. In various parts Of the United
States. and particularly In Massachusetts
a movement has been set on foot looking
10 more stringent measures in regard 10
the compulsory carrying OF lights on all
road vehicles at night England. too, Is
aeitating the same question. A number OF
cases have been recorded in this country
recently where collisions have occurred
between automobiles and unlighted vehi-
cles drawn by horses and there have also
been some cases where automobile drivers
have been forced TO ditch their machines
in order To avoid collision with an
unlighted vehicle which appeared sudden
~ within the zone OF danger.
In Connecticut an attempt will be made.
* is reported to establish a speed limit
law for automobiles. Gov. Roberts In his
inaugural address, referred 10 the speed
state, and recommended a revision Of the
present state automobile law particularly
with reference to an increased severity In
the penalties for violations. He said that
he had been informed that automobilists
from other states regarded pursuit by of
ficers of the law as part OF the fun OF
tour through the state and that when
caught and fined they would boast of the
matter. He recommended jail penalties
for the more exasperating cases instead
of the present small fines.
W. k Vanderbilt. Jr.. has forsaken his
old love- the Mercedes. and at the New
York importers show purchased from
Henri Fournier a 100 horse power Hotch-
kiss car.
This year. for the first time. automobiles
are 70 be taxed as personal property in
Milwaukee. They are mentioned on the
official tax rolls and an income Of several
thousand dollars for the city treasury
Is promised.
r Lincoln Iippitt Of the Rhode Island
Automobile club was appointed q member
OF the National Racing Board or the
American Automobile association and was
elected one Of the board OF directors at
the annual meeting of the association In
New York last week.