Milford chronicle., 1905-04-07
Letters to the Editor.
The Automobile AfiIIctIOn.

Ine Automobile hiinCLiOh'
without personal thrusts; with malice to
ward none, and presumption seemingly al
most astounding; 1 ask If Thomas Jefferson
was right about all men as being born free
and equal?
VanveHargues said, "It is untrue that 60 ual-
ity is a law OF nature. Nature has no equal
ity. It's sovereign law is subordination and
dependence"
Life isn't made up OF parallels, and in one or
more ways we are born slaves, or become so.
According TO Euripides. "A mighty man
when bold and able to speak, Is bad citizen
If he lack discretion" Allow me TO add that
It is true II he lack consideration for other
peoples welfare.
The Duke of Buckingham said, "The world
is made up for the most part Of fools and
knaves." He leaves a minority, OF another
class; and as the owners or users Of automo-
biles are in the minority, let us count them
as noblemen. Wishing Shakespeare could
y OF each one "His life was gentle; and the
elements so mixed in him, that nature might
stand Hp and say to all the world, This was
a mani" Yes, gentleman.
None OF us expect 10 travel through this
life with "buff sOles." But so long as the road
is rough enough at its best, why place break
neck distractions therein unnecessarily.
We will not consider just now the beauty
nor utility OF the automobile. win not dis
cuss Its advantages as compared to horse
power. But the possibility Of fmaking their
usefulness less of a menace to the public SAT- |
ETY. and general welfare.
The majority, with horses and mules. are |
subordinate or subject to the minority with |
automobiles; dependent upon their timely |
consideration, for their lives, limbs and prop
erty.
There is dire calamity interviewer with
power, unless that power be kindly. There
is grandeur, true Robility in the power
that protects the weak and helpless. But the
power Of the oppressor is unworthy Of the
true maR or woman.
In Milford, an automobile was allowed to
stand as motionless as a frog upon a log, until
young woman drove nearly up facing it.
Then the monster Of power rushed sputtering
toward them,
The horse was wild with terror. The handy
side street was all that saved a serious disas-
ter quite visible to behOlders. The severe
fright was decidedly injurious to the driver,
and very aged and young passengers. The
horse was rendered so timorOus as to be prac-
ticRlly useless on the road.
Prior to that fright It was safe as to trains
or traction engines. This is only one out Of
the many consequences which appear as at
tachments to the use OF automobiles.
"Fear hath torment" aud it is perfectly
to suppose that torment has been
sowed broadcast by the advent OF the autOmO-
biles; torment growing with each aoded men-
ace to safety
II isn't cowardce. Those machines may
be "handsome runabOuts" as seen by man;
but TO the ubtaught animal, they are mon
ster bull.frOgs on land; and sputter and clat
Ter as 40 frog was ever known to do.
Women, even children, have found pleasure
md convenience in driving over our thorough
ares. VIII it be safe for them in the future
ls in the past9
Suppose my road tax Is as much, even more
han yours, your automobile renders the pub.
ic highway place of perhaps deadly peril to
ne and my family. Where then is the equal
lights Of man and manP
If am hauling loads and let fall and re-
main in the road, that which shall injure
-our conveyance or yourself; would not be
leld accountable by law? Is your privilege -
o dash over the couRtry regardless OF my
lie or property? IfsO where then is equality
4 right and privilege?
Education and capital should not be oppTes-
ors, but protectors. Gentlemen the auto
mobiles, your speed is so far ahead of thar OF
ommon folks, please take time and thought
Dr. the good OF those less favored. II has
cen remarked that the use Of autom Obiles
eemed to harden the heart and do away with
entlemanly courtesy; pray prove it a mis-
AXE.
In spite Of the wisest precaution possible,
q route, the automobile will leave In its
-ail more or less trouble to other people; and
ne thought OF driving for pleasure or prOht
robbed ofenjoyment, and in some Instances
tOrturesOme
1 wish whistle (kindlv, wisely used) could
erald apr oaoh. Let astop page occur where