New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-07
HEARING ON AUTO BILL.
Friends Of the Measure argue IN
FaUor of Strict Regulations.

Trenton, n. j.. Feb. (speciaD-A hearing
on Senator Frelnghuysen's automobile bill was
held in the Senate Chamber at noon to-day
The crowd was not as large as expected ana
was made up almost entirely of friends OF inc
measure.
The Associated Automobile Clubs of New
Jersey appeared through John Gill. of trenton
to ask for another hearing. their side was
not ready owing to inability to get speakers.
He thought week was enough time AFTER
a number Of persons had been heard the hear
ing was adjourned until February 20. wheh
Senator Jackson's measure will also be consid-
cred.
Frederick w. Kelsey. of Orange did not APP
pear in person. but sent a letter to the senate
Judiciary Committee which seemed to voice the
feelings of most of those who were III ldNoi -
the bill. The letter follows:
AS 1 cannot be present at the hearing on the
Frelinghuysen auto bill, permit me TO express or M.
conviction in favor of that nea aiH far modify
ing the speed and other conditions Oh ,ho 9,rnost
Unrestricted use of the present motor car-an in
genous combination of steam engine ana q 4 ~ ~
the State endangering life and the occupants OF
every home. breaking the surface Of the &c exPe S
The terrible momentum of the rapid speed now
permissible for the powerful and swift luacliiie9
has created d condition the public streets which
calls for eXacting legislative control rms appdt-
seem ete 1nWsIranaed. The public highways
presumably acquired and are maintained as ways
where safety should be elementary condition
and were evidently intended places for tra4hc
where any vehicle could, with Ordinary cdutoIl.
be used without the fear OF collision with one OF
the most powerful pieces of mechanism YET devised
In the macadamized streets of Orange these ma
chimes are constantly seen running apparently at
the full speed of mile in three minutes; Us ALLOW
caIly the entire street or exclusive right of way,
10 avoid accidents condition as dangerous as 1t
The modern motor cars have undoubtedly come
favor restrictions but believe that in
all cities AMI other urban communities OF the
now allowable Should lie prohibited, and that
heavy penalties Of simple and dlrect enforcement
strictive rate of speed. The enforcement of the
%fher beJr rGee he hearty approval Of
great majority of the people of New~Jersey.
Clarence f. Case. of somerville, presented
petition in favor of the bill signed by one hum
bred and fifty citizens of his neighborhood. In
speaking the subject he said in part:
There should be proper legislation and the , ex
feature of the automobile and speed should there
fore, be controlled. The speed now maintained Is
chimes should pay for the damage , done The fact
forced shows that they are not sufficient. There
is no good provision for turning corners or pass
driver of horse should be compelled to get out
of the way take chances of injury. If the
wardens eir'nv help the sportsmen there should
the n proPcgon of life and limb The faTming co
Inunity has its rights. and the automobile is de-
prlving 1t of many OF them
John P. Murray said there should be reason
able rules and regulations If such rules were
not adopted the public would be aroused. and
there would be demand for regulations which
would be unfair in their nature. The Auto
mobile Club of America would oppose legisla-
ton, he said, because New-Jersey had the most
liberal laws of any State, and the club desired
TO them continued.
vention Of Cruelty to Animals, spoke on that
part Of the bill regarding limitation of speed
Less than per cent of the Automobiles he
said, paid any attention to the signal when the
hand was raised, as provided for under the
present law. 1t was the tremendous speed that
had terrorized SO many people. He said there
were places in the State where the women
had not been to church for a year because of
the tremendous rate of speed at which ma.
chimes went by their doors. There were al
ways more machines out on Sunday than any
other day. He said, further:
] do not want to drive automobiles out Of ex-
right on the highway is common and public
enemy, One-half of per cent of the population is
terrifying the other s91s per cent
DR.. Young, of Bordentown, said he spoke for
the "hayseeds." AutomobIsts seemed to think
one else had any rights. They would not
slack up for the farmers They had sym
pathy for the the road. They blew the
horn, and if the farmer did not get out OF the
way much the worse for the farmer If laws
were not enforced, the next thing the farmers
would do would be TO shoot the auto man.