The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-02-14
A STRONG PROTEST.
A Calm Statement of Facts That Con-
demns the Reckless and Indiscrim-
inatc Motorists.

Mr.. Editor:
Since the introduction Of the Green
automobile bill,'' and the consequent
excitement in Sumter among the for
tunate owners of these machines,
have been hoping to see something
said on that side, but as nothing has
anneared I feel constrained to follow
some advice to young authors which
I read several years ago and have
never forgotten to this effect: IF you
have something to say, something you
must say, something which you feel
will cause you to burst if you don't
saw. then say it, and say it at once.
Just now that fits me exactly, so l
will proceed.
Mr.. Green has filed a long felt want
in trying TO make the public highways
little safer ior the sad owners OF un-
progressive horses, which utterly re-
fuse to keep abreast Of the times oy
adopting the chug-a-tug Of automo-
biles as every day affairs, or to claim
their rightful half Of the roads, but
bersist in leaving mans latest lnven-
ton for covering space, in entire ana
absolute possession Of the right of way,
nor stand upon the order Of tlolr 60
| ing.
The bill may not come to anything
at this time, but it will ce- taiAiy DO
this much good, it will call attention
to the state Of affairs existing between
the general public and careless motor
lists, and other things will follow IN
course Of time.
wish to be fair and just, but l
must state a few facts regarding many
automobiles. In the lrst place, will
one in a hundred, or one in a thousand
acknowledge himself careless or
tho1ghtless? Yet what tremendous
per- cent. cause accidents to unwary
travellers. I accuse no man Of wilfully
causing runaway, but many times
this might be avoided by little care
and forethought In the town where
motors are in general use, horses
gradually become accustomed 10
them. or if unable to do so, are sold or
exchanged by their owners. In the
country it is different; very few
horses do not fear them at ell, from
the first, but most Of them are terri
fed at the sight of one as we would be
of a chariot and horses Of fire. and 40
amount Of coaxing can calm them, or
reconcile them to- meet one IN the
road. Some old horses that were never
known to shy, or fear anything e!se'
viii 90 into conniptions over a motor.
Others which can be made to pass
them in towns. taking them as part OF
the strange sights they meet at every
turn, Will smash up things if they are
encountered in country roads. Auto
mobilists should remember these
things. and when duty or pleasure
calls them into the country, should be
extra cautious in approaching any
vehicle. or sharp curve Or hill, where
there is danger of doing so, for al
4 1>1 CT
animal dancing and prsncing about,
especially if it happens TO be some
poor raw-boned beast that would not
be credited with an ounce of spirit,
and the rualed driver is scarce abe
to manage him, there is always dangs:
to life or property, or both. I speak
oniv the truth. when I say that many
owners of motors dash along at full
speed in narrow roads. or come close
up behind a horse causing him to
dash off and adding to his terror by
using the horn too late, and that they
often relate. as great jokes. the va
rious frighrs, etc. they have caused. /
do not accuse all. but 1 do accuse
many OF this very thing, many. per-
fect!y Courteous and polite in other
respects It is this, more than ary-
thing else which has caused i'll feel
ing toward them. Let me give an in
stance which came under MY observa-
ton not many months since-and
doubtless dozens could relate similar
cases.
Two young gentlemen o. youT town
wishing to spend the night with a
country friend came out in their auto
one fine afternoon. On the way they
frightened TWO carriage horses to such
an extent that the carriage pole was
broken. out they We're considerate.
stopping. etc. to enable the genetle-
man driving to coptrol them thus
averting a more serious accident.
Next morning they set out on their