The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-07-22
YbNKELE ON The AUTOMOBILE
M EXPLAINS JUST WHY THE
THINGS BREAK DOWN.


Aman with an entirely un-Yiddish name
T. might have been John Smith, for there
arc slch in the automobile r~egistry-was
taking observations from the ground into
the ucchanism OF a machine which had
cone to a halt in Delaney street, not far
from the Williamsburg Bridge. Gathered
around the car were twenty or thirty small
hoys who had given over the busy work
Of the lay to be there. They put in their
tine I.'ering into things and then lodging
A. The supposititious Mr.. Smith arose to
tvs Idle with the spark plugs and crank up
incloctively. What time he was not pro-
fame be was getting smudgisr.
Automobiles are SINFUL" said David
IipS,hitz. They All with pride those who
rde in them and therefore are wicked"
81, IL therefore that automobiles are not
II themselves sinful" said Yankele Schlei-
fan, tarrying for the moment. 1T is not
IN" fault Of the machine. Those who ride
in them are sinful, because pride fills them.
A. It Is written, Walk not in pride, for short
VII be thy journey so may il also be
sali of riding
"po you suppose he rod in pride'' asked
DAVID, indicating the PROSTATE owner.
The question was couched in Yiddish, 80
the temperature of the mechanical genius
under the car did not rise extraordinarily.
However, not all who ride are SINFUL"
continued Yankele. Il, myself, once rode,
but mindful of the word, | was humble.
Consequently we did not meet mishap."
"Oh, that must have been grand said
the admiring David, and the chorus echoed
through the group: How l should like
TO ride in an automobile Just once"
st. L. a,.~. IL -. L..
bile. 1t was one Of those that run on the
tracks and have a man on a platform in front
and one on the platform in back" inter-
posed Israel Lefkowitz. Myself L have
ridden in such a car to the journeys end
quite safely"
Il believe Yankele did ride in one" said
pavid. He is telling the truth" The
crowd was v~eering now toward admiration
for Israel, who had the spunk to contradict
Yankele.
You would make me a liarp" demanded
Yankele, turning fiercely upon the ~satirical
Israel. Behold now what a sin is yours.
On the last day you shall answer for it.
Now l will tell you something. On this
very day l could, IL ! wanted TO, ride in an
automobile, as l have done before
"Oh, to be sure, that is easy TO say and
hard to prove" said Israel. We are ac-
customed to hear big talk. Where did you
ever ride in an automobile?"
1t was one belonged TO my rich uncle
on the upper East Side. He ook me once
from his house in Ninetieth street TO 20Oth
street and back again. And il isn't like
is a gasolene automobile" said Yankele.
The crowd. impressed by the knowledge
shown, began to veer back to Yankeles
side.
oh, gewiss, a steam automobile. | have
ridden behind one myself. They go on
tracks into the country. And as for soOth
street. you know as well as ! do there ia nc
such street" added Israel. with the true
East Side Ignorance Of the limits of mystic
uptown. 4 for one don't believe the whole
maase."
M, what is the use Of further talk?"
asked I~ankele. Ordinarily | would not
take the trouble. But to corr ince you |
will ask this man. He will toll you IL there
are steam automobiles and II there is any
2o0th street. You shall soc. As for you,
David. for your willing belief, you shall
this day ride IN an automobile with me-
Oh Iine story sneered Israel. 1T is
cas-. to say it,"
Il have said, responded Yankeld. let
US see further"
He crouched down ~ as TO get within
speaking distance of the perspiring. be-
smirched person. Mister. said \ ankele,
Il would ask a question If il isn't too much
that ] should do SO. Do you give permits
sion?"
ooh. go to the devil" returned the auto
mobilist, in smothered tones. iankele
started back.
Well, what did he say?" ask ed Israel.
II said perhaps there was a 23eth street
and that automobillsts ran there by cleo
tricity; ISM it so?"
II spoke the name Of Satan. cursed
be Ire" said Yank ella.
-Dagon and kedron. "chorused his hearers
in the Amorite and consequently forbidden
form Of talismanic words.
That's the worst Of these goyim,' said
Nankele, deprecatingly; These Christians
are 80 pulled up with pride that they cannot
he civil. Even one brought low as is this
man has anger in his heart"
"Well?" demanded Israel. volumes in the
query.
Yankele. angered by the tone. was all
made up to brave the wrath and ask HIS
questions when grimy Mr.. Smith crawled
out from under the car and demanded;
you kids are hanging around nosinR where
you have no business. Do any of you know
enough 10 tell me where can get gasolene2"
There was a moment Of quiet and some
of the boys. abashed. started TO go away.
Ysnkele looked at Israel. Then he stepped
Forward and said -Misser, when you
spoke 20 me harshiy, out Of the fullness Of
pride just now. | did not resent il. For IL
is written. Charity TOWARD those who are
afflicted and mercy toward the unfortunate
Therefore | will tell you where you can get
EasOlene. Come with me.
He he'd the a~atomobilist away and then
departed talking. IL took quite ten minutes
for them TO return. Mr.. Smith Juggling n
large can Of gasolene. Yankele had a
smile Of easy triumph on his face. Come
on clear away, you kids" cried the auto
man. Get out. nowl" And all but Yam
kel6 and David had to retire. The AMI
was filed and the machine was again in
readiness. The crank was turned and the
huz2ing began.
Some on, now Get in and I'll take you
mp the street as I promised" said the auto
man. Getting the gasolene was worth a
litle ride"
David goes too?- demanded Yankele.
oh, all right. David goes" answered
tho man. now in good humor.
! should first wish to have it understood
that you repent OF your haste Of tongue
earlier and the mention OF the Evil One"
sad iankele, otherwise | do not feel free
10 90"
"Oh, whatever you like said the auto
nan You have a nerve. bargaining with
ne"
Bargain or not, that il a matter Of G o n
science" returned Yankele, climbing into
the tunneau.
"Romauhar nou David y he adde1 aa