Los Angeles herald., 1907-01-25
GREAT THRONG
ATTENDS SHOW
LARGEST GATHERING OF WEEK
IN EVIDENCE
Demonstrators Work Overtime in Ex-
planning Various Attractive Fea-
lures of Their Exhibits.
Elmore Challenge

BY far the largest attendance of
automobile week thus far was in evil
dence last night, when probably 1000
persons passed through the show room
doors.
Space reached premium proportions
and shortly after the electric lights
went on a genuine rush was In order.
The crowd was typical of society
nights throng, with greater numbers
on the floor.
Members of the various musical or
ganizations at the show were obliged
to work overtime last night, as prac-
tically every number was applauded
In such a manner that encore refusal
was out of the question. Certainly a
happy thought inspired the promoters
to make music a feature of the exhibit
ton and the quality on tap is of the
best.
In reality there are two shows in
connection with Morley's rink. Worth
more than passing glance is the
nightly gathering of automobiles out
side the building. Last night Grand
avenue. between Ninth and Tenth, on
either side, was a solid mass or ma
chimes jammed into every foot OF avail
able space. The entire block proved
insufficient to accommodate all the
cars and recourse was had to the side
streets.
That Los Angeles is destined to be
the auto center of America seems more
than probable. So firm has become the
horseless grasp that automobiling as
a business should within few years
be on an even basis with any industry
of the state.
The present show demonstrates be-
yond doubt that the automobile has
come to stay and that the energetic
dealer with substantial cars to sell has
a rosy fuure in store.
According to expressions heard from
every exhibitor there is no reason for
complaint as regards prospective
orders to be filled. Optimism is pre-
valent, and if one might believe every
thing he heard each make of automo-
bile at the show rooms is to lead the
procession.
One of the most prominent dealers of
the city said last night:
II have not the slightest doubt but
that this show'will mean thousands of
dollars to every dealer connected with
the exhibit. Not but what machines
will continue to sell under any circum-
stances. The fact, however, that people
can see all the cars together enables
them to decide more quickly and as a
result sales will be effected more
readily
There is much truth in the statement
as may be easily evidenced during an
evening spent at the show. Now that
the glamor of opening night has died
away more business like proceedings
are in order. Though by no means nu-
merous, several sales have been re-
ported with strong possibilities of more
to follow.
Those dealers who have exposed in
ner workings of their cars seemed to
have hit on a good plan 1t is notice
able that where the engines are open
for inspection a group is always to be
found.
Demonstrators we're hoarse last night
after the continual round of eXplana-
ton which has been characteristic OF
the show days.
Practical to a degree are the major
ity of exhibition attendants This car
be seen by attention paid to the cars
which will cater to automobilists In
Southern California for at least some
time to come.
The big Darracq machine is recog-
nized as a fine>monument to automo-
bilism, but there is not much probable
ity OF the car becoming prominen'
hereabouts for some time to come
tion of it's merits as might occur where
the make has become a permanent fac
tor is manifest.
A. ]. Smith of the Gilmore intends t.
make a demonstration of speed II III
can secure an opponent Following ii
challenge that Mr.. Gilmore issues:
He agrees to wager any amour
from 800 to $1,000 that four-cylinde
forty horsepower regulation Elmor'
touring car of 1907 model can defea
any stock touring machine in Los An
geles.
The race will be a mile at Agricul
tural park, Mr.. Smith driving his owl
car and allowing opponents to secur
Barney Oldfeld or any other drive
they may desire. All conditions are t.
| be named by Mr.. Smith.