The evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1907-1908, 1908-02-01

Within q few days now 1t VIII be possible
to determine whether the race of February
%, from jacksonville TO Miami, a distance
of thirty-six miles through the wilds of
Florida, is practical, as the ~pathfinders are
now en- route over the course. Much of the
road has never been Travelled by automobile
and is an unknown quantity. The Cleve-
land, driven by James Laughlin, Sd, the
young Cleveland millionaire, will plot the
route, erect signboards and secure data for
the route cards. The cars have been
equipped with spades, planks, block and
tackle and with other necessary appliances
for rough gong. Fords will be found
numerous, and in event of rain some parts
Of the route may be found impossible ex-
cept by means of a boat.
New York tradesmen have allied them
selves with three organizations for lunch
hours daily and enjoy their meals greatly
on this account. The Fairweather Club
meets at the Hotel Cumberland, the Flat
Tire Club at the Hotel Astor and the
Coupon Club at Rector's. All of these
organizations have their doors wide open
and tradesmen along automobile row may
change around, but each club is a sue
cess, for the attendance is good. The
three organizations hold annual dinners,
and 1t Is not at all improbable that from
this slight beginning there may grow a
powerful automobile organization In New
York which will include member OF all
bodies. The Automobile Club of America
has also a considerable attendance Of
tradesmen for it's noon luncheon, which
has been demonstrated a distinct success
by the attendance and satisfaction Of the
members with the cuisine.
Many aspirants for positions in the au-
tomobile manufacturing or selling field
have OF late been advised not to go into
motoring on land. but to make every effort
TO secure connections with the manufac-
turing end of the field Of aero work. The
advice has been received with a credulous
smile, but that il Is good Is demonstrated
by the reports coming from all over the
country OF orders placed for air ships.
The Inventors are at work on special
engines for air ships, and those who have
ships that have been demonstrated sue
cessfully In flights are rushed with orders.
Several companies have been formed to
manufacture aero contrivances, and the
present year will see the air ship out OF
the experimental field and safely placed
among the well-established necessities OF
the times. The air ship has come to stay.
Probably few have ever stopped to con-
slider the great good which is being accom-
plished for the trade In general by the gen
erous sale Of small runabouts and the
buggy-abouts now being disposed Of so
freely. Few ever start ~automobiling by the
purchase of a small, cheap runabout or
automobile of any sort that they do not
finally take on a higher-powered ana
higher priced car before they finally attain
their final wants. The small runabout and
the horseless buggy only serve to whet the
appetite OF the enthusiast for more, and
really create customers for the better cars,
The history of nearly every automobiles
will show that he started with a small car,
and, after having learned the ropes. started
purchasing each year a more expensive
make. The game Of automobiling, II II
may be termed a game, is a progressive
one. and no man ever stops with the small
car or is ever too disguised to purchase 9
better one.
The automobile has aroused Long Islant
D and has caused an active movement towart
! the matter of good roads. Late reports
from Long Island state that the road i'm
proyement fund authorized by Nassau
Conn ty, amounting to $4,000, has been sub
scribed for by the Riverhead Savings Banl
at 10000 on bonds, local banking Institu
lions having subscribed for the remainder
> This represents one-half the amount to b.
. expended during the coming year In tn
= matter OF improvements of the main thor
D oughfares Of Nassau County reaching +
| New York city aud the highways II
. Queens. The county will pay $4,000 70
Q its share Of the Improvement work upon tn
: terms Of the State good roads law.
! There's an evident mixup all around O
: the Southern circuit dates, and much con
! fusion has arisen for the reason tia
! Florida interferes with the Boston shoy
y dates. The great Boston show open
: March 7 and Ormond has been dated 70
: March 2. The Southern circuit start
{ with the Jacksonville to Miami road race
. which Is scheduled to start on februar
: %. The race takes five days, after whic
= the cars will return TO Ormond for tn
. meet there. Unfortunately, the Ormon
u program includes no stock car races |
: which these cars may take part. 1t
l. proposed TO run the event for the Commc
: dore Allen trophy, a boat race, down tn
n canals and rivers from st. Augustine I
: Palm Beach, the same week as Ormon'
? arriving at Lake Worth one week in nc
d vance OF the tournament for motor boat
: The Lake Worth tournament opens q
: March 1e. and the week Of racing at 81
yannah under A.. A.. A. auspices is sched
. uled for the same week. There Is seen
= ingly a conflict all around, and the oppoi
? tunlty is presented for a meeting TO a
2 range the circuit dates anew and wit
satisfaction to all. The present har
. times will not allow the papers TO sen
! enough reporters South TO attend all
q the events. and as publicity for autonS
: bling and motor boating Is desired, r.
. suits from some IN the events will be nj
There is a feeling generally that II