The morning journal-courier., 1908-11-17
E STATE PLAN TO REVISE ,agnt After AUTOMOBILE LAW
(Continued from First Page,)

NCOntlnueQ rom flTSL dStJ the passage of the act, the two past years during which the act has been in force have brought me to believe that the removal of the limit was a good thing, since people might take 1t upon themselves to run machines at the rate of speed allowable in law in q district where this would be menace.
 "One thing which the next leslsla- ture should change Is the price paid for licenses to run machines, The present price, two dollars, Is ridiculously low"
 Chief Cowles of the police department has ordered the officers to exercise greater care in watching the machines than they have in the past and for the present at least careful watch will be kept on automobiles.
 The majority of the owners of ma chimes in the city are as much con- cerned as any other class of people over the recent accidents and almost with one accord are willing to do any thing which will better existing con- ditions.
 Thomas G Bennett president of the New Haven Automobile club, last night in speaking of the matter expressed his great regret at the recent fatalities but did not see how the present law could be changed for the better in the matter of speed,
 At present if a machine Is going as slow as two miles an hour, If the con- ditions warrant 1t the driver can be ar rested for recklessness. With an ar bitrary speed limit this would be im- possible,
 Under the present statute city can not establish a speed limit such as eight miles an hour and the only pro- lection rests with the judges of what reckless driving consists. Such public sentiment has been aroused, however, that with the incoming legislature a movement probably will be made toward the repeal of the special law, at least so far as to give the people local option as to high speed Cor poration Counsel F. II. Rogers said last night that with the present excite ment here he believed that the move ment for the repeal would emanatc from here.
 The present statute reads;
 No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the public highways of this state recklessly or at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper, having regard to the width traffic and uso of the highway or so as to endan- ger property or the life or limb of any person. If the rate of speed of q mos tor vehicle operated on the public highways Of this state exceeds twenty five miles an hour for the distance of ono-cighth of mile, such rate of speed shall be prima facie evidence that the person operating such motor vehicle is operating the same at rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper and in violation of the provisions of this section"
 In regard to tho rights of cities and towns to mako their own speed laws the act says:
 No city, town or borough shall have power to make any ordinance, by law or resolution respecting the speed of motor vehicles and no ordinance, by law or resolution heretofore or hereafter made by any city. town or borough in respect to motor vehicles shall have any force or effect. provided, however, that powers given to any town, city or borough to regulate shows, processions, nssemblarcs. or parades in streets and public places and to regulate the use of public parks, and all ordinances by laws and regulations which may havc been or which may be enacted in pur- suance of said powers shall remain in full force and effect"
 The statute is specific concerning the manner in which an nutomobllist shall approach a person or horse on the highway, and reads as follows;
 Upon approaching any person walk ing in the travelled portion of any pub llc highway and also in passing such person, the person operating motor vehicle shall have the same under con trol and shall reduce it's speed If a horse or other draft animal being led driven or ridden shall appear to bc frightened, or if the person in charge thereof shall signal so to do-the person operating such motor shall bring tht same immediately to a stop Upon ap- preaching a bridge sharp turn, curve or steep desc cgnt he-shall give a timely signal with his bell, horn or other de- ,g., g,,. ,lypalI{pu