Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-26
AUTOMOBILE STERN CHASE.
THE ITALIAN CREW HOPES TO
CATCH THE AMERICANS.
Great Turnout in San Francisco to
View the Leading Car-Schuster
Will Now Drive.

SAN FRANCISCO, March 26-Thou-
sands Of persons passed yesterday in line
before the American car, the first to cross
the American continent in the race from
New York to Paris. After 1t had been
thoroughly inspected and haS had all the
mud and dust taken from it. and all parts
polished up. the racer was placed on ex-
hibition at the Pioneer Automobile Club
announcement had been made that it
could be seen. and soon after daylight a
crowd gathered at the club.
The doors we're thrown open at 7:3O in
the morning and were kept open until late
at night A constant stream of enthusi-
asts passed through the club all the time
and when the doors were finally closed
there were hundreds who had not been
able to get in. while many hundreds had
turned away after long waiting for an op-
portunity to get glimpse of the racer
Three expert mechanics were asked by
the crew to inspect the car after its ar
rival here. They went over it thoroughly
and reported that. despite its rough trip
through snow. mud. mountains and desert.
1t needed no repairs, and was ready to go
that II would be able to make the journey
to Paris.
Members OF the American crew are be-
ing lionized by the local motorists and the
people generally. Schuster, who has ac-
COM panied the car across the cont inent,
looking after it's machinery and at times
relieving the drivers. will take a good rest
before he assumes charge of the wheel at
Valdez. Alaska. with the determination to
take the car into Paris.
At dinner rendered to the crew at the
Automobile Club Of California Tuesday
night the future course of the race was
discussed by some Of the speakers. These
men knew of conditions in Alaska and
Siberia. They seriously questioned the
feasibility Of the Alaskan trip at this sea-
son. saying they thought the thaw would
set in and stop the automobiles. They ad-
vised that, in case the drivers found they
could not get through. the long wait
through the summer be avoided. and that
ing to Vladivostock and through Asia and
Europe to Paris, which accomplishment
would be most remarkable.
Schuster gave assurance that the car
as laid out. and said that he hoped to be
able to cross Alaska before the thaw
sets in.
KELTON. Utah. March 26.-With a de-
termination to be on the same boat that
takes the American car to Valdez. Alaska.
in the New York to Paris race. the Ital-
ians took to the road again shortly after
3 o'clock yesterday afternoon. While the
American car is waiting to take the boat
they will make up lost time running.
The Italian car and its crew were
brought here at 3 o'clock by special en-
gine and car of the Southern Pacific rail-
road. which left Ogden at 1870. They re-
sumed their journey where they had left
off when they were disabled on Monday
They hope to show the real speed that is
in their car on the good roads between
this place and San Francisco.
Quick Repairs.
OGDEN. Utah. March 26.-Record time
| was made in the Union Pacific shops in
the repair of the Italian car. and Sirtori
and his companions were able to set out
again yesterday morning Through the
| courtesy of the railway officials the car
was brought into Ogden by a special
| train. and another special took 1t back
| to kelton yesterday. The work on the
| car In the shops occupied the whole night
| but Sirtori's anxiety TO catch the ship
| sailing from Seattle on April l, when the
| American car will go to Alaska. kept the
| workmen at the task until 1t was finished
| and the car was prepared to resume the
| road
The special train left here at 1876
| o'clock yesterday morning. An extraor-
| binary run would put the car at Goldfield
on Friday night and into San francisco
/ by Monday morning. allowing the machine
| to be shipped by rail to Seattle Monday
I night in time to catch the steamship san.
| ing next Wednesday. Sirtori declares the
| record run will be made, because it mus,
| be.
| Advices here announce that St. Chat
/ fray, with the French car. expected TO ar
rive here last night. but this was moi
| considered possible.
| The Germans are reported two days be-
! hind. proceeding more slowly. Neither OF
! these cars can make the steamship sail
| ing April l with the American car. They
will have to follow week later.