The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-08-27
rHE LAwLnss srrrprns.


 What has populariy come to be designated as "scorching'. has become something more than . mere nuisance in many of the large cities of the North and East. and in the country regions adjacent to those cities. The reckless speeding of autos of all kinds has become a genuine menace to life and limb. There Is little of 1t in the South, but perhaps our immunity Is due to the fact that we have not yet developed such a system of good roads as they have up North. and for that reason motor vehicles cannot be run at high speed. Let us also claim that the temperament of Southern people has not so changed that they lose all consideration for the safety of others.
 It Is different up North, as Is well known. Hardly day passes that we do not read in the news columns of the newspapers accounts of accidents and mishaps due to high speeding. It is not to the ignorant and inex- perienced that these dangers must be charged, for in at least . large num- Der of cases the machines are owned by the wealthy and influential msm- bers of society; men who are able to own the best vehicles beyond and above the law. If not thenseivcs driving their machines the chauffeurs are acting under their orders. When they run over and kill or seriously in- jure some one they either claim that their autos are so powerful that they cannot be run at moderate speed. or cannot be stopped in time to avoid accidents. or else they will assert that they were not aware that they were exceeding the speed limits. Sometimes they let 1t be shown very plainly that they care nothing for the laws or the safety of others.
 There has been." says The Kansa City Journal, "a very apparent change fin sentiment in recent years on the part of the public toward motorists. but this good opinion is being endan- xered by the reckless drivers who are intent only on their own pleasure. The rights of the public are not to be ruthlessiy disresarded, and while the people will regret any hardship upon eonsiderate motorists, they win be compelled in self-defense to protect themselves. The majority of aute- mobilists eheerfuliy recognize this right and their efforts to restrain so far as possible the ruthless night riders and day riders who are jeopard- king the future growth of one of the greatest industries of the country"
 It may be possible, ss The Journal says. that majority of those who own and operate these machines recognize and respect the rights of others. but there are enough who do not do so to make life unsafe wherever the reeix- less and lawless ones travel There are enough of that class to be a con stant menace to the public. And 1t is also true. as The Journal says. that the acts of these lawless speeders will bring on 8 condition where the people will protect themselves in any way that Is open to them. even to the talk ing of life and the destruction of the offending machines. This would in- evftably result in injury to those who strictly observe the law and the rights of others. and also prove hurtfui to the new method of travel. There is no remedy. in our judgment, but to punish reckless speeders by infiieting such penalties as will bring them to their senses.