New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-05-12
LIVELY AUTO HEARING
MINI FOR SPEED LIMIT.
Gorernor Told by Others That Pres
ent Lac Cannot Be Obeyed.
rRr Telegraph 70 me Tribune. :


Albany Nav u.-submt;ing a list from the
coroners' ONCE Of ninety-six persons killed last
wear by automobiles in New York City. ex-Judge
Charles s. whitman told Governor Hughes to-day
thst II the Hanln motor vehicle bill. wiping out
the speed limit became a law, the injuries. dam
ages and deaths in New York City would increase
hvefoid IN the next six months
This IS a most serious proposition for New York
City declared Mr.. Whitman. who appeared for
the National Highways Protective Association
The difficulty is that. with the speed limit abol-
ished- II will he almost impossible TO prove nesi-
renee Even IN cases accidents resulting in
serious injuries or death this proposed law would
make convictions no easier, while driving AZ top
speed. which is manifestly contrary 10 law.
under the proposed law practically would be sane
rioned.''
Ex-JudEe Whitman said that what good in
the hiil was not new. and what new. was not
good Most Of the sitting magistrates Of New York
had signed 2 petition against II, he said. Judge
Of General Sessions had told him that the only
-av automobiles could he convicted under the
proposed law would he he killed somebody.
Nobody. lacking = definite. legal speed limit,
could tell Whist would he reckless driving. The
proposed law also let down the hars on about all
penalties for violations Of the motor laws.
Practically all discussion Of the bill at the hear
ing centred On the clause abolishinE the speed
limit. In addition that the hill provides for a
tax on motor cars. the proceeds 20 he devoted 10
1hs maintenance Of good roads and the licensing cf
ohsufeurs. II creates also scale IF penalties
for violations OF the Law. which its opponents de-
clare. much easier violstors than the pres
ent lew provision FOR bail bond Of SloN va
termed almost an invitation violators to break
the law: then. faced by prison penalty, 10 Jump
their bail
Representative ~ all the motor car orgsnizs-
lions favored the bill Men of high standing in
the community uuhlushingiy admitted that they
were criminals and law breakers every time they
drove fhe5r cars. pleading in extenustion that il
impossible 10 obey the law limiting speed. and
asking that II be abolished TO keep them from
feeling they we're iaEhTeaksrs.
Henry Clevs, president Of the Highway Protec-
ti-e Association. spoke first against the bill He be
leved the abolition of speed limit and the wipins
out Of all local restrictions vas very dangerous
thing.
The bill by implication permits specs OF thirty
miles an hour at least said he That is average
railroad speed and places in the hands Of chauf-
feurs extraordinary power / favor liberal treat
rneDs Of this problem hut this offers too great dan
ger 70 life and property The hail bond Of 800 fixed
hv the bill is inadequate. IN many cases II would
-sot insure the presence OF the offender in court
Fred 2 McEwen. representing many tire manu-
facturers. opposed that section Of the bin limiting
she use Of metal anti-skid devices 10 wet or icy
weather He declared that most OF the anti-skid
tires were not half 50 harmful 10 the roads as the
ordinary rubber tires. since there not the sue
-ion= created by the fat rubber tire.
X. G White Of scarsdale. spoke Of the troubles
THAT had haa with aut0nlohllStS uhuet t'
present Law. He said he contemplated the prospec
OF no speed limit with anguish.
W H Walter, president Of the Chauffeurs Asso
citation f. vcred the abolition Of the speed limit
hut opposed The provisions regarding the licensing
of chsuffeurs
YOU'D make u pay s. to work" said he. hut
you don't provide for any stringent examinations
Al we'd get out of IT would he tin badge and tbs
rublic wouldn't be protected. Accidents COM
through iucapability. We want good men on tn
saoh Give hard examinations Inquire into on
ability and character II you're going 70 license US
In France they have no speed limit. but stringen
examinations and there are fewer accidents Their
than in New York City
Charles Thadd=us Terry, ChaiEulan of-1he legisla
tive committees Of the state and national automobile
associations and representative Of the State Manu-
facturers' Association. made the principal speed
fer the measure. He maintained that violators Of
the law we're not reached at present. but reason
ably might he reached under the proposed statute
.I-nder existing laws every man who drove MS cal
was At some time in the day a criminal
The question Of speed and negligence depended
asn the size Of the highway. the traffic, grade
rGrves and many other things. he said. No hard
and fast rule could cover it should he left Il
the Judgment Of the driver This bill provided pen
'sfties against Joy riding and would establish
lists Of violsfors NJ the law, accessible 70 ever!
magistrate for Use IN cases before him.
Colgate Hoyt said he a lawbreaker. though
he ddn't want 70 he. every time he drove his car
He considered il disgrace for state 10 have
statutes which made good. law respecting either
like the average motor owner uneasy very tim'
Re consulted his conscience. He thought the jill
might not he perfect but suggested that il It wer
signed il could he amended next year.
Grand Master Godfrey Of the State Grange sail
Efse farmers inclined favor this bill. The,
thought speed laws never would be obeyed. any
how and WOULD he 4 dead letter. while this bill
would provide some money for the maintenance o
good roads The reckless drivers. he said woul,
Xiii themselves of so fast that and careful
generation soor must succeed them.