The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1909-11-23

machine is built upon the front trucks
and is entirely independent of the
body of the car. An independent air
compressor for use in an emergency is
at the disposal of the engineer, and by
the use of this machinery is started
no "cranking" being necessary. The
brake, whistle, gears and clutches are
operated with compressed air, the total
weight of the car being 80 tons, 22.50O
pounds of which is upon the trucks.
The cost of the car is approximately
$19, 900.
Expense Reduced.
When it is known that five passen-
gers to Dayton at the regular fare Will
pay the entire cost of operation on the
trip, it may readily be seen that the
motor car is destined to effect a gigan-
tic saving along this line. 1t is esti-
mated a gallon of gasoline will operate
the motor for three miles, and the
cost per mile, including the pay of
engineer and cOnductor-but two men
are required-is estimated at IA cents
a mile. The new cars are expected to
cut the cost of operation to a figure
approXimating one-third cost of steam
trains.
To strengthen the body of the motor
car, and to safeguard the passengers
in case of accident, a heavy angle
iron, extending completely around the
outside of the base is securely bolted
to the steel frame, and huge eye-beam
extends throughout the length of the
car, just beneath the floor, this being
firmly cross braced to give absolute
protection to passengers. The entire
body of the car is fire-proof, with the
exception of the Panama mahogany
wood work that has been used to en-
bel,ish the interior. The pointed front
and center entrance permits of
stronger conduction, and serves to add
to the safety of the machine.
Ideal Ventilation.
No discomfort whatever was ex-
made the trip to Dayton, the horn
shaped appliances on the roof convey
ing an unlimited supply of fresh air
into the passenger compartment. The
valves on these may be closed at will,
and the temperature kept at a given
point. The passenger compartment is
upholstered in leather, giving a rich
effect and the round dust-proof win
dows give the interior a light and
airy appearance.
At every stop residents along the
line made a careful inspection of the
new car, and were shown the inner
workings of the mechanism by Chief
Demonstration G. M. Beard, of Omaha,
who came to Walla Walla with the
machine.
Leaving Dayton this morning the
new car will go into active service,
and as the running time between the
three cities can be greatly reduced, it
is confidently expected traffic will in
crease sufficiently to call for an in
short time.
Passengers Are Pleased.
The wellknOwn business men of the
city who are interested in the growth
and development of the valley were
loud yesterday in their praise of the
o. r. & N. company for its move in
placing such a car in operation on its
Dayton and Wallula lines. That the
service will have the effect of breaking
up the large wheat farms, and will in
duce homeseekers to locate upon tracts
in the famous Touchet valley that are
now used exclusively for wheat grow
ing, is the belief of those who have
witnessed the Transformation between
here and Milton, due to the construc
ton of the interurban line and the ex-
cellent service granted by the Walla
Walla Traction company.
Demonstration Beard said yesterday
that the car is as yet an experiment,
but those who went to Dayton yester-
day are inclined to believe it has
passed the experimental stage.
Credit For Burns.
Officers and members of the Com
mercial club are unanimous in extend
ing to General Agent Burns his full
measure of credit for the work he has
done in behalf of the organization, as
well as patrons of his company, in Sc.
curing a motor carrier for the local
lines. For months past the matter has
been under consideration and Mr..
Burns has worked faithfully to the end
that his company might accede to the
desires of the business men and the
transportation committee of the Com
mercial club by installing a modern
who spoke of the new schedule this
morning were high in their praises of