New-York tribune., 1909-04-02
WILL LET CHAINS STAY
VICTORY FOR MOTORISTS
Hearing at albany on Safety De
Uices Clears Situation.
LBy Telegraph to The Tribune. ]

noon before the State Highway Commission the
proposition TO abolish chains and non-skiddins
devices used by automoblists it was learned
that the sentiment of the commission was for re-
tanning such devices, but under certain specific
regulations Chairman Hooker said that the course
which the commission would undoubtedly adopt
would be to draw up regulations and then submit
them for another hearing which will probably be
held within the next week or two.
Automobiles came from ali sections of the
state and made a plea for the retention of non
skidding devices, but there appearance in
favor of the proposition to abolish them After
the opposition had been heard Chairman Hooker
asked If there any who wished to be heard
in favor of the proposition. -
Il understand there was man named Cruyder
here against it, said Oliver A. Quayle. Of Albany,
former president of the New York State Auto
mobile Association
perhaps he was convinced by side of the
question and got out" interrupted George C.
Diehl, Erie County engineer.
Charles Thaddeus Terry, chairman of the legis-
atve board of the American Automobile Associa-
tion. the principal speaker against the propo
sition Mr.. Terry said that tire chains and other
adequate non-skdding devices were necessary for
safety and careful operation of motor vehicles
when roads wet. slippery covered with
and that the injury to the road from them,
If any. is slight and outweighed by the necessity
for public safety.
LAS for the tire chain,' he said. 'it is used only
when the road is wet and slippery covered with
snow and ice. and does absolutely no INJURY. IL
sinks into the tire, and only slightly in the road
The chains are easily removed and not used in
dry weather. AS the result the chain is much
superior to other devices which permanently
fixed TO the tire and used at all times"
Mr. Terry said that a prohibition against the use
OF tire chains in all conditions Of the road would
be unconstitutional and that the Supreme Court OF
this state had held such restriction void. He
said that the provisions of the New Jersey law
allowing -skidding devices only when there is
an inch of snow ice the road had been
demned by the Attorney General of that state and
had been practically repealed by the New Jersey
Assembly by large majority.
'AlI the automobilists of the state and of the
United States" he declared, insist that when the
roads are slippery the Of chains is necessary
for the protection OF life and property and that
prohibition of the chain would deny 10 automo-
bilists equal rights 10 the OF the highways be-
cause under many decisions Of the court 1t is
natural and usual uoe."
Henry Edmund. Of London, England, member
of the Institute Civil Engineers said that he had
much experience with the Of chains abroad and
that IN some parts Of England they are required
by law and that the effect OF chains upon roadways
and roads was less injurious than steel studded
tires. which had been experimental with upon
roads in England
Others who spoke for the retention OF chains and
non-skidding devices C B. Woodwork tire
manufacturer of Boston: G. D. Herman, Of Albany.
representing the Liability and Accident Insurance
Company: Edward " Mcmahon. Of New York:
Hiram Percy Maxim. the firearms inventor; Albert
R. shattuck Of New York; James Hemstreet OF
New York c. ?. CIarkson. of New York: Bert Van
TuyI OF the Automobile Club of Rochester; John
NJ Bruce Of Yonkers; Frank ". Webb president
of the Long Island Automobile Club; H. G. An
drews secretary OF the Long Island Automobile
Club; Arthur F. Phelps. of Watervliet; F. a
Kately, of Mount Vernon: G. II. Stilwen- Of the
Automobile Club of Syracuse and F. II. Elliott. OF
BronxvIlle.
A dinner was given at the Hotel Astor last night
by the Benz Auto Import Company Of America
for David Bruce Brown, the amateur driver. as an
appreciation of his services in establishing new
world records in the Benz racing car owned by
Hugh Mcintosh the Australian prize night pro-
moter at the recent Ormond Daytona (FlOrda)
beach tournament. More than one hundred guests
sat down E. E. Schwarzkopf acted as tOastmas-
ter Fred. ]. Wagner, official starter OF the AnerL
can Automobile Association, who acted in this
capacity at the Florida races. highly praised the
showing of the Benz and the great driving done
by Brown. He said he was surprised that the
manufacturers hadn't taken more interest in en-
tering cars in the Florida meet, owing to the fine
opportunities the beach AFFORDS for the trying OUT
OF the merits of
He considered the beach OF the best auto
mobile courses In the world. and expects TO see
the tournament already planned to be held there
next winter a big success. Mr.. Mcintosh told how
he became the owner of the Benz and his con-
nections as a fight promoter He intends not TO
leave a stone unturned. he said to bring about
fight between Jefries and Johnson.
Chicago. April notwithstanding the refusal of
the Manufacturers Contest Association indorse
the proposed New York-Seatte race. the Thomas
car that is being used pathfinder in the conti-
mental trip left here to-day headed for st. Louis.
The crew expected TO reach Bloomington. Ill. 16O
miles by tonight and run into ST. Louis another
10 miles tomorrow