The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1910-02-13
OLCOTT INTRODUCES
FEDERAL AUTO BILL
Automobile Club of America Is
sues Statement Regarding
Measure.
FIVE YEARS SINCE FIRST
ACTION TAKEN BY CLUB
Bill Is in Hands of Congress,
After Having Been Given
Much Consideration.

The proposcd federal automobile bill
OF Mr.. ]. Van Vechten Olcott, introduced
in the house OF representatives as bill
No. 1865, Is approaching consideration
by congress and merits the attention OF
every automoblnst. 1t reflects the labors
of the Automobile Club of America in Its
endeavors during nearly five years. TO
have federal action taken upon the sub
ject.
It's provisions extend only as far as
congress can constitutionally legisiate IN
such matters. but to that extent 1t is su-
preme and exclusive.
1t applies TO automobiles operating IN:
First-The District Of Columbia or any
of the territories exclusive OF the insu-
lar possessions.
Second-The postal service: that is. TO
the carrying OF mail upon any public
highway.
Third-Interstate or foreign commerce;
that is, 10 the regularly carrying OF pas
sengers, freight or express matter Tor
hire, between the states or between the
United States and other countries.
Principal Features.
The principal features OF the bill are
as follows
Registration with the secretary OF com
merce and labor at an expense Of two
dollars.
Numbers conspicuously visible with ~,
s." in red letters upon the plaque.
Speed TO be reasonable and proper un-
der the circumstances and conditions of
each case,
Provisions with respect to lights and
horns, as usual
with other proper Information must be
given to person injured.
Penalties; Fines and Jail. the maximum
being 500. and six months;
los inr hz- ffN1 p-YS iT1f n &
or release on bail allowed;
Bail 10 be given by undertaking or de-
post of cash equal to maximum fine ap-
plicable TO offense;
Right Of Action.
The right of action TO recover for In
jury TO person or property not affected
The effect of federal legislation along
the above lines will be beneficial IN every
part OF the Union and its practical opera
tion In the District OF Columbia will ma
turally he communicated by senators and
members OF congress 20 their various
constituents Its operation Will be OBJ
served daily In the carrying OF mail mat
ter on every highway of any Importance
in the country, for the day is at hand
when all mail will be distributed: and
before long. motor cars Will probably
carry passengers. freight and express
matter in interstate and foreign COM
merCe.
A copy Of the act must be posted in
every. pOSlOlllCe III the united states,
thus giving IL the greatest publicity.
No Interference.
This bill makes no attempt to interfere
with the opera ton Of state laws whcr-
ever they are paramount 20 the federal
constitution.
Those interested In the law arc also In
sympathy With the movement initiated
by committees or conventions on uniform
Law OF the union. to secure the adoption
Of uniform standard law which shall
be enforced within both federal and state
Jurisdictions.
The adoption OF a federal law, how
ever. will afford an opportunity for states
which have not legislated upon the sub
ject TO follow II. and also for states
which are amending their laws 20 do the
same as 1t Is easier for states 70 con-
form 10 n federal standard. than TO a
standard which depends on the uncertain
ties of a mutual agreement between the
states.
The above is all that can be claimed
for the Olcott bill. and no law going fur
ther Will be constitutional