The Washington herald., 1910-02-16


Unanimously declaring for uniform speed
and license laws. but each believing the
statutes of his own state the best posi-
bic, more than 300 motor enthusiasts met
at the New Willard yesterday in the first
legislative convention of the American
Automobile Association.
In two sessions speakers from every
part Of the nation where there are au-
tomobiles arraigned state legislatures for
making unwise automobile laws, and de-
manded Federal registration. But the
most significant feature OF the first days
deliberations was that every speaker on
the programme held the regulations OF
his state up as an example OF excellent
legislation. at the same time rapping the
laws of other States.
There was a wide differences OF opinion
as TO whether or not a Federal license
law could be put into effect without the
danger of TOO lax enforcement Of chauf-
feur examinations In certain sections OF
the East
No Dissenting Voice.
Senator's. representatives. and men who
love the hum OF a motor and a grip on
the steering wheel, argued the case OF the
automobile owner against the States.
Traffic, license. and registration laws OF
many statute books were eloquently ana
lived by the representatives Of 24e auto
mobile associations As 10 the necessity
for uniformity in the matter Of local regu-
lations there was no dissenting voice. but
the standard 10 be adopted for national
laws was advocated in IS many different
ways as there were speakers.
Logan Waller Page. director Of the
United States Office Of public roads, led
off the afternoon session with a technical
discussion OF the effect Of auto traffic on
highways He declares motor cars help
roads rather than harm them, and that
the Federal government and State legis-
latures should encourage automobile
travel instead of hindering it by freak
legislation.
William E. Sohler. Of Boston, sounded
a note of warning against the possible
defects of a Federal registration enact
ment. He said some States will not be
strict enough in their demands for COM
petent drivers, and that the States where
such requirements are necessary may
suffer from careless chaUfing as a result.
Allen NJ. Fletcher of Vermont; Neal
Brown. Of Wisconsin. and Arthur FifOOJ.
of Connecticut, went into the details OF
the laws of their respective States. each
declaring for a national standard Of traf-
flee and license rules.
Depew Champions Cause.
Senator Chauncey NJ. DeDew. in his
address of welcome al the opening OF
the morning session, vigorously cham
pioned the cause of general Federal leg
islation. He said, in closing:
We are looking everywhere in tleze GAYS for
revenue with increasing government Here are 70000
machines which next year viii BE- IN use in the
United States suppose only 10000 Of them TOOK
ont the Federal license as To cross State lines.
under proper restrictions il would be 81 10000 revenue
IL tbs national treasury, virtually picked mp on
the road.
Gentlemen Old King Canute wiser than his
cuurtes, demonstrated that even the divinity which
az that time supposed 90 encompass the throne
could not stop the advancing tide Of ocean. The
American people, the most progressive in the world.
should not permit the elder nations which are re-
EaTdtd too slow for o. get ahead Of MS. The
Touring Club of France has otfersd recognition
70; It, certificate iIom an the other nations Of
tie continent. under which The tourist makes his
deposit and then armed with hii certificate DC
C-,s across Germany Italy, Austria, and away
down 90 Constantinope with the least possible de-
lay and trouble. I trusj this question. brought
20 the attention Of CougUSs Dr. this representative
lady. win lead 70 enlightened legislation before
this Congress adiouns.
Says Auto Is Blessing.
Said Senator Robert Taylor, Of Tennes-
see:
am not an enemy Of ne automobile do not
consider it Il curse bIt a blessing In fact I am
glad % live in this age when
Ships are on the water. ships ara. in the air.
And autos are a-sclCting here ard everywhere.
The wonderful Development Il the automobile in
resent years leads me 20 believe that before long
viii have the kissoThoue. which win enable a
young man In Wsshingrcu TO kiss his sweetheart
l.00 miles away. Then next win come the electro
sco1t into which the New York man may step
and be in San Francisco two hours before he
started.
am a States rights Democrat. 50 cannot say
how far ] 60 on the Federal registration idea.
but I am heartily in favor Of anything that viii
help the good roads movement. and hope some day
10 be able 90 step into my automobile here and
drive % my home in Tennessee IN a single day.
Representative W. ". Cocks, of New
York, whose bin for Federal registration
is now before Congress, said:
/ differ from most Of those here in that by view
point Is that 0f the farmer. I have the advantage
or disadvantage 10 live on the Vanderbilt Cup
course, and know how it feels 10 he the man IN the
road: but the authC- Of the automobile bill now
ucEding III Congress / am keeny interested IN the
WcTk that you doing.
Means Railroads Passing.
think the automobile is a powerful engine for
good. The time viii come when we farmers viii
rot have 10 depend uTon the railroads to ship our
produce bat use our own auto trucks.
Ny bin Is now in the Committee on Interstate
and Foreign Commerce Of the House. We have first
20 get il ont of tie committee and then get il
passed Everybody should work without a let-up
until the measure goes through. ! shall do an in
my power, and shall expect sou 10 your friends
iu Congress and get them interested in this matter
The convention viii be in session this
morning and again this afternoon. with
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