The Washington herald., 1911-02-14
BRILLIANT CROWD
GREETS KING AUTO
Continued from Page One.

of the men and the dazzling gowns seen
on the women smacked more strongly
of an evening reception than a sales
room. And bright the lights shone Ger
fair women and brave men,"
BriIIinnce in Evidence.
The brilliance of the affair was in evil
dence before the hall was reached by
the visitor. for the big building was
solidly girded on two sides by lines of
automobiles, parked along the curbs, the
dark lines studded with the front and
back lights of the machines, while ex-
tending out. as spokes from the hub OF
wheel, the overflow was parked along
the sides of adjacent streets. 1t is esti-
mated that nearly 1000 private cars were
thus parked near Convention Hall
Welcomed by strains of music from
large orchestra. ensconced in a balcony
over the main entrance, the visitor was
ushered into a scene of peculiar beauty.
The size of the hall and extent of the
decorations were sufficient to grasp the
imagination of the CnloOker at first sight.
Add to that nearly 10 brilliant machines
Scintilating under the rays of a myriad
OF electric bulbs and huge arc lights, and
the effect was enough to make the Wis
itor pause for time on the threshold
and readjust shaken ideas and inadequate
expectations.
Then began a pilgrimage into what, at
least for the automobile enthusiast
seemed like d fairyland. The bare state
ment that more than $500 OOO-one-half a
million dollars-waS repreented in ma
chimes alone on the floor, fails to convey
an adequate idea of what the scene
means to one who understood the values
and finer points of automobiles.
The only free space of any size resolved
in n .gE,-
in the main entrance. There the show
committee, consisting of w. c. Long
chairman; J. NJ. Stoddard treasurer;
John r Thomas. secretary: T s. John
son, Claude Miller. William Jose S A.
LUttrell. and a. Gary Carter. was grouped
in whole or in part at different times
throughout the evening, TO welcome in
Comers and receive congra tulations from
friends on the success promised the ex-
hibit by the first nights interest
Many Varieties of Cars.
The first glance vouchsafed the fncomer
might take in a dozen different varieties
of cars and exhibits of as many different
prices. In the center exhibits were
grouped some of the handsomest limou-
slnes in the show, seyen-passenger tour
ing cars. snappy roadsters, coupes and
l3closed and open runabouts. In one
seen the stripped exhibition chassis of a
large touring car. its mechanism entirely
exposed and flashing in the light as il
moved slowly to the power of an electric
motor attachment Ranged almost direct
ly alongside was one OF the freak exhib-
its, the Overland Wind Car an ordi-
nary machine on which the chain drive
had been attached to an eight-foot pro-
peller, which is capable of sending the
\ net
Before the visitor had proceeded a great
distance down the green baize aisle, it
was evident one such pilgrimage would
be insufficient TO absorb all that was to
be seen There were I6S cars Of sixty
different makes on the floor Washing
tons display ranks third with any held
in the United States since the automo-
bile industry sprang into prominence. |
To Chicago the first honors were given. |
while New YOrks show was relegated 20 |
second rank. WaShingt0nS follows that |
OF the metropolis, and in number and |
class Of cars and general arrangement
of exhibits has probably never been
equaled by any city of its size
The prominence of Washington in the |
automobile world is attested by the ex-
hibftion offered a Convention Hall In /
Ia te years the Capital City has grown to |
be regarded as a decidedly fertile and |
productive ground by tie automobile |
statesmen. as is shown by the exception
ally large number OF agencies located |
here. This weeks show. if last night
may be regarded as a criterion Of what
the five remaining days will bring forth,
should convince the manufacturers of the
wisdom of their interest.
Big Event of City.
But outside of its place as the exhibit
nf the progress of a great industry. the
auto show promises to rank as one of
he big events Of the Washington sea
son. 1t does not require the knowledge
md skill OF an artist to appreciate a
reat canvas, and by the same token one
ieed not necessarily be a motor enthusi-
st or speed crank to enjoy the at
active and impressive display Of what
ears of experience and millions OF dol
|rs Of investment have been able to do
the automobile industry
Zach exhibit is presided over ~,
2rpS of statesmen, skilled demonstrators
no are able TO discuss luCidly with the
ast informed layuan the details of his
n and impress on interested hearers
features and advantages of his ma ,
me. One can learn much in a short :
ne OF machinCS-limousines touring
rs rACy looking tOrpedoeS, gentlemen's
touring rOddSterS stripped racers | ,
=
gasoline class, and among the eIec- ,
cS FoadsterS, coupes, and runahouts-I
are there for study and inspection.
ONE are elegantly trimmed and naint-
while others are severely simple The
'ensively upholstered and finished Ii
usine, with cOquetish French Ianns r
cutglass vases for flowers, is ranged q
ngside of the grim. gray racing car {
two colors and no pretense ar hea,rtv v
he arrangement and finish Of tho q
Pped chassis attracted a constant cir Z
or watchers. Instead of the dusty.
lsy running gear and engines found
fars in use, the visitor saw irunwork $
lpouess white. and the jet blacl, Of +
engines served as a hitting hacL- =
nd for highly polished brass attach :,
Right to Popularity.
th many members of the younger sat
utantes and their escorts and neonIe +
hder years-the limousines and large =