Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-26

Prospects for the organization of Wash
ington automobile dealers into per-
manent association, the primary object OF
which will be the regulation of prices,
trades, etc. are exceptionally bright.
Tho dealers will meet within the next
two weeks and discuss tentative plans for
organizing.
The suggestion for an organization of
this character was made by ". G. Long
last Tuesday night at complimentary
dinner given him Ivy local agents for
the successful manner in which nc man
aged Washinctons second annual auto
mobile show.
Mr. Long called attention to the neces-
sitv for such an organization or associa-
tons and the idea was Endorsed. with the
icsult that the majority of the agents
decided to effect a permanent orsaniza-
ton before the advent of the spring
months.
Speaking of the proposed organization
yesterday, Mr.. Long said:
1T is impossible to forecast what Will
he done at the meeting. The need of
getting together and agreeing to con
duct certain phases of the business on a
common basis. however. is readily recog-
nized. have no doubt there will he
little difficulty in forming an organlza-
ton without delay.
The project has been in my mind for
some time, and what is really RESPONSE
BILE fer nv suggestion that We form an
organization is the inequality of valua-
lions placed on second hand cars taken
as part of the purchase price for new
machines. Those valuations have varied
greatly from time to time. 1t is only
fair and equitable that a common basis
of car valuation be followed; one that
will place the prospective buyer of new
car on the same plane with all agents.
This IL the most important item to De
discussed at the meeting.
All of the downtown dealers agreed
with Mr. Long and expressed the hope
that an organization will be perfected at
an early date. Speaking OF uniform
second hand car valuation, one dealer
said there should be a penalty for it's
violation.
Il shall favor deposit of cash or a
certified check by each member, with
the officers of the new organization from
which fines shall be deducted for every
violation Of any agreement, he said.
:; X
Spring trade has started with a rush
since the close of the automobile show
week before last. Practically every agent
in the city reports sales from day to day,
with an increasing list of prospective
customers. Many agencies are devoting
considerable time TO displaying new cars
and giving exhibition trials. If the pres
ent activity continues the spring trade of
1911 promises to be banner season in
the automobile industry.
During the show between 80 and 155
sales were registered, the deliveries to be
made from now until May. Since the
show closed and up to yesterday some
thing like sixty sales had been made.
ranging from small runabouts to the big
luxurious eight-passenger touring cars
and one or two racing machines. 1ndica-
tions are that the demand for high-priced
cars this spring will be slightly in excess
of last year.
x X
To say that the use of the motor truck
in all fields of business offers solution
10 the problem of the present high cost
of living may on the face of 1t seem like
an absurd statement" said c. r. Culver.
a prominent automobile manufacturer re-
Gently land yet when the facts are con-
sidered it will be seen that the elimina-