Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1914-03-13
The Important Traction Engine
Question.

Mr.. Editor In the discussion of the
traction engine question by my good friend
Mr.. John E. Muncaster, he says practically
everything that can be said from the point
of view of the traction-engine owner. but
his public conscience" seems to me some
what awry, as his whole argument is for
the private interests of the owner, except
that he wants the public to pay indirectly
for damages that, at far less cost, can be
prevented by helping equip these engines
so the damage will be minimized. Person
ally, want to get my wheat threshed as
cheaply and expeditiously as do my neigh
bors, and have no interest in the matter
other than to arrive at some just measure
to protect all interests, and the suggestion
to help pay the costs to the present trac-
tion-engine owners was only as | view it,
the less of two evils, and was left entirely
optional with the County Commissioners.
There was no claim that the amendment
suggested was perfect, and if there is a
way to protect the public interests other
than that suggested, let us have 1t before
we suffer not only the increasing damage
to our roads. but the material loss of about
$4,000 per year now being spent in our
county for the public benefit by the Office
of Public Roads, and a possibility of loss
of further Federal aid which otherwise
might be given us.
If he will walk over the "Killeen Road"
he will find it broken down and full of holes
(not all due to this engine for there were
others and other causes), and it will take
$500, at least, to put itin condition.
He may be right as to the average weight
of the present traction engine being only
six TONS but think that will be found to
be the minimum weight, and there are
many, and an increasing number, of the
greater weight. have before me the Frick
catalogue, which is, perhaps, the standard,
and it shows where only light power is
required" 6-ton engines; "for general
utility purposes for the large farmer" 1-2
tons; "for threshing and saw-mill outfits"
1874. Ola, 10, 10 1-2, and 14-ton engines.
These are unloaded Loaded. they will be
from a half to one ton heavier.
1t also states that they furnish patented
fll-pieces, enabling the operator to travel
over paved streets, State roads and private
roads without damage"
These fill-peices also save the engine from
being shaken to pieces. as Mr. Muncaster
states they are. The very jolting Of which
he speaks is proof positive Of the hammer
of the wheels and consequent injury to
modern stone roads. On these engines
there are "a of these blocks mot 81, as
he states), so If his computation of time re-
quired to place them is corect ii would take
about three-fourths Of an hour even If it
was double that, which is probable. we have
1-2 hours at 40 cents per hour. A cost
of so cents only when using an improved
road is a small sum compared to what the
taxpayers must pay for the ultimate dam
age. stated in my former article there
might be necessity for cleats on slippery
places, which would of course, cover soft
places in fields, and the fact that some ex-
ira work and expense would be required is
no reason the public property should not
be protected from damage. No law was ever
enacted but it worked hardship to some
individuals for the benefit of the commu-
nifty. Nearly all the States are passing these
regulating laws for the protection of the
public roads. and some even prohibit trac-
ton engines from going on the dirt roads
until they become firm after rains.
He is entirely correct as to the heavy
motor trucks. and they too should be. and
am informed will be. regulated as to
weight, tread and speed.
My purpose in calling public attention to
this matter was to provoke discussion, with
the hope that such discussion would bring
light and show just what is best to be done
to meet the conditions.
One thing is plain, the improved roads
can be protected from damage by fill-pieces.
Whether il is wiser to make the exemption
he speaks of, or equip the engines at the
public expense, or give power to the com
missioners to suspend the regulations at
certain times or under certain circum-
stances, is a matter for our representatives
to determine. Anyway, sooner or later
there will be a State regulation which will
require these fill-pieces or a similar device
and we should prepare to comply with the
law.
M ID KNIGHT