The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-08-03
AUTOS ON THE SPEEDWAY.
Is the Horse Obsolete?-Shall This
Drivewsy BE Opened to Gasolene?

To THE EDITOR OF THE SuN-Sir: For
some years the question of permitting
autos to use the Speedway has been
mooted. Thousands OF persons of both
sexes who have resisted the temptations
Of automobiles to remain loyal to King
Horse are firmly opposed to turning
over Manhattan's famous drive to the
users of autos. contendlng that the
Speedway was built for the exclusive
use of horses and was not intended to
bear automobiles Of any description.
either Hight or heavy. Some endeavor to
strengthen their argument by calling
attention to the fact that the present
roadbed Of the Speedway Is not strong
enough to Withstand the wear and tear
Of automobile traffic.
On the other hand, drivers OF and
those who are interested in autos assert
that the time Is ripe to open the Speed
way to automobilists. They can see
no good reason why this driveway is
kept restricted for the exclusive use Of
horses. their main argument being that
the passing of the horse is becoming
more noticeable every day. They con-
tend that the proportion Of those who
still show their allegiance to the equine
Is 50 small that Ii Is a selfish act on
their part to insist on closing the Speed
way TO autos.
To a neutral 1t Is obvious that tho
adherents both of the horse and of the
auto MUST be commended for standing up
for their rights as they see them. The
loyal followers of the horse are to be
congratulated for striving to keep the
Speedway sacred to the memory of the
once popular animal. while the devotees
of the auto are to be praised for being
progressive. Undoubtedly they have
come to look upon the horse as some
thing behind the times and ais such 1t
must step aside TO make way for some
thing that is up to date.
A decade ago when the horse was al
the pinnacle Of its popularity nothing
was too good for It.. The Speedway,
which was built In 1898 at a cost OF
millions OF dollars. exclusive OF Liant
values. was the scene every Sunday
afternoon OF a gathering of the best
bred n fastest horses In Greater New
York. Crowd OF persons lined up on
both sides Of the driveway, extending
for over two miles, to watch the horses
parade and race. They saw trotters.
! PAGERS and other breeds Of horses and
passed an entertaining afternoon.
However. II one visits the Speedway
now he will quickly realize that tho
glory of former days has passed for the
equine. on a pleasant Sunday after
noon there are few horses and drivers
to be seen on the Speedway. There still
is left a number OF devotees OF the
horse who think enough Of their favprite
10 visit the Speedway and watch the
races. but compared to the numbers OF
other days the turnout of the horses and
their divers is a sad spectacle.
therefore a spectator who has no
particular interest in either the horse
or the auto, but who likes to see fair
play. can arrive at only one conclusion.
aud that is that the Speedway should
be opened for the use OF automobllists
II IL needless to state that the auto has
superseded the horse without the slight
est possibility OF the latter regaining its
former popularity. 1t Ia evident, too,
that each year sees fewer horses usln:
the Speedway. This can only lead IL
one result ultimately the Speedway will
be without a user.
1t is understood that Park Commis
sioner Cabot Ward Is in favor OF opening
the Speedway to autos. Such a move
does not mean hat horses will lose any
or their present privileges, for both
autos and horses will be permitted 70
use II. The Commissioner OF course
realizes that the present roadbed is no,
robust enough to bear automobiles, Blu,
Il Ks his intention TO have the roadbed
altered so that the heaviest auto can b.
accommodated without injury 10 thu
pavement. This will entail an expens,
on the taxpayers, but inasmuch as tn,
taxpayers now have to pay the cost Of
keeping the Speedway in condition 10,
the use OF horses they will not mind
the Increased expense TO provide amuse,
ment and pleasure for a greater mum
Der of persons. ID.
NEW York, July 81.