New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-28
GREAT GROWTH OF
AUTO IN new YORK
Upward of 10000 Have
Been Registered for
Current Year.
By FRANCIS NJ. HUGO,
Secretary of State.

Nowhere during the last few years
has the progress OF the automobile
been more rapid than in New York
State. Fourteen years ago the number
of motor cars running on the highways
OF the state was negligible-954 motor
vehicles were registered with the State
License Bureau during 1901.
To-day there are 10000 registered
in e state alone. 70 say nothing OF tie
million and three-qusrters registered
in other states. There are, therefore,
inward Of $4,000 automobiles in use
in the United States, more ian double
the total of all the other countries IN
the world.
The outstanding feature which makes
this development so marvellous is that
there are at present only few thou
sand miles Of good highways. Perma--
nent roads, made of hard stone and
other material, are being gradually
constructed throughout the state, but
those exist at present in comparatively
few places, while dirt roads cons ltute
over 70 per cent of the highways on
which motor cars are operated.
The possession of motor car in
New York is by no means confined TO
the comparatively well-to-do classes,
for many Of the well-paid members Of
the artisan group and a very large
number OF farmers are owners OF cars
to-day or hope to become so in short
time.
1t is only natural, therefore, that one
of the most pronounced trends OF the
motor car production in America should
be in the direction of the less expensive
type of motor cars. Many of these,
though they appear roughly finished,
are, nevertheless, wonderfully good and
trustworthy, considering the conditions
under which most Of them have to
work.
Public opinion in New York has been
going through exactly the same stages
Of criticism as has been encountered IN
earlier motoring days elsewhere. First
of all, it used to be said some few years
ago that motor cars would never be able
to make their way over the rough roads
of the state. Soon, however, they
proved themselves equal TO the task
and surmounted the initial difficulties.
Later the opposition came TO the
point where jealousy was felt of We
hicle which could move faster than that
drawn by horse. This took the form
Of alarming articles on the alleged In
crease of danger to the public. while
the dust and nuisance, the frightening
of the horse and the exaggeration of all
accidents involving motor cars were
played up.
How long this campaign will last II Is
impossible to predict, but many one
time manifestations Of prejudice have
already disappeared and the more pro-
gressive centres are devising more
reasonable regulations and are consid-
ering how automobiles can be made
more useful for public service.
In many cases "joy riders" have, of
course, to be dealt with. They drive
recklessly and endanger life, irritate
the public, and give motoring q bad
name. But they are few in comparison
with tho number of motorists who drive
reasonably and show every possible
consideration for others.
As to the future motoring In New
York, there is no doubt that before
long there will be at least 100000 reg
istered in the state and upward Of two
million cars In use In the United
States. Public attention hereafter will
more than ever be directed toward
proper highway construction and main
tenance. The people of the state are
beginning to realize the urgent need Of
good roads.