El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1917-09-22
JOYRIDING;
SAVE GASOLINE
Use of Automobile Fuel
for Pleasure Alone
Should Cease.

Washington. D. c.. Sept. 22.-"Mo-
florists need have no fear OF a gaso-
line famine in the United States. but
Joy riding should stop"
This is the situation that confronts
motordom. as the officials Of the
government see It, and they wish
every automobile owner in the United
States could be made to realize that
while there is no likelihood that gas
oIine ever Will become exhausted or
reach a prohibitive price. yet there is
every reason to observe a prudent
degree Of caution in safeguarding the
supply.
Although the United States has been
in war for over five months. there is
no more indication now that the gas
Oline supply will be Communicated
for government uses than there was
before the war began.
To begin with. the supply OF raw
material or crude oil is almost mex
haustible. To the observer who has
Travelled through the oil fields OF Ok
lahoma, Texas, Wyoming and Mexico
the facts are apparent OF course,
such a product is controlled by sup
ply and demand and prices are US
ually fixed accordingly. but in the
event that this vast supply Of crude
oil should dwindle to such an ex-
tent that there actually would be-
come a shortage. the American in
ventlve genius viii come forward and
substitute VIII be created which
will take the place OF gasoline
Germany is credited with having
produced a fluid by combining benzol
and beet alcohol in equal parts. and
il is more economical than gasoline.
as a motor car OF loaded truck will
travel more miles per gallon when
line is used.
Benzol is a coal tar product and
the supply is amply sufficient, while
beets can be raised in huge quanti-
ties. A the government officials see
IL, there is nothing Impossible TO the
American creative mind. and when
the hour OF necessity comes. if II ever
does, the substitutes Will be ready
and pleasure cars will run as usual
In the meantime. II motorists prac-
tice gasoline economy IL viii mean a
great saving and conserve the sup
ply, which is far beyond the present
demand.
As one government expert ex-
pressed it.
The American people are prepared
to meet all emergencies, but In the
summing up il is advisable 10 dis
courage Joy riding, as that practice
burns up thousands OF gallons Of
gasoline monthly and IS a dangerous
pastime for thOughtless individuals.
by the elimination OF which we not
only conserve the supply Of gasoline
but force down the price by reduc-
ing the demand.
Gasoline, however. for use by the
average motorists. viii always be
available and there is absolutely no
truth in statements circulated by
short sighted persons that the Easo-
line supply OF the United States IS
running so low as 10 soon necessi-
tate the curtailment OF motoring for
pleasure or even for business. Amer
lean genius has arisen to every emer-
gency and II IS foregone conclu-
sion among most OF the authorities
that the moment the supply OF Easo-
line is seriously threatened with ex-
haustiOn. some one viii come for
ward with so efficient a substitute
as 10 guarantee any cessation Of mo-
tOrinE as far as business, at least. IS
concerned. regardless OF how long
the war may last"