The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-07-03
FEDERALLAW
TO PROTECT
AUTOESURCED
(BY n C. BRAOFIElD.)

Lets haId motor car thefts with a
federal law.
Cyril Arthur player, editorial writer
on the Detroit News, formerly auto
mobile tditor of the Seattle Post In
telligencer proposes a federal law that
would protect the motor car or truck
owner from this colossal evil against
society-motor car thievery. He sug-
gests a federal statute which would
compel the registration of motor We
Eicles, passenger cars and trucks with
the federal marshal, attorney or other
official who deals in the enforcement Of
federal laws. Mr.. Player would have
the manufa cturere cast numbers on
his various units. 1t would be an
offense under federal law to steal a
car or truck; to try and efface or dis
gufse such numbers; no cars could be
sold without it was accompanied by
a federal certificate of registration.
which would be in effect the registra-
ton of bill of sale with the federal
government
Something must be done to halt or
stop the theft of motor cars 1t is
costing millions Of dollars and a largo
number of men to trace stolen motor
vehicles. 1t increases the first cost
and increases the yearly maintenance
cost of motor cars. Insurance prem
iums have been placed at excessive
figures because of such stealing and
the future indicates that unless some
protective measure with teeth in it
appears they will still further increase.
Motor thieves are occupying too
much time and causing too much wor-
ry for police departments. 1t is teach
ing crime, because it has been an
easy matter to steal and dispose OF
motor car with punishment prospects
light even in extreme cases.
Steps are under way in Detroit to
have the Detroit Automobile club and
the Detroit Automobile Dealers asso-
citation get back of a movement for
such a federal law. Both organiza-
tions will discuss it at their next
meetings. A. L. Keekendorf, Cole and
Chandler dealer and president of the
Dealers organization and Ct. Edward
Bliel, Republic truck manager a di-
rector of the Automobile club are both
strong for the enactment of such leg
islation.
Over 500 letters are leaving Detroit
addressed to the au+or10hile dealers
throughout the country urging
they exert their influence TOR the en-
act.nent of such federal legislation.
They are urged TO take it up with their
local Dealers organization, with the
National Automobile Dealers associa-
ton and their congressman.
There seems to be no doubt but
VIII the movement once started and
then backed by some strong organi-
cation in the automobile industry will
result in federal legislation being en-
acted. The industry itself can spell
the doom OF the motor car thief.
e t.,
jurying anyone in the enactment of
such a law, unless it be the organized
gangs of motor thieves. Police de-
partments in all large cities would well
come such a law. 1t would be folly
to quote the amount of M ey that IS
involved yearly in car thievery- that it
would extend yearly into eight figures
and possibly nine is conjecture. Close
to a million dollars If not an excess of
than sum is spent yearly in tracing
stolen motor cars; a large number |
of men are engaged in this business |
who could be doing something more |
profitable for their community.
Motor car stealing has increased in
surance rates and there is every |
indication that unless something is
done the insurance companies will be |
forced to still further advance theft
premiums.
Prediction for the future indicate
that there will be a shortage of man
power in the country. so much so that
the national government will be forced
to suggest ways and means of curtail-
ing unnecessary labor. Men detailed
to hunt motor car thieves would fall
under such a ruling; a federal law
would reduce the number of men en-
gagged in such work and give a man
that kind of protection for his motor
Congress has devoted a great deal
of attention to the third largest in
dustry when they were in need of
revenues. Some Congressman will es-