davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
THE FLOATING" ERA FORECASTS
REVOLUTION IN NEW CAR DESIGN
Anti Rightly Theory Held Gaining
Headway as Engineers Float Parts
in New Ways.

ing speeds at which majority of the
parts float most freely,
Friction discs of the modern plate
clutch also float. This accounts for the
amazing snoothness of the clutches in
even the most inexpensive cars. Because
plates are given a certain amount OF
latitude they engage more smoothly
than would be possible if they were to
be forced to follow some predetermined
system of alignment. Often when the
car is standing with the motor idling
movement of the clutch pedal will re-
veal certain sounds indicative of the
action of the clutch plates in float
ing"
CURLING Noises.
One of the methods of curbing noises
and mechanical troubles in the drive
line from motor to propeller shaft is
to loosen up the clutch and transmits
sion bolts so that these units can adj
Just themselves to correct alignment
This is the floating principle applied
as a remedy.
Not all of the applications of the
floating principle have been successful.
Engineers have had to learn a lot
through experience One of the popular
mistakes was to permit the engine to
float in a bobbing fashion, swinging
from fore to aft. This naturally threw
the drive line out of true" because the
action was so directly opposed to the
motors torque. The earlier types OF
three point suspension were more nearly
the equal of the latest type of floating
motors in which torque was absorbed
through a sidewise movement OF the
engine. In a car which the writer drove
in 1924 the front single support Of the
motor was in the form of trunnion
packed for a cushioninng effect in
grease.
Concerning Rear Axles.
Those who have read their instruc-
ton books know that rear axles may
be semi, quarters or full-foating
The principle of floating is so time
honored in the history of the automo-
bile it isn't any wonder that today
latest innovation. the floating oil pick
I'D. should make its appearance. This
is the device that is found on some OF
the newest models. 1t floats on the
top of the crankcase oil and feeds only
the cleanest portion of the oil to the
pump.
Floating brake lining is said to pre-
vent brake grabbing and chatterlng.
Requirements are extremely easy be-
cause there is no riveting.
Fortunately. motordom is just flexible
enough to encourage further develop
ments along these radical lines. Detroit
is willing to scrap all fixed ideas in
order that automobiles can float on to
progress.
Copyright, 1922
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
DIVERSION OF GAS TAX
MONEY HAS PITFALLS
Funds Used for Other Purposes
Makes Levy Dis
criminatory.

The gasoline tax was created as tax
on road usage as a means of obtaining
the large funds needed to build con-
nected highways and surfaces that
eliminate mud and give low-cost motor
ing, according to z. E. Duffy, highway
educational writer. Yet lawmakers have
been giving increasing attention 70
using this tax money for purposes not
at all connected with road building.
During the years in which the gsso-
line tax has been in effect, motorists
have pledged support to higher tax
rates, for they realized that the money
expended in motor fuel taxes was being
returned many times over by lower car
operating costs. increased safety and
comfort Had they realized that some
day lawmakers taking advantage OF
their legislative power, would transfer
these funds from the highway budget
to other purposes, it is very doubtful If
there would be a gasoline tax, as 1t Is
known today.
Whenever gasoline tax money is d.
vertad to other purposes thar for road
construction 1t then becomes a special
tax, or luxury tax, and not a user
tax. This abuse of the gasoline tax
will in the end mean widespread de-
mand for reduction in the tax rate and
even abolishmsnt. 1t would be only
matter of time until motorists regis
tered strenuous objections against
special tax for miscellaneous purposes, q
tax which they themselves created and
sponsored for road construction to the
benefit of the Nation.
Aside from the lack Of ethics In gaso-
line tax diversion there is a very I'M
portant reason why this money should
be left in highway funds. Money spent
for road building goes largely into the
pockets of workmen. Thomas H. Mac
donald, chief of the United States Bu-
reau of Public Roads, has calculated
that 1910 out of every 81 900 given to
contractors for building concrete pave
ment goes to labor. In general, from
rs to 80 per cent of the money spent
in road construction does the very i'm
portant job of directly furnishing peo-
pie with a livelihood
Beyond that. the largest industry In
the United States, the manufacturing
and servicing of automobiles is greatly
dependent upon road activities. The
automobile industry provides employ
ment for 100000 men directly and an
additional million men are kept busy
supplying raw materials. The auto
mobile industry furnishes employment,
then. for roughly one-tenth of all
"gainful" workers in the United States.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20

booklets issued by this Office to aid the
individual who wishes to study the
rules Of the road preparatory to taking
drivers examination. A series Of radio
talks resulted in another influx of re-
quests for similar information, and
probably 80 per cent Of these two groups
Of inquiries we're not from new drivers,
but were from those who had operated
cars In oregon for many years-drivers
who wanted to be prepared on trafflc
questions when their licenses were
called in for renewal.
The fact was significant in demon
strating the average motorists tnsuffi-
cient knowledge of the motor vehicle
law. Many operators who have COM
pleted the tests since July have
stressed that the examination has been
most helpful to them In showing how
little they actually knew about safe
driving requirements. and they have in
dorsed Fundamentally the various fea-
lures Of the tests.
Conducting Examinations.
Oregon's method Of conducting oper-
ators' examinations and the provisions
of its law, including the regulations on
revocations and suspensions of licenses,
have been approved by national au-
thorities in motor vehicle administra-
ton. A study of the methods Of exam
lining operators in other States was
largely responsible for the system that
was built up and adapted to oregon.
and our State profited to no small ex-
tent by the experiences and experiments
in other sections Of the United States.
Viewing the accomplishment that
have already been effected during the
short time that these two acts Of the
Uniform Code have been operative and
recognizing the value that similar legis-
lation has had in other States, look
forward not only to a great advance
ment In safe and sane motor vehicle
operation in Oregon, but also to the
time when uniform laws will be adopted
in all States of the Union so that IA
niliarity with the laws of ones own
state will mean knowledge Of the re-
ouirements of the neighboring Com
nonwealth or the State through which
one travels on vacation or business trips.
From observation and personal expert
ence I am thoroughly convinced that
the establishment of practical, workable
and uniform motor vehicle laws such as
Oregon adopted at the recommendation
of the National Conference on Street
and Highway Safety is at least partial
answer to the Nations traffic problems.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
MOTOR AND ROAD
GROWTH COMPARED
Increase of Autos 40 Per
Cent-HighWay Building
Only Is.

The number of motor vehicles has
increased 40 per cent in the past Ave
years, while the amount Of road build
ing has shown growth Of only g per
cent. according to W. r. Smith, presi-
dent of the American 7odd Builders
Association. He believes the need for
making up the deficiency in highways
is urgent, both from the standpoint OF
economy of travel and safety on the
public roads.
Tax Changes.
Taxes on land for highway purposes
have been relieved in a large measure
by motor vehicle taxes on highway
users who pay as they ride" stated Mr..
Smith. 1T must be remembered that
highway travel depends on the road as
well as the motor vehicle-one is use
less without the other Money paid for
freight and passenger fare on lail-
road goes for upkeep of track as well
as rolling stock Similarly, taxes On
motor vehicles must be used on the
highways, since these taxes provide the
main source of income for improve
ment and upkeep.
In spite of the logic and fairness of
using motor vehicle taxes exclusively
for roads essential to the use of motor
vehicles, efforts are being made to Ill
lure highway transportation by the di-
version of motor vehicle taxes to other
purposes The breaking down in high
way transportation that is sure to fol-
low any such policy of diversion will
probably add from $40 to $75 a year
additional cost for each owner in motor
vehicle upkeep and operation-equiva-
lent to a large increase of taxes to &c.
100000 motor vehicle owners instead
of a decrease. 1t is a case of saving
at the spigot and losing at the bung
hole
Increasing the shortage of highways
will have a most depressing effect on
the automobile industry, which is
looked upon as one of the leaders in
renewing industrial activity. Conges-
ton on the highways, which is so evil
dent to every one, clearly shows that
if more motor vehicles are to be manu-
featured, more roads must be built over
which they can operate" Mr.. Smith
concluded.
Importance of Roads.
Most any one will admit that high
ways play an important part in the So
cial and business life of the Nation
Questioned as to just how the benefit
is derived. most people are hazy.
Just suppose there were no highways,
or that the road you now use either did
not exist or perhaps was full of bumps
and mud holes. What would you do
about the poor road-or no road?
Out Of the 100000 farms in the
United States 100000 are on unim-
proved roads and 100000 more have
only dirt road according to Chester
H Gray of the American Farm Bureau
Federation in teStifying before a United
States Senate Committee on Roads
Only about one-Sixth of the farms oil
the United States are on surfaced
highways.
Good roads have done more to aid
living conditions in the country than
any other agency. The highway is as
essential to agriculture and merchants
who sell the farmers supplies as the
railroad and steamboat are to INDUSTRY,
Mr.. Gray believes.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20

I'VE occupied perhaps the highest
road building camp in the world. 1t
was more than three miles up in the
air, or nearly 1900 feet above sea
level. Our lowest camp was only $4,000
feet altitude, or something like two
miles higher than the ocean. Be-
tween these points, 10 miles apart, we
constructed a modern motor road-the
first of its kind in Bolivia, one of the
heart-nations of South America. To
be specific, we built the highway from
Eucalyptus, a station on the Antofa-
gasta- Bolivia Railway, to the Caracoles
tin mines" The speaker was William
H. Dillingham;, who was relating some
OF his engineering experiences to rep
resentative Of the Pan-American
Union.
Continuing, said the speaker, "our
company employed half a hundred
Americans, British, and Bolivian engi-
neers and assistants, and, of course,
hundreds of native laborers. Much of
the work was pushed through stone,
snow and ice. Some mountainsides
were so steep that ropes were used to
lower men who drilled holes for blast
ing-and a blasted route it proved to
be. At times we had to send sick or
injured men on Stretchers to hospitals
40 to so miles distant. Eight laborers
bore the stretchers in relays. We had
good commissaries which supplied foods
from lowland valleys and from other
countries. 1t takes men of strong
lungs to toll in that extreme altitude.
Many foreigners succumbed as did
many natives; but the completed en-
terprise gave Bolivia lasting high
way and one that stands as monu-
ment to capital and heroic manhood. "
Parts Of this unusual highway have
been in use for eight or nine years.
The completed enterprise has proved
a nucleus for many additional miles of
modern motor ways which are gradu-
ally opening remote regions Of Bolivia
to settlement and exploitation. Over
this highway motor trucks are used to
deliver tin ore to railroad cars ct Eu-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
RENEWED EFFORT
FOR SALES IN APRIL
Automobile Companies Are
Gauging Their Forces to
Allure Buyers.
Special pispa tch to The Star.

SpeClhl DlSphICH W 4Hc OldI
DETROIT, Mich, March 19.-The
automobile companies are organizing
their forces for renewed presentation
Of 1882 models. The start is timed for
the first week in April, which usually
brings droves of new car buyers into
the market.
Preparations that are being made by
the sales divisions include introduction
OF additional body types that will meet
demand for seasonable models of sports
style and convertible cars that add to
open road" thrill.
At least two makers are to present
new lines at this time that will repre-
sent further exploitation of advanced
| 1882 engineering. One will be the new
Plymouth series from the Chrysler
organization embodying floating power
progress. A second will be Reos new
cars with the streamlining idea carried
step ahead in aerodynamic body styl-
ing.
Mass Presentation.
In the way Of mass presentation Gen.
eral Motors is to broadside all its
products in a Nation wide exhibition
from April 2 to 8. 1t will cover SIS
cities and in each of them public
auditoriums and large halls will be
utilized.
With the Ford introduction imminent,
but dates not yet officially decided on,
April promises repetition of the wave
of interest that the January automobile
shows set in motion. The automobile
magnates are looking to various factors
in the situation to peak up and let
loose the cumulative buying urge that
has been created.
H.. hue txvy
signs indicative of trade sterilization
toward which the bankers and financial
interests have been struggling
Answer to Depression.
The automobile industrys answer to
the depression" was in the form of the
national and other automobile show
periods in which cars engineered and
styled down to the minute were laid out
for public inspection. The national re-
action to it bettered the sales in Janu-
ary 10 per cent over December Feb
ruary in turn went l per cent above
the month preceding, according to eS-
Inmates based on State registration
figures.
In effect, the result has been to make
motor car list prices f1rmer than they
were before the turn of the year, aside
from the lowest brackets OF the price
range During the last three weeks,
four makers have revised their prices
upward The raises apply in divisions
above 81 900 and are ascribed to ex-
piration of contracts for materials
which the companies were able to buy
last Fall at less than cost.
With the materials now worked of
into finished cars, the producers say
there is nothing for them to do but
to pay more and therefore charge more,
as manufacturing is continued. Con-
trolled output with volume budgeted &C
cording to the requirements of distribu-
ton is now stricter than ever with
companies of the first rank.
Continue Yearly Models.
The wisdom of presenting yearly
models which was under debate one
wear ago and which resulted in a ma
iority decision of the companies to
maintain the process of change. has
proved itself in the belief of certain
magnates.
(Copyrieht 1892. by the North American
Newspaper Alliance. 1ncD
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20

To float or not to f1oat-that is no
longer a problem for the automobile in
dustry Floating" already is we'll under
way.
There was hint of the present revo-
luton in car design when engineers first
started floating piston pins. Then came
bearings that f1oated on a film of pres
sured oil 1t looked like the climax in
floating when the entire engine was de-
signed to cradle itself in rubber. but
apparently that was only the start in
big way. The latest developments are
sensational
Brake Innovations.
1t is freely predicted that the time is
not far distant when all braking lining
will float A system employing this
method has already been demonstrated
as feasible. In it the lining is free to
float between the brake shoes and the
drums in such a way that there is dou-
BILE the braksng area without any in
crease in brake dimensions.
The entire automobile, like the entire
engine, is due for new advance in
floating. The low pressure tire, too
greatly modified during the past few
years. Is to be developed into an Attire
wheel. 1t will mount directly on the
jumbo hub and eliminate the conven-
tional wheel altogether. Pressures will
be down to IL pounds. Cars will float
on much larger volume of air, but air
under much lower pressure.
Floated parts have been introduced
mainly for the purpose of checking vi
bration and saving wear and tear. But
the possibilities in floating go far be-
yond this With newer applications it
is believed possible to eliminate certain
parts now considered indispensable.
New kinds of control are possible. Un-
precedented comfort and convenience
are held out as part Of the future Of
the non-rigid theory.
Not All Rubber.
Not all floating is accomplished by
means of rubber. The trunnion brack-
cts or swing shackles, now found on
the left front springs Of many cars are
based on the floating, non-rigid theory.
It was discovered by a garage mechanic
in Europe that if the left front rear
shackle wasn't tight it would take up
most of the kickback normally felt at
the rim of the steering wheel. Few
more striking instances of the advan-
tsge In avoiding too much rigidity have
seldom been found.
The theory behind floating piston
pins is that if these parts are free to
select their own best operating position
they will perform with less tendency to
rap. Many an experienced driver fol-
lows this line of reasoning when he Sc
lects speeds at which the motor oper-
ates most smoothly. He Is simply pick
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
$4,000, 900 FROM AUTOS

Automobiles, trucks, accessories and
parts, gasoline and oils will account for
$117.000,000 or nearly IL per cent of
the Federal revenue to be raised under
the bill reported by the Ways and
Means Committee and now pending
before the House.
While asserting that the motorists
as a class will pay their ample share
of the increased taxes, Thomas P. Henry
of Detroit, Mich, president of the
American Automobile Association, ex-
pressed qualification over the fact that
the committee had turned down the
proposal for a special excise tax on
motor vehicles, accessories and gasoline.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
Sailing Sometimes Beneficial.

Drivers who complain because their
engines stall few times when started
cold are overlooking a benefit. A state
ment to this effect has been made by a
leading authority on automobiles who
points out that during the periods of
stalling the motor has a chance to ad-
just itself to the cold. Gas vaporizes
and the oil limbers up so as to increase
efficiency.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
Stopping Brake Noises.

One way to stop brakes squeaking
temporarily is to run for about a hun
bred feet in second gear with the brakes
rather firmly applied. Never apply this
remedy in trafic since the brakes will
not hold as well as usual Immediately
after this treatment, though they quick
ly recover their efficiency.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
In the Motor World
BY G. ADAMS HOWARD.

I malcy again, H. j. Klingler, vice
president and general sales man
ager of a large motor company,
declared in an interview this
week.
Citing the ramification of the
industry into every part of our
economic structure, Mr.. Klingler
said there is nothing any one can
buy which directly supplies work
and wages for so many people in
so many places and so many diff
ferent industries and professions
as buying an automobile.
The effect of neW-car purchase
on unemployment relief was illus
trated by Mr.. Klingler in the state
ment hat one new car represents
II days of gainful employment to
workmen throughout the United
States. That means the equiva-
lent of three months of working
time for one man on the basis of
five-day week.
1T has been estimated that half
of the 44,000,000 people now en-
ployed are in position to buy a
new automobile right now" Mr.
Klingler said. why they have
been putting it off isn't important
The fact remains that they can
afford to buy, but haven't. Yet if
only one out of seven of those able
to buy would buy, the automobile
industry would Immediately be
restored to a healthy state of
activity-producing three millions
of cars a year and employing in
direct manufacture more than
one million men, and furnishing
steady work to an additional three
million men in allied industries
and trades"
Mr. Klingler commended the va
rious Federal and local move
ments launched to put idle money
and men to work. He then
stressed the direct relation of
the automobile industry to the
economic welfare of the country.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
A Serious Condition.

Big Town Bill-Why, the traffic here
Is nothing. Where ! come from man
Is run over every 40 minutes.
Small Town sust How Dreadful
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
ROADWAY IN CLOUDS, BOLIVIA'S
AMERICAS ROUTE CONTRIBUTION
Part of PanAmercan Highway Link Being Built 1000
Feet Above Sea Level, Constructor Says.

calyptus. Producers of ore are expect
ing active traffic as manufacturing ma
tionS renew their demands for tin.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
Normal Conditions.

America will enjoy normal con-
ditions only when the automobile
industry is brought back to nor
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
v WINTER is almost over Of
~ ficially. For the benefit

& s; 4: ;, . F.: f; ,s s;a:
the motoriSt, it is to be
hoped that Spring will be really
ushered in this week.
Not only can the unemployed
find comfort in the warm days
ahead, but they can find work,
which is more important, and
that work can in a large measure
be that of road building, which
upon completion will prove a ben
eft to all residents of this great
country.
Facility in transportation tends
to bring cities and towns closer
together, and thereby people are
brought into closer relationship.
This results in a stronger and
more united Nation.
Spring touring is beneficial to
all those who can seek its pleas
ures. It is healthy to the mind
and body
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
Use of Energy.

The average person uses up
more actual physical energy in
walking a mile than in driving
400 miles, according to tests con-
Quoted by an engineering depart
ment. These tests also showed
that driving fatigue is very large
ly the result of continued muscu-
lar and nervous tension. rather
than physical exertion on the part
OF the driver, and is caused. for
the most part, by the necessity of
maintaining an unchanging posi-
ton behind the wheel.
The tests definitely demon
strated these findings, and, as a
result, the movable front seat has
been materially improved, The
new type adjustable front seat
introduced on this years models
has helped greatly in solving the
problem of driving fatigue.