davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1936-11-15
GREATER COMFORT
IS PRIME DEMAND
Depression Restored More
Sound Sense of Useful
ness, Moock Says.
BY HARRY G. MOOCK.

Vice President Plymouth Motor Corp.
Let's not forget the fundamental
meaning Of the word automobile" in
our enthusiasm for the new mechani-
cal marvels introduced at the auto
show.
Mr.. Webster's dictionary still de-
scribes it as "a self-propelled vehicle
suitable for use on a street or road
way" We must remember that the
automobile was originally intended as
a better means of getting from one
place to another.
It saved time. In the beginning
everything else was sacrificed to re-
ducing the number of minutes to the
mile. Then appearance became a fac
tor. So for a while the automobile be-
came less o means Of transportation
than a yardstick Of social importance
in the community.
But the depression restored sound
er sense of values based on usefulness
Thousands of motorists found in the
lowest price field the true measure OF
actual progress in the basic problem Of
better, safer, more comfortable trans
portation.
The public welcomed with open arms
the products Of sound engineering and
advanced thought given to the bread
and-butter facts of motoring. How
does it ride?" and How does it ham
dle?" became much more important
problems in the industry as a public
made up of experienced motorists de-
manded genuine improvements in
comfort, safety and economy instead of
gingerbread refinements.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
Master Traffic Plan
Is Urged for District
R. E. Singer Suggests City Provide Adequate
Staff to Solve Parking and Other
Vehicular Problems.

limited area thousands upon thou
sands Of persons without making ade-
quate provision Tor parking their cars
during the day. In this matter the
Federal Government has been tragi-
cally remiss and should take remedial
steps at the earliest opportunity.
II the Department of Vehicles and
Trafiic were given sufacient person.
mel there would be much brighter hope
Of eventually arriving at sane and
sound solution. Today all too many
of the measures suggested, planned
or adopted are merely stop-gap ex-
pedients, undertaken in an attempt to
correct isolated situations without re-
gard to a definite, inclusive and we'll
rounded program.
Much Wasted Effort.
Now as to two general observations
on the matter OF parking to illustrate
how greatly we need sound thinking
on this matter.
First, we are faced with the fact
that there is not enough space to
take care OF all our vehicles, but
nevertheless, a large amount Of the
available space is lost because Of bus
stops, entrances, street car loading
platforms, zones reserved for holders
Of official permits, and so on.
Second, casual observation will re.
veal that no-parking signs blossom
freely along the wide avenues In resi-
Dental districts, but are lacking or
important arterial streets, no matter
how narrow or congested, in outlying
commercial zones. I will cite H street
northeast, and M street northwest, ir
Georgetown, as the most fiagrant
examples. Cars and trucks parked
and double-parked, impeding automo-
bile and street car traffic, make UP
the normal condition of these two
streets, which bear huge burden OF
traffic moving in and out of the city
1t would seem that congestion could
be greatly ameliorated by proper
measures. Study of the matter would,
in all likelihood, reveal the advis-
dOluLy VI pIONluulS lilOIc IOUtu 1OE
the greatest flow of traffic-that is,
extend the policy of providing alter
nate one-way streets with the direc-
ton changed at the morning and
evening rush hours and also. possibly,
give over three lanes in our four lane
streets to rush traffic.
These specific things are but a
small part Of our local traffic problem,
and their correction would aid, but
not solve existing conditions. What
we need is a Department of Vehicles
and Traffic adequately stated to study
intensively and thoroughly the entire
subject. make recommendations that
have been carefully thought through,
and adopt corrective measures on the
basis Of longe-range, well-rounded
program of efficient traffic manage
ment.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
PROCESS MAY END
SKIDDING HAZARDS
Equipment to Add Special Tread
to ANY Make of Tire
Planned.

Going on the theory that whether
safety educational programs succeed
in reducing the percentage Of high
way grief, inventors and manufac-
turers are proceeding with the plan
of developing inherently safer cars.
Since many Of these developments are
offered as supplements to the most
advanced type Of car, rather than as
an effort to bring older models down
to date, many optimistic predictions
are being advanced regarding i'm
proved conditions in the near future.
Definite efforts to- Danish skidding
are seen in the announcement that
equipment will shortly be available
throughout the country for adding a
special tread to any make Of tire.
Ingenious machines will be leased to
leading service stations where tires
will be given series Of cuts extend
ing across the tread about one-half
inch apart. With this additional
gripping surface tires will be able to
Withstand increased acceleration and
declaration without wheel slippage.
The plan has been in use in England
and on the Continent for several years.
Evening star., 1936-11-15

adequate is q matter so self-eviden'
that documentary evidence is unnec-
essary. The fact is that present park
ing facilities are incapable. by a dis
stressingly large margin, Of providing
space for the vehicles that use ouI
streets.
In my opinion, there are two prin-
cipal causes for the muddled conges-
ton and parking situations:
First, the Federal Government
through its concentration of Federal
buildings into a small, compact area
has created q traffic problem that
probably would not be solved even
with surface, elevated and UNDER
ground highway and rail facilities.
Furthermore, the Government has
made little or no provision for the
thousands Of employees who must find
some place to leave their cars during
the day.
Traffic Personnel Too Small.
Second. the Department of Vehicles
and Traffic is tragically undermanned.
Until the department Is given suffi-
cient personnel to study and plan for
Washington traffic needs in a thor
ough manner, Director William A.
Van DuZer is going to continue to face
almost insurmountable problems with
a terrific handicap.
The fact that the Federal Govern
ment itself is responsible to large
extent for our traffic headaches makes
1t seem obvious that the Government
should be willing to contribute toward
the expenses that necessarily will be
involved in making a careful, COM
prehensive and thorough study of
ways and means to improve condi-
tions. 1t is clear that there will be
no decentralization of Federal build
ings; If anything, the movement will
be toward further concentration. Be-
cause of that the Government should
provide material aid toward solving
the problems. a.
A further responsibility on the part
of the Government is to provide ade-
quate parking space for its workers.
In washington, where car ownership
density is fifth highest of any city IN
the Nation, it seems an absurd lack
of foresight to bring together in
Evening star., 1936-11-15
EXPANSION SEEN
IN AUTO INDUSTRY
Head Of Motor Concern
Looks for Period of Inten-
sified Competition.
BY C. w. NASH,
Chairman of the Board. Nash Motors Co

Chairman of the Board, Nash Motors Co.
In general business and in the auto
motive industry continued expansion
Is indicated for the new year, unless
some unpredictable national calamity
overtkaes us.
1t will be a period Of intensified
competition in which profits will be
harder to earn and during which cour-
age and enterprise will be needed to
finish on top when the year is ended.
We have had in 1896 a great buy
ing of automobiles. The heavy in
dustries have made great strides to-
ward complete recovery. Even the
long suffering railroads have made
definite progress. Although crops and
live stock production has been down.
the farmers have received higher
prices and have been generally pros
porous.
I see no reason why the upward
trend should not continue, barring
always the unpredictable. I believe
that 1887 will be even better in the
motor car industry than were the Il
months just closed.
However, the satisfactory year just
closed has, in itself, meant more Sc
we're competition. Corporation earn
ings have been such as to put many
of them in better competitive position
able to spend more to obtain larger
share of the 1887 market. Funds
have been made available for plant
expansion programs, for the develop
ment of new products and for greatly
expanding sales and advertising ef-
forts.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
Gasoline Tax Money
Taken From Drivers
At Filling Stations

South Carolina taxpayers are
learning the cost of taxation at
the gasoline filling station
through the painful lesson Of
having their money taken away
from themi
The statesmen at one large city
service station, in selling gaso-
line, make change in accordance
with the price of the commodity,
then apologize for asking addi-
tional money for the tax and
remove from the change they are
about to give the customer the
coins necessary to meet the tax
payment.
On a flve-gailon purchase the
Federal sales tax on gasoline
costs Sc md the State sales
tax 80 cents.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
CAR statesmen PUT
! THROUGH RIGID TESTS
Learn How to Demonstrate Points
Of Products in Short
Time.

An altogether new type Of demon
stration is required if the outstanding
features of the new cars are to be
brought home to prospective pur-
chasers Mindful of this need, manu-
facturers have schooled their repre-
sentatives in the art of giving more
convincing, comprehensive type Of
demonstration. Car buyers also are
putting cars to various new tests,
shortening the time required to get .
line on what the market has to offer.
One manufacturer believes that q
1ive-mile ride is all that is needed to
reveal the superior qualities of his
product. In view of the demands
upon the average persons time these
days it Is quite possible that even more
concentrated tests will be devised. A
number of cars were sold last year
on the strength Of their ability to
climb a spiral ramp inside dealers
establishment.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
ROADS AS FACTOR
IN WRECKSPROBED
Work Being Done Declared
in Cooperation With
Safety Campaigns.

The first nationwide survey ever
undertaken to determine to what
extent defective highways enter into
the motor vehicle accident toll Is
being conducted by the Committee on
Safe Highways recently organized by
the American Road Builders Associa-
ton. The committee will make its
first report at the associations 1887
convention and exhibit in New Or
leans, January ILLS.
Information obtained by the COM
mittee will be sent to highway en-
gineers throughout the country.
Highway commissioners, engineers
and contractors have pledged their CO.
operation in the associations national
campaign to build safety into the
highways"
Newspapers, public officials and
safety organizations are engaged in
an incessant campaign for safe driv-
ing. The A. r. B. A. is not under
taking to duplicate the effective work
that is being done in that direction.
Its efforts are intended to supplement
other safety campaigns by fostering
the building Of safe roads for safe
drivers"
In commenting upon the activity OF
the A. R. B. A. Committee on Safe
Highways, Col. Willard T. Chevaliel
of New York, president Of the asso-
citation, said:
1--WE recognize that the driver Is
the most important factor in highway
safety. The American Road Builders
Association Is cooperating with Or
ganizations throughout the country
that are campaigning for safe driving
However, the degree to which even
the safest drivers can be called safe
Is a relative proposition. The We
hicle and the highway must be con-
sidered, as we'll as the driver. Mod
ern automobiles are safe, when kept
in good condition. Likewise, modern
roads are safe. The big trouble is,
there are comparatively few modern
roads.
With total OF more than 3,000,-
900 miles of roads, outside of munich
palities, the nation has only 10000
miles Of high-class, hard-Surfaced
highways, and a considerable portion
of the hard-surfaced mileage is vir-
tually obsolete. Highway engineers
have done good work, but funds have
been limited. Necessity compelled
public officials to center their efforts
upon getting traffic out of the mud,
with the result that the nations
highway system Is inadequate for the
heavy-trafic, high-speed demands of
modern transportation"
Evening star., 1936-11-15
Statistics Disclose
Motorists at Fault
increasing Crashes

Thirty-seven per cent Of the
accidents at highway-railroad
grade crossings during the first
six months Of 1885 resulted from
operators of motor vehicles crash
ing into the side Of trains, ac-
cording to q report just issued
by the Bureau of Statistics of
the Interstate Commerce Comis-
sion.
OF the 1925 highway-railroad
grade crossing accidents that took
place in the first half Of this year
the report shows that 500 resulted
from such a cause, with 116 per-
sons being killed and 905 injured.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
Automotive Briefs

Joseph Cherner, president OF the
Cherner Motor Co., authorized Ford
dealer, at 1871 Florida avenue north
west, was a member of the Ford
Dealers Appreciation Committee,
whose work resulted in the presenta-
ton Of the three Var
mouth, Mass, Cape Cod windmill to
Henry Ford as part of the National
Ford Dealers meeting at Dearborn,
Mich. A acknowledgements, hand
engrossed scroll of appreciation was
given to Mr.. Ford upon the formal
presentation of the old windmill as
representative Of that gift at tho
hands of Ford dealers of the United
States and Canada.
Lee D. Butler, president Of Lee D.
Butler, Inc, distributor for Pierce
Arrow. Studebaker and Pierce-Arrow
Travelodge trailers, at 1888 Connecti-
cut avenue northwest, announces the
appointment of C. H. White as man
ager of trailer sales. Mr.. White comes
here with considerable experience in
the trailer business.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
Brake Adjuster.

It IS not generally known among
motorists that vacuum boosters can
be added to a hydraulic braking
system as well as to the mechanical
variety. In fact, this type Of control
is standard equipment on several Of
the top cars of American manufacture.
The booster, operating from engine
intake suction, pulls on the brake
pedal control to the master cylinder,
II the system is hydraulic.
Evening star., 1936-11-15

the coil TO deliver the required strength
Of spark. A common cause of start
ing trouble Is sooting Of the spark
plugs. especially If they are an ex-
tremely short type installed during the
previous Summer to prevent preigni.
ton and backhring.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
Car Statesmen Cheerful.

Automobile men point to three sim
pie reasons why 1t will be an easier
matter to sell automobiles in 1897.
More people, they say. need new cars.
There are more people with money
to spend on cars. Third, but first
in Importance, is the belief that people
feel more secure in their future.
Evening star., 1936-11-15

movement OF
Washington traf-
1lc at important
points, both in
normal and peak
load hours. 1t
was found that In
certain downtown
areas during peak
hours automobiles
were held to a
pace slower than
that Of a briskly
walking pedes-
trian.
The fact that
parking facilities
a-tfraIu In
Evening star., 1936-11-15
SLOW START CAUSE
Spacing of Breaker Points Often
Found Trouble.

Faulty ignition still may be the
cause Of failure Of the engine to start
on a cold day, even II the ammeter
pointer fickers during cranking and
II the engine turns over rapidly. The
weakness may be in the spacing of
the breaker points, or in the failure of
Evening star., 1936-11-15
Gas Taxes Vie With Gold.

Since Columbus discovered America
about $500 .O00, 900 worth of gold and
silver has been mined in this country,
but in the last six years one-half OF
this enormous sum has been paid in
gasoline taxes.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
Your Own Trailer ideas.

Trailer builders now can purchasers
complete chassis on which they can
mount any home-built body desired.
Evening star., 1936-11-15
nv RUSSELL e. SINGER.

StncThl MduhBcr hmciiCaA AutoniSDhc
Association.
In reviewing Washington's increas-
ingly complex traffic problem, one fact
becomes self-evident:
We are not going to cure congestion
by making traffic move slower and we
are not going to cure the parking prob
lem by putting up more no-parking
signs.
About a year ago the American
Automobile Association timed the
Evening star., 1936-11-15
Sc Tax Enough for Roads.

Highway engineers assert that reve-
nue. from an average gasoline tax of
cents gallon would be sufficient
for the Nations highway needs. The
saving would be sufficient to purchase
a half million new automobiles.
The Washington times., 1936-12-08
7 RIP ENJOYED
BY PRESIDENT
By GEORGE DURNO

ABOARD U. S. S. CHESTER,
AT SEA, Dec. 8 G.N.S0.-Presi-
dent Roosevelt will recross the
Equator late today aboard the
cruiser indianapolis, but this time
the event will be in quiet contrast
to the uproarious ceremony on
the southwark journey when King
Neptune exacted tribute from the
uninitiated.
While the ships newspapers are
telling Of snow and below-freezing
temperatures at home, the Presi-
dent is cruising through blue
tropical seas with the mercury
creeping up towards 100 degrees
at noon, and dropping only to 79
at midnight.
Mr.. Roosevelt is catching up on
an accumulation of official reports
and working on his legislative pro-
gram for the next session of Con-
gress, but finds time with other
members of the party to sunbathe
and watch the flying fish.
The schedule now calls for ar
rival at Charleston, S. c., Decem-
Der is, preceded by a brief stop
at Port au Prince, Trinidad, on
the 18th.
The Washington times., 1936-12-08
WARMER HERE
ISF0RECAST

Gradually loosing its grip on
Washington, the cold wave last
night left a trail of ice, a trace
of snow and a low temperature
recording Of 81 degrees.
Weather Bureau officials de.
clared the cold wave which swept
down from Canada will probably
dispel by the time it reaches North
Carolina.
The low temperature was re.
corded early this morning. It
will get warmer through the day,
probably reaching a point above
freezing. Warmer weather is fore.
cast for tomorrow, with cloudy
skies.
Traces of snow were recorded
by the Weather Bureau officials,
but it was stated that the pre-.
cipitation was so sparse that
"only one person in a hundred"
would notice it.
The Washington times., 1936-12-08
POPE MUCH IMPROVED'

be celebrated in his bedroom. His
private secretary officiated. After
mass the Pontiff took communion.
Crisis Seen Passed
In. informed quarters it was be-
lieved the Pope had passed the
critical stake of his illness. In
these quarters also it was said
Donna Camilla was responsible
for the Pontiff's remaining in
bed, she having urged him after
he indicated he would get up to-
day
The Pontiff is in cheerful mood
and misses being at work. He dis
likes being out of touch with
world happenings, and is inclined
to want to ignore his doctors
advice at least to the extent OF
doing part of his work.
The Washington times., 1936-12-08
Empire Believes WoIIy Offer
To Withdraw Solves Imposse

close friends, is that King Edward
has not Wavered in his love for
Mrs. Simpson, and that today,
whatever course he may choose,
he is heartbroken man.
Friends say each day finds him
more depressed than ever, and he
was not left the Fort Belvedere
grounds since late last week.
individuals Write King
His morning mail there reached
huge proportions today. Delivery
had to be made by motor truck in
stead of the usual cycliSt. The
mail, it was stated, was not the
usual officials batch, but nearly
all letters from private individuals
to the King.
Although Mrs. Simpson had told
the King before of her willingness
to step out of the picture If that
was the only solution, actual issu-
ance of her Cannes statement, an
authority close to the King said,
came as a complete surprise to
him.
Each time she told him she did
not wish to stand in the way Of
his royal duty, however. the King
refused to consider her sacrifice.
In a telephone conversation
from Cannes yesterday Mrs. Simp.
son told the King she remained
ready still to withdraw from the
situation, and later she tele.
phoned him that she was consult.
ing Lord Brownlow about a pub.
lie statement.
Informed by the King through
Monckton that Mrs. Simpson
planned that step. Premier Bald.
win advised against it.
The King passed this advice on
to Mrs. Simpson. his friend said,
so that when the statement was
The Washington times., 1936-12-08

Downing Street this morning with
Sir John Simon, the home secre'
tary, and Sir Samuel Hoare, first
lord of the admiralty and one OF
the most influential cabinet min
listers.
Evening newspapers carried
flashing headlines on Mrs. Simp
sons "beau geste," and all ex'
pressed admiration of her unselt
iShneSS.
Summing up the man-in-the'
streets feeling, the liberal Eve
ming Star said:
"The Kings decision is now
completely unfettered. The lady
has made a contribution for
which she will earn real graft.
tude. The way is now clear and
open in the sight of all men for
the King to make his decision"
King Edwards personal attor.
ney, A. G. Allen, it was disclosed,
has been at Fort Belvedere since
last Thursday.
Allen was present at all the talks
King Edward had with his ad'
visors from the Duchy Of Corn.
wall.
Duke of York Sees Brother
In the pennon OF the Duchy Of
Cornwall that flies over Fort Bel
vedere, and in the conferences
that Edward has been holding
with officials of his duchy, many
saw, however, indications that the
King is still seriously contem-
plating abdicating to make Mrs.
Simpson Duchess of Cornwall.
Walter T. Monckton, Cornish
attorney general. and Sir Edward
Peacock, receiver general, who
spent the night at Fort Belvedere.
left together for London this
morning, their car Skidding over
ice-bound roads at 10 miles an
hour.
They had gone to King Ed
wards retreat after seeing Prime
minister Stanley Baldwin at No.
10 Downing st. last night. An
other evening guest at Fort
Belvedere was the Duke of York,
next King if Edward abdicates.
Cabinet ministers were ordered
to stand by today for a possible
emergency meeting.
Lights glowed in some rooms at
Fort Belvedere all night, and it
was not until 3 a. m, that the
lounge, which is King Edwards
favorite room, was darkened after
his prolonged talk with Cornwall
officials.
Guards patrolled the grounds
throughout the night, instead OF
keeping their former vigil at the
lodge gates only.
The Washington times., 1936-12-08
D f ATH HALTS
CANTOR SUIT
CONTINUED from Page II

Continued from Page II
Cantor for alleged breach of oral
contract.
Samuel Leibowitz, Freedman's
counsel in the suit, said that yes
terday evening, after court had
adjourned, Freedman complained
Of being i'll.
Freedman was on the witness
stand yesterday and the one light
touch to his testimony was, ironi
cally enough, about illness. II
telling about his first meeting Will
Cantor, he testified:
"CantOr complained about
stomach trouble and I recon-
mended some tablets. That sort
of cemented our friendship be-
cause we compared lot of all
mentS we had in common"
Cantor was acutely distressed
when told of Freedman's death
He said:
"It's the most terrible thing
that could have happened. Dave
had great talent and he was in
the prime of his career. He must
have known in his heart that /
was his friend. We would have
gotten together again."