Evening star., 1937-10-31

travel bureau, is nearly half again as
high as the 1886 volume.
In recent survey of travel trends
the American Automobile Association
asked thousands of members. selected
at random throughout the Nation, to
name the cities they have found most
interesting. When the final returns
were counted there was practically a
photo finish" between Washington,
D. c. and New York City. but the Ma
tion's Capital came out in front by a
small margin.
Accompanying the nationl increase
in travel, there has been a tremen-
dous growth in the motor club move
ment. and this has been particularly
true in the District of Columbia. In
the five-year period from 1893 through
1887 membership in the A. A. A. Dis
trict of Columbia Motor Club has in
creased 1873 per cent. AS a result of
this increased support the club has
materially increased the scope of its
services and has intensified it's legisla-
tive and other civic activities.
Gas Tax Opposed.
During the year the club successfully
opposed the proposed increase in the
District of Columbia gasoline tax. This
was one of the most intensive cam
paigns against tax hiking that the club
has ever waged and involved collec-
ton of thousands of ballots from resi-
dents of the District on this question.
Almost unanimously, Washingtonians
protested against the increase and the
huge volume of public opinion was sue
cessful in turning the tide against the
further raid on the motorists pocket
book
The motor club. during the year.
also was successful in eliminating
the 500 limitation in the safety-re-
sponsibility bill. Formerly this meas
IRE, originated and sponsored by the
A. A. A., compelled payment of judg-
ments arising from traffic accident
only when they involved more than
500 in damages. Believing that
this would let a number of reckless
and financially irresponsible motor
lists go scot-free, the club urged elm
ination of this limitation and TODAY
the safety-responsibility bill is ap-
plicable in all cases of unsatisfied
traffic judgments.
Violations Exposed.
Another major accomplishment of
the club was the expose of wide
spread violations of the existing mo-
tor vehicle inspection law. The pub
lie attention aroused by this CAM
paign succeeded in blasting the Dis
trict of Columbia inspection bill from
the Budget Bureau where it was lying
dormant.
Again this year opposition of Or
eanized motorists was successful in
defeating renewed attempts to foist
parking meters on Washington mo-
florists.
In the field of safety the District
OF Columbia Motor Club has been
increasingly active. New projects
this year included the introduction of
driver training classes on an expert
mental basis in two high schools;
the holding of classes at George Wash
ington and the University of Mary
land for instructing teachers for
entertaining classes; assisting in
the establishment of student "traffi-
clubs" In the city's high schools;
establishment of playground patrols to-
protect school children during the
Summer months, and cooperation
with The Washington Star in prepa-
ration of the widely acclaimed series
of photographs depicting principal
causes of traffic accidents in the Dis
trict.
In the months. Immediately ahead
the principal objectives of the motor
club will b to aid in solution of the
parking, congestion and safety prob
lens.