Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1938-11-06

industry is accepted as a barometer
of business conditions generally and
when 1t prospers simultaneous pros
ptrity can be expected in practically
every other line of industry.
During the month of October con-
siderably more than 10000 men
were called back to work by the
industry and previous wage cuts
were restored. 1t is significant that,
Immediately following announce
ment of this move on the part of
the auto industry, Harry Hopkins,
chief administrator of the w. P. A.,
who had been visiting President
Roosevelt at the latter's Hyde Park
home. issued an optimistic state
ment, forecasting decrease in pub
lie relief and large increase in
private employment. This was fol-
lowed almost Immediately by prog
nostications Of huge increases in
the building and other industries,
all following the lead Of the auto
mobile manufacturers.
This spirit Of optimism is reflected
in the new 1899 models. Luxury,
comfort and style-especially style
are the dominant notes In the con-
struction Of the new cars. Don't
mixtake me. There has been no
sacrifice Of mechanical improve
ments in favor Of style, comfort or
beauty. Rather the trend has been
to design improvements that would
not only increase the life Of the car,
but add to its comfort as well.
Luxury in Ali Models.
Luxury Is to be found in all models,
regardless of price tag, as any visitor
to the 10th annual auto show at
the Chevy Chase Ice Palace, 44oo
block Of Connecticut avenue, can
readily discern. The upholstery, the
cushioning, the trim and the interior
fittings generally are eft for a king"
AS . matter Of fact 1t is doubtful
whether designer and builder,
given carte blanche by a king to
build car without limit as to ex-
pense, could produce anything finer
than the beauty, convenience and
sheer luxury Of the higher bracket
models.
New springing, new brakes and
other mechanical features give a
still larger margin of safety as well
as comfort. Many of the new models
are equipped with the remote gear
shift, making for convenience and
more room in front. One car, at
least, furnishes a hood lock op-
Grated from inside the car and prac-
tically all models have the battery
located under to hood, so as to be
more accessible. The trunks, where
there are trunks, and the luggage
space IN the others are larger, Of
tering more disable space.
Changes in Style.
Undoubtedly the large number Of
feminine owners and prospective
purchasers are responsible for max
ing the manufacturer style-con-
sc!ous this year. There is growing
feeling among the manufacturers
that change in the style OF their
cars, like changes in styles of cloth
ing, is beneficial, especially among
the fair sex. This has been decided
factor in leading to the luxurious
appointments of the 1899 cars.
Washington dealers share in the
optimism of the manufacturers.
After seeing the new models and
putting them through the regular
tests the dealers are convinced that
they have to offer the finest line
of automobiles ever produced for
American consumption, which means
tho finest line ever produced in the
world. Best Of all, they are offered
at prices that make them the great
est value per dollar in years.
With these two factors in their
favor, members of the Washington
Automotive Trade Association are
looking forward to an excellent year.