THE SUNDAY OREGOXTAX. PORTLAND. JUNE 13, 1920
--
. 4 ro
BRITISH IN FEAR OF
AMERICAN IWIOfJ
London Times Expert Writes
of the Situation.
DANGER REAL, HE SAYS
American Cars Arc Declared to
Compare With Rrlll5.l1; King Kiglit
l-Kev lowed in Detail.
LONDON-, Kng. In the days before
the war the American motor car was
Scncrully Riven the benefit of the
doulit. That is to say that, in com
paring it with British. French, or
cth-r Kuropean makes its own origin
provided it with at least half an
excuse for any shortcomings. The
first American cars to reach this
country were, in truth, so very in
different. As time went on, and
America learned a few lessons from
Kurope in motor construction, Ameri
can cars brgan to take a more or leas
recognized place among the cars of
the world. Then they became sur
prisingly better; but they were still
a Inns way behind their Kuropean
rivals, except In the matter of first
cost, writes "Motoring Correspondent"
in the Uondon Times
After about the year 1912 they took
a sudden jump forward. Cars arrived
in the British Isles, in the colonies
and in France, which showed a con
piderable advance on anything: the
factories in letroit, Toledo and Cleve
land had previously produced. They
were able, in a certain degree, to com
pete with the best Kuropean makes.
Still they were not really so sood.
There was nearly always something
lacking- in either design, construction
or performance. They were very often
what is called "soft." Such softness
would have never been condoned in
a Kuropean car of the same class,
but because it came from America the
machine's shortcomings (sometimes
important, sometimes quite minor in
character) were dismissed with the
explanation, "Oh, well American, you
know; not quite the same as the biff
makes over here. Young industry."
Ileal American Invasion.
"VN'e are today faced with a real
ilv. American invasion. As it was ex
plained in an article in this column
j"...' last M-eck, the pioneers of the invad
' ing army are upon us. They are not.
' . .' as so many of them were in a previ
ous half-hearted attempt to invade us,
".. a score of different makes cheap,
V" 1 nasty and unwanted in their own
r-, country. They are drawn from the
'.:'. motor ranks which correspond to our
own best-known firms. There are not
very many of them yet. But they
come, of America's best stock. In a
way It is a compliment. The Anieri
i - can manufacturer has evidently real-J;'--,
ized that he cannot hope to capture
1 'he British or any other educated
market with rubbish such as he sent
over a few years before the war. He
is sendintr forward ' the guards the
.v-' P'cli f hiH factories; and though
there may he only a half-dozen makes
engaged, there are plenty, of cars to
sell. One historic American firm has
v :; 100 completed cars specially ear
: marked for the London agency, ready
for immediate embarkation. Others
are receiving ears regularly every
'. ' month or oflcner. It is real business
and no bluff.
What chances have these redoubt
'';V; able vehicles against our own? They
V- have a fairly formidable fight before
them. It is true that they can be had
almost immed iiftely, and without ex-ii-l
orbitant premium; but their prices are
. nearly as high as most of our best
. - cars of the same class. If they come
up to expectations they will prove a
... grave danger to our industry.
Writer Illsjoect kitic.
. If they fail t make a good showing
".-. we ni ust still go short on cars but
' the British motor industry will sur-
:: Vive. It is proposed to discuss a few
of the latest arrivals in the Times.
The time is now past for excuses on
the grounds of nationality.
. The first car on the list is the
eight -cylinder King. This is a power
ful touring car, costing more than
llltio as sctld here. As prices seem to
"'Shave increased, on an average, over
100 per cent, it competes, therefore,
with thp kind of Kritish car which
used to cost between 450 and 600
before the war. I have taken this car
over two separate runs, with an inter
val of a few weeks, an arrangement
V which enables one to get a better Idea
of the car's capabilities than a single
-trial.
The eight cylinders of the engine,
which have a bore and stroke of 76x
1J7 millimeters, are set in the usual
V" fashion. 1 am not enamored of
this arrangement, principally on the
score of inaccessibility. It renders
simple operations like the changing
of a valve spring decidedly onerous.")
it is. however, the orthodox method
of setting up an eight -cyl indered en
ffine. and. whatever its faults, must
be accepted as standard.
The King engine is no greater sin
ner on the question of accessibility
than any other. In fact, pains have
evidently been taken to make the
owner's duties as light as possible.
There is the usual three-speed gear
box, centrally controlled. The brakes,
which work on the rear wheel drums.
are powerful and smooth in action.
There is plenty of life in this car.
Certain mult i-cy lindered cars, while
displaying, as they ought, a consider
able degree of flexibility, often lack
real "fire." It is a patent fact that it
took the makers of the earlier six
cylinder cars far longer to reach a de
cent level of liveliness than it did any
maker of a four-cylinder.
The King, however, showed itself
pleasantly responsive. It accelerates
with very great rapidity and holds
high speeds with ease. A feature of
the throttle control is that there is a
'normal" range and an "extra" range.
"ou depress the pedal to a certain
point, which suffices for all ordinary
driving. If a sudden effort is needed,
a call for big power, further pressure
beyond the 'normal" stop sends the
car forward with refreshing "ginger."
Illll t limbing Trained.
The hill climbing Is very good. Any
ordinarily steep hill, with a gradient
not exceeding one in six. can be taken
comfortably on second gear. Any hill
with a gradient of one in ten or under
an bo climbed on top gear without
straining the engine. Ordinary traffic
can be traversed easily on top gear.
On either gear, with open throttle,
the engine makes very little noise.
It is well balanced and no noticeable
vibration period could be detected.
The suspension is fairly satisfac
tory. The car's running would be im
proved by the fitting of hydraulic
shock absorbers. It holds the road
well, and, if necessary, fast cornering
can be safely attempted. One does
not often want td do this, but in
climbing easy wjnding slopes it is
pleasant to-know'that one can swing
round the benos without throttling.
ncidentally, this steadiness means
tire economy.
The coachwork is particularly good.
hiffh up for British taste and the pas
sengers are exposed to searching
winds. In the King: the accommoda
tion is nearly Kuropean in comfort.
The finish is (rood throughout and the
general appearance of the car is
pleasing-. The comfort of the owner
driver is seen to In a variety of minor
directions, notably In the. provision of
an excellent inspection lamp, which is
housed in the back of the front eeats.
and which can be carried to any point
of the car. There is also a fitting
which should form a part of every
properly appointed car an engine
driven tire pump, forming- part of the
chassis plan, and not added as an
extra. . The usual dashboard instru
ments are provided, and are of excel
lent quality. There is, of course, an
electric engine starter. The hood,
when all side curtains are fastened,
turns the car into a temporarily
closed body.
As prices go nowadays, the King
should be good value. It appears to
be a solid, well-designed and soundly
constructed car. It is fast and smooth
running, it is easy to drive and it
looks atractive. It is ratedat 28-horse-power,
but it plainly develops
considerably more. It is a car which
must bo seriously considered as k
rival to our, own in the same cate
gory. MoKcnzie Hihgway Improved.
EUGENE, Or.. June 12. (Special.)
The work of macadamizing 3200
feet of the AlcKenzie river highway
WHITE TRUCK CARRYING
if
Thin five-ton W bite track, recently nilded to the fleet of the Jone Lumber eompnny, in equipped with double
rnlliv mo that, if dcHlred. tvro loads mar he carried and unloaded at separate places (or at different . parts of
the same job. Thus (no orders may be delivered at widely separated parts of the etty without returning;
to the mill to load, a savins In time and mileage. Stationary center standards permit both sides or the load
to be serured. As will be noted by the picture, the load Is wide and low. Loading; Is quickly handled at the
Jones plant by means of a derrick.
near the Deerhorn school house, 20
miles east of Eugene, has been
started by Supervisor Culver. This
is the roughest spot on the highway
until the upper river is reached, and
the improvement will be welcomed
by the thousands of motorists who
drive up the river every summer.
SCORE FIRMS GIVE CARS
SIIHIXE OFFICERS TO TRAVEL
IX HIGH-POWER VEIUCLLS.
Sevcti-l'iissenjer Automobiles to
Be Used Sight-Seeing Trips Be
ing Planned Cars Aceded.
More than a score of the big auto
mobile dealers of the city have do
nated big seven-passenger cars for
the use of the inH.erian di'an of the
Ancient Arabic Order of the Myotic
Shrine, who will arrive in this city
Sunday, June 20. and will remain till
the Iti session is over, June 24,
though some of them may not leave
the city until after the itose Festival
is over.
Those who have donated cars are
the Apperson Motor Car' company,
Howard Automobile company. Covey
Motor Car company. Twin Stales Mo
tor Car company. Northwest Automo
bile company. Interstate Motors com
pany, Braly Automobile company. Mc
intosh Motor Car company; Mitchell,
LewtS & Staver; Oldsmobile Company
cf Oregon, Cook & Gill, D. C. Warren
company, Obye Motor Car company,
Oregon Motor Car company, and the
Winton company.
It is probable that the Portland
.Motor Car company and the Charles
Fagin company will donate big cars
also if they have any on hand at that
time.
The automobile dealer has found it
t'ifficult to get all the cars he wants
to supply a growing dema'nd, but
many of the big firms are ceruiin
that they willbe able to care for the
needs of Ira L. Powers' committee,
and Portland car owners are urged to
see that the. thousands of visitors who
will be here during Shrine week may
be abl to view the city and highways
in such manner as Mr. Powers' com
mittee has arranged.
Those who can and will list their
autos for the usi of the committee in
these sight-seeing trips alcrg the
arrow routes a-5 .now laiii out .are
asked to call Main 314S or Main 6175
or call in persou at the auto head
quarters at Sixth and Yamhill streets.
At the Michigan Agricultural col
lege there are 50 young Russians
registered in the motortractor course.
EPUBLIC TRUCK
Winners in the "Ship by Truck" Essay Contest
1st Prize Jennfte McClew, Bay City, Oregon. .. $100.00
2d Prize Mabel Johnson, Astoria, Oregon. ..... 50.00
3d Prize Iris Gof f , Sutherlin, Oregon 25.00
4th Prize, Roscoe W. Good, Portland, Oregon. . . . 15.00
5th Prize, Dan H. Bowerman, Fossil, Oregon .... 10.00
6th Prize Truman E. Crocker, Sweet Home, Or. 10.00
These essays have been sent to the Republic Truck
Factory to be entered in the National $1000 Scholarship
Contest. .
Roberts Motor Gar Co., Inc.
Vancouver, Wash. " Portland, Or. Boise, Idaho
Largest Exclusive Truck Dealers in the Northwest
WORK ON ROADS IN
HEW YORK HELD UP
Return of Norma! Conditions
Awaited.
OTHER STATES AFFECTED
Entire Suspension of AH Xew Con
tracts Is Announced Rea
sons Are Given.
(pregon is not the only state In
which changed conditions are playing
havoc with plans for state highway
construction. The state highway com
mission of New York, in a letter to
Governor Smith, has announced the
entire suspension of all new construc-
SHINGLES FOR SOME OF PORTLAND'S NEW HOMES.
tion until such time as conditions
again become normal or near normal.
The conclusions of the state highway
commission are of interest here. The
highway situation in .New York, as
summed up in this letter, is as fol
lows; In November, 1319, the New Tork
highway commission outlined its con
struction policy for 1020. and pub
lished a programme of individual
roads proposed to be constructed. This
programme was based on and with
the hope that conditions would not be
materially different from those of
1619.
In accordance with that published
programme, four lettings have been
held covering 70 highways, but only
30 acceptable bids, were received, and
these lettings showed that there was
little or no competition among con
tractors. In the last letting of April
15, including 15 new highways, only
five acceptable proposals were re
ceived. Since then there have been
sharp advances in the cost of mate
rials. Xew Roads Held Back.
After a careful analysis of the sit
uation, it is evident that it is not good
business or for the best interests of
the state to continue the proposed
programme, and this commission has
determined to withdraw, all roads ad
vertised for new construction in the
letting of May 5, and wishes to an
nounce that there will he no further
new roads offered for construction
until the situation shows a decided
change for the better.
Advertisements for maintenance
work will be continued and it is pro
posed to devote every energy of the
department to the completion of ex
isting construction contracts and the
maintenance and repair of our present
road system.
The conditions which have forced
this commission to defer new con
struction are briefly as follows:
1. Shortage and high cost of labor.
2. Shortage of railway'cars and un
certainty of transportation.
3. Lack of competition in bidding.
4. Seemingly unjustifiable advance
in cost of materials.
5. Commercial quarries restricting
output and in some instances closing
down.
6. Necessity of assuring, by utiliz
ing labor which would otherwise be
diverted to New York, the completion
of the maintenance programme which
because of the present condition of
our highways is an economical neces
sityTtnd more essential than new con
struction. State Mast Go Carefully.
7. The obligation of the state to
rotect existing contracts from labor
shortage by not offering new work at
advanced prices in competition, thus
insuring the completion of all exist-
Iing contracts. At present there are
1S3 uncompleted active contracts with
I approximately S00 miles unfinished.
If the policy is pursued of constantly
increaslnsr estimates and permitting ft
contractors to bid against themselves
at ever-increasing prices the same
condition would be created that exist
ed from 1915 to 1919, when there were
broken down and abandoned contracts
representing approximately 850 miles
of torn-up highways in practically
every county in the state.
As soon as the conditions mentioned
show a change for the better and it is
clear that road work can be continued
economically and without detriment
to the state's interests, the pro
gramme for new construction an
nounced by this commission for 1920
will beesumed.
It is stated in the press that the
state of Illinois has decided to post
pone for this year highway construc
tion for which the people voted a
$60,000,000 bond, issue.
TWO MILES AVILIj BE GRADED j
Road Will Be Made Available for
Travel Before Fall.
MARSH FIELD, Or., June 8. (Spe
cial.) Two miles of highway, the
southern end of the North Bend to
Hauser county road, will be graded
and made available to travel before
fall, according to a contract entered
into between the county court and a
. V. I r . ,nn . ... nt 4n flvm n R i H t -
ing of Ira Padrick. Matt Klockars and I
Martin Webber. The two miles con
tracted for is a difficult portion of
M
s3
5? Ju "'
the work on seven miles laid out by
the county court when the $362,000
bond issue was made. The contract
ors will be paid about $18,000.
The terminus of the road will be
at Glasgow, a mile from North Bend,
and on the east side of the bay. Traf
fic across the bay will for some time
be by small gasoline boats and a scow
for teams and freight, but eventually
a ferry will be provided. The high
way was authorized four years ago.
ROAD TO TACOMA IS E000
HIGHWAY DETOURS DECLARED
SOT ALL BAD.
Lawrence E. Tlierkclson Gives
Pacific High-way Xorth Clean
Bill of Health.
The Pacific highway between Port
land and Tacoma is now in very good
condition, according to Lawrence E.
Therkelson, sale. manager for the
Braly Auto company, who traveled it
last week. He declares it is better
than at any time he has been over
it in the past two years.
"There are a couple of detours, but
in dry weather they are no trouble
at all," said Mr. Therkelson. "They
look as if they would be bad in wet
weather, though.
"About three miles of new concrete
pavement has been laid and is open
this aide, of 01yn:pia over the old
cobble stone stretch, and another two
or three miles is in process of 'set
ting.' There is a detour around it,
but it is a good detour.
"Between Toledo, and Castle Rock,
where the going was reported as so
bad last winter, there is now nothing
to worry any motorist. It is as good
as it ever was, an-1 smoother. There
was no detour along, this stretch
when I passed over it, though some
construction work was in progress.
"Between Castle Rock and Kelso
the road is good. There is one short
detour through an orchard that might
be mucky in wet weather, but it is
very short. From Kalama to Vancou
ver the highway was surprisingly
good."
Tourist Season Well I'nder Way.
MISSOULA. Mont.. June 12. The
tourist seiMn is well under way. ac
cording to indications here. During
the first week alter the crenim? of
the local offices of the bureau of the
Yellowstone trail, 41 cars, carrying a
total of 120 passengers, were registered.
Xiires aurad A.ccessoiie
WEEK JUNE 14-19
Dash and Trouble
Lamps
A combination dash and trou
ble lamp, complete with cord,
bulb, fittings, etc. Usual
price $2.50.
SALE PRICE .$1.47
Dash
Lamps
Short and long: style, with or
without switch; nickel plated.
Usual price $1.00.
SALE PRICE 58tf
Connecticut
Switches
Push and pull type; hand
eome and durable; furnished
in one, two, three or four
gangs. Usual price (per
gang) 40c. ;
SALE PRICE ...23
Silver Beam
SpotligKts
The spotlight de luxe; finest
made. Usual price $9.00.
SALE PRICE $3.35
Ammeters
For testing dry cell batteries,
71 Dash type for showing
charge and discharge of your
storage battery; accurately
calebrated and guaranteed, at
$1.53.
Spark Plugs
(Peerless Giants)
Positively guaranteed for one
year of service; heavy stone
core. Our usual price 90c.
SALE PRICE 58
Speedometer
Parts
FIBER PINION GEAR for
Stewarts. Usual price 25c.
SALE PRICE ; 11.
SWIVEL JOINTS. Usual
price $3.50.
SALE PRICE $1.68.
Portland
Seattle
Tacoma
Spokane
80-82
Backed by Factory Service Policy
Scripps-Booth Co. of California
Portland Branch
522-26 ALDER AT 16TH BROADWAY 3169
A.
12,000 '
Tire Ka.rga.Ins
Standard Makes Fresh Stock
Most of wjiich carry full factory guarantee.
Tremendous Savings
le. Make. "-
Lancaster. Clingstone, "K.; S...'..
80x8 Khman. ribbed
Lancaster. N. S., Clingstone
Peerless, plain
Peerleas. N. S .
BOx314 Lancaster. Clingstone, N. S
McLean. N. S
Peerless, IS". S
Khman, ribbed
McGraw, plain
82x3 Lancaster. Clingstone. N. S.
Khman. .N. S
Flsk Cord
Capitol. N. S
- Standard. NT. S v
Quaker. N. S
Norwalk, N. S
Norwalk Cord
31x4 Lancaster, Clingstone, N. S.....
India. N. S
Republic StaRgard.
Norwalk, N. S.,.
J2x4 Lancaster, Clingstone, N. S..
Khman. X. S
Fisk mack. N. S
Fisk Cord
Norwalk, N. S V....
Norwalk Cord
Norwalk Cord, ribbed. ;
33m4 Lancaster. Clingstone, N. S... ..
Khman, N. S
Khmai. ribbed
Fisk Cord
Quaker. N. S
Republic, N. S
Norwalk, N. S
Norwalk Cord
34x4 Lancaster. Clincstone, N. S
Fisk Black, N. S
Fisk Cord
Norwalk, N. S :...-
Norwalk Cord
39.41-4 Fisk. plain
rix4'i McGraw, N. S
Rowers. ' plain
.Federal, plain
Federal Cord
Norwalk Cord
35x4Vx Lancaster, Clingstone, N. S
Fisk Cord
Firestone. N. S v
Republic Gray, plain
Qunker, N. S
McGraw, plain
Federal, plain
Norwalk. N. S t
Norwalk Cord
3Ax4lz Quaker. N. S...I
Fisk Cord
Bowers, plain
Norwalk Cord ,
33x5 Fisk Gray, plain -
'Republic Staggard
Federal, plain
Federal Cord
Rowers, plain X
Norwalk. N S
Norwalk Cord
37x5 Quaker, N. S
Fitik Gray. NT. S
Fisk Red Top. N, S
Federal. N. S
Federal Cord
Republic Staggard
Rowers, plain
Norwalk, N. S
Norwalk Cord ;.
AutopartS' Supply Company
Sixth Street
SCRIPPS-BOOTH motor cars combine
fine appearance with reliable per
formance. . It is quite natural that this is
true. Scripps-Booth engineers are equally
concerned with both of these necessary
requirements of a' modern motor car.
The new Scripps-Booth Six-Cylinder
Touring car has a low graceful stream
line body fitted with full-die fenders, and
a radiator of a new design. The finish
and equipment, too, are thoroughly in
keeping with the lines.
Along with added beauty, there is also
added mechanical excellence. The wheel
base has been increased to 115" the
springs have been lengthened and
widened. Throughout the chassis you
will observe refinements in keeping with
good taste and engineering.
I.i.t
Fri.
Sale Price.
9.75
IO. 6.1
fl.!)S
10.63
lrt.ss
I. i.ss
12.45
II. 75
lfi.OS
14.no
33.20
14.25
22.5f
22.30
25.20
39.05
' 21.06
2S.PS
22.25
2S.52
21.41
. 10.70
20.94
42.17
33.
50.20
4S.37
00 20
2o!85
. 20.35
4 5. SO
2.8.40
20.0S
35.32
52.20
22. SS
30.00
47.09
3.09
54.64
32.15
2.9S
25.4 5
25.45
37.95
53. S5
32.1 S
-51.45
35.50
29.35
41. 20
26. 70
26.70
45.1S
54.33
41.64
50.14
27.10
63.32
35.00
39. SO
30.00
4 7.90
20.00
51. OS
75. OH
49.30
40.75
4 7.75
30.00
4 7.90
39. SO
20.00
53.95
78.66
Savin fra.
P.7S
10.75
1A.A2
t..in
S.G2
13J!7
7.05
7.7
1 2.22
IO.H.1
16.07
16.15
11. .to
14.50
7.41
. 12.:
1X25
10.4O
2O.0O
1 0.05
15.00
13.S.1
21.40
21.70
7.31
14.03
1 2.54
12.00
1 I.2S
o. 1
22.ISO
23.10
1 1 .00
15.40
12.77
12.5S
12.U5
22.S7
75.O0
12.3K
1.-I.1 I
1 1..-.R
14.30
27.55
27.50
22.50
Zt I .HO
20.70
32.17
17.15
20.15
24. NO
1 S.05
27.30
23.40
22.47
2 1 .1)7
in.ni
1.7I
2S.05
14.KS
24.00
35.05
.-tn.r.o
42.KA
40.50
27.77
1 7 .HI
I .75
25. .-i
2K.KO
:tn.5o
42.SO
35.05
4.5
. 20.55
1.2
19.50
20. n
51.25
15.25
17.25
27.75
25.83
21. S5
24.67
22. 0
12.15
31.05
44.50
28.75
30.00
34. 0
38.45
49.45
42.05
45.00.
37.25
42.35'
42.80 "
41.40
37.25
56.20
4.20
62.80
59.65
44.50
43.45
4 3.45
57.85
43.SO
42.45
47.90
64.55
45.7".
40.00
59.45
59.20
66.20
46.45
54.50
52.95
47.95
K9.75
74.55
64.35
KS.60
55.65
54.15
60.1 5
54.00
50. 1 0
67.65
76.30
61.25
66. S5
56.05
78.20
5.9.O0
?4.85
69.50
90.70
69.50
-7S.S5
92.70
69.05
69.60
76.55
69.50
90 70
74.85
69.50
S.",.50
96.95
The Motor Truck Owner
who operates a Lee Trailer
Body or Loader in connection
with his truck carries two
loads each trip. Saves time.
Makes. 83 additional
profit from his truck. .
Does not have to overload.
Have you, Mr. Truck
Owner, considered the Lee
Line?
Authorized Solas and Ser-vicc" Sinx 1903-
60 N. Broadway at Davis Broadway 321 EE
woHsej. uia est
Piston
Rings
FORD SIZE, diagonal, 7
FORD SIZE, step-cut, 10e
ALL OTHER SIZES, step
cut 170
COMPRESSO, two-piece,
never-leak , ...78
Quality guaranteed.
Comfy
Cushions
Art-leather stuffed with ka
pok and cotton. Usual price,
$2.50.
SALE PRICE S1.64
t 1
Goggles
Imitation tortoise shell, with
or without side shields.
SALE PRICE J54
Values up to $1.75.
Gem Grease
Guns
Large handsome gun, screw
action; two spouts for oil or
grease. Regular price $2.00.
SALE PRICE $1.41
Sterling Spring
Oilers
An effective oiler that keeps
your springs properly lubri
cated. Usual price $1.00.
PER SET OF FOUR . .9
Ford
Connecting Rods
"SECO" drop forged, best
quality. Usual price $2.50.
SALE PRICE. . .... $1.48
Ford
Oil Gauge
Cast brass, with drain cock;
shows level of oil in crank
case. Usual price 50c.
SALE PRICE 37
Yakima
Bellingham
Boise
Phone Bdwy. 5508 Walla Walla
Trailers
Bodies
Loaders
iwoior ar urbanization
on the Pacific Coast. EH
San Francisco, Oakland, Los EE
Angeles, San Diego, Seattle,
Portland.
'
The upholstery is satisfyingly deep
and the occupa-nts sit well down. In
llllllillllllllllllM
many American cars the seats are too