HORSELESS CARRIAGES.

The Herald (Los Angeles, California)
February 18, 1894

A Paris Journal Offers Cash Prizes For a Novel Competition.

The plucky little Petit Journal of Paris—little in size, only for its circulation it is great—which sent bicycles into fashion through its prize matches, now offers a large temptation to ingenious skill. In the year 1894, on June 1, there will be a competition for the best carriages to wheel without a horse—for the economical accommodation of paterfamilias and his family. Steam, electricity, gas, petroleum, anything, in fact, giving power with speed and safety, will be tolerated—and all nations will be welcomed. The jury will be comprised of the staff of The Journal, with a suitable number of engineers thrown in.

Each carriage must hold four persons. It is intended as an offset to the egotism of the cycle. The carriage must be of easy management and not costly on the road. The trial trips will be made on good roads from Paris to Mantes, Paris to Dreux, to Bauvais and so on. Fifty kilometers in three hours is the speed required. Anything more will be admired, but not paid for. No luxury of fitting up will influence the decision. Rapidity, security, economy and safety are the watchwords.

Ten francs is the cost of admittance, and this fund goes in any case to the Caisse du Secours of The Petit Journal. This is merely done to prevent useless presentation. The prizes are 5,000 francs, 2,000 francs, 1,500 francs, 1,000 francs and 500 francs. The list of competitors will be closed on the 30th of April next.