AUTOS FOR SIGNAL CORPS.

The New York Times
April 19, 1914

War Department Expects to Buy 12 This Year—Cheaper Than Mules.

The War Department will purchase during this year, if funds are available, about twelve motor chassis for the signal corps, this being a part of the equipment proposed for the aviation squadron.  Some consideration has been given to the subject of the cost of motor cars, with the result that the cost of running automobiles in the army, including the wages of the chauffeur, expense of repairs, and 20 per cent. deterioration, was $0.093 per mile for two-passenger car, $0.28 for four and five-passenger cars, and $0.45 for seven-passenger cars.  The cost of hauling by motor truck is 22 cents per mile.

It has been the experience of the War Department that a heavier car than one and a half tons comes to grief on the country roads and bridges over which these trucks are called upon to operate.  Recently reports have been received from points throughout the United States showing the cost per ton for hauling by mule team, taking instances where teams were continually employed and fully loaded as far as possible.

These results show that the reported cost per ton per mile varied from 21.2 cents to $1.04, an average of 40½ cents, the wages of the teamster, 8 per cent. deterioration, the cost of wagon and mule, and the other expenses in connection therewith being taken into consideration.  No allowance was made for interest charged on sum invested, insurance, or overhead charges.  Motor trucks that have been in constant service and fully equipped have been operated for a short time, including cost of repairs and supplies and 20 per cent. deterioration, as low as 8½ cents per ton per mile.