The Crittenden Automotive Library

ACETYLENE AS MOTOR FUEL.

Publication: The New York Times
Date: 2 January 1922

It Is Used Successfully in German, Dr. Weyland Says.

Dr. Paul Weyland, President of the Association of German Natural Scientists, who is now in this country, says that owing to the poverty of the German people and their inability to get oil at the present prices, a substitute has been invented for their use in the form of acetylene gas, which is proving very successful for automobiles. He says that Germany is far behind this country in the use of electricity and that this means of motivation is looked upon with disfavor.

“Germany has no oil, and with her currency in its present condition she cannot afford to purchase what she needs,” said Dr. Weyland, who is at the Hotel Pennsylvania. “This has lead to a discovery which will revolutionize the automobile industry for Germany at least. Acetylene gas, generated by the action of water on calcium carbide, I believe, will be the coming motive power for automobiles in my country. The engine has been perfected. The gas is compressed and stored in cylinders. The user stops at a station and instead of having his gasoline tank filled, exchanges his cylinder or gets it recharged. Stations for this purpose are already building.

“Germany is far behind the United States in the application of electricity as a motive power. It is not favored in my country. Even the electrically propelled locomotive for trains is in disfavor. Our use of electricity is negligible as compared to yours. But there is a real economic reason, for this labor in Germany is very highly organized and restless. To use electricity as freely as you do requires high control power stations. With labor in revolt, they place an enormous power in the hands of the working men, which we fear to give them.

“We are suffering from the same labor conditions that you are in America. It is a by-product of the war. There is a distressing tendency for labor to concentrate its activities in the cities. At no time has there been greater need for foodstuffs, and yet, when there is work for 700,000 more men on the farms, we cannot get them. We have stopped as much as possible in making substitute foodstuffs, which was one of our most important war measures. But we are still making an excellent vegetable oil by gathering the fat from the soil and use it for lubricating purposes. One use we have made of electricity which is of great value is in increasing the growth of plants, an intensified cultivation.”

“The mass of people favor a monarchial form of government,” said Dr. Weyland, when questioned regarding the attitude of the people toward the present Government. “I believe it will come back, but Kaiser Wilhelm never. He causes too much trouble. The political situation is still fluid. Conditions in Germany are daily getting worst instead of better. The people still suffer, and to make the reparation payments means ruin. Some adjustment should be made until the country can get on her feet. If Germany does not get a chance to right herself, there will be a ruin which will involve other countries.”