On May 6, 1900, the writer went to New York to see what could be done towards assisting the engine builder to complete the large engine and also, if possible, the small one which had been ordered for the quarter-size model later described. He immediately made brake tests of the engine to determine accurately just what effects were being produced by the different changes the engine builder was making. Upon the first test the engine was found to develop only 2.83 horse-power, and this could not be maintained for more than a few minutes, when without any apparent cause and without any signs of overheating the engine would altogether cease to develop any power. After remaining in New York for several weeks, during which time many changes were made in the engine, he finally got it to the point where it would develop four horse-power continuously; but, as it seemed impossible to get any better results [p219] without an indefinite amount of experiment, it was decided that all hope of making this engine an immediate success would have to be abandoned. Interest in the development of the automobile was increasing at a rapid rate all over the world, and while the builders in this country had not reached the stage of development which had been attained in Europe, especially in France, yet some American builders had succeeded in constructing cars propelled by gasoline engines which could be depended upon to run at least a short distance, and it was, therefore, hoped that some one of the more competent of these builders might be found who would undertake to construct a suitable engine. After making a most extensive but fruitless search for such a builder in this country, it was decided that it would be best to see what could be done in Europe, and as other administrative matters made it necessary for Mr. Langley to go to Europe about the middle of June, the writer accompanied him to see what could be done towards having a suitable engine built there. Some six weeks were spent in visiting all the important builders of gasoline engines in Europe, and the results were very discouraging. Everywhere the builders said that they did not care to undertake the work, and that they did not consider it possible to construct an engine of 12 horse-power weighing less than 100 to 150 kilograms (220 to 330 lbs.), or that, if they had thought it possible, they would already have built it, as they had had numerous inquiries for such engines, and also wanted them for their own use. The last hope of securing a suitable gasoline engine seemed to have vanished.