New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-11-13
UOrLD 4 ROAD DEPARTMENT HELP?

VOULD 4 RO1D DEPARTMENT HELP?
The champions of road reform are nothing
if not persistent. They are constantly casting
about for ways and means which will help
thcm secure the laudable, publicspirited end
which they have in view and the result of
their well directed industry is seen on all sides.
For. although road reform has yet 70 be
achieved. it is TO be said that il has made won
derfu progress in a comparatively short space
of time. There is no section of the country
in which the reform is not one of the upper
most subjects of general interest and dis
cussion. There is scarcely State in which
an association devoted to it is not to be found
IL is conceded that it has come to stay until
it is an accomplished fact.
One of the latest Of the propositions urged
bv one of its chief promoters, Albert \. Pope,
looks TO the establishment Of "a road depart
ment. an institute of road engineering and
permanent road exhibit in the city of Wash
ington" The department in question is to be
a department of Government like the Agn-
cultural Department Is the proposition
sensible one? We are inclined TO think that
most conservative friends OF the reform VIII
be of the opinion that it is not necessary 10
create ANYTHING so elaborate as governmental
department in order to accomplish all that it
is desirable to accomplish. "The Rochester
Union" which is of these who earnestly desire
TO see all our highways put in the best working
condition. declines to indorse Mr. Pope's sug-
ccstion. off good roads" il says, can be had
in no other way than through the establishment
of another government department, then we
are decidedly opposed to having them NJ all
Intolerablc as is the evil of bad roads, they
are infinitely more tolerable than a large in
crease of Federal officials, of political patron
age to be fought for, and of the chances for
iobbery and corruption"
This is putting the objection to the Sug-
gestion pretty strongly but It Is certain that
a large number of persons who regard them
selves as earnest road reformers will say ditto
to "The Union" And if the reform is to 60
forward without receiving a setback it is neceS-
saIy that all its friends should stand together.
Mr. PopcS other proposition, urging the rail
roads of the country 10 establish road depart
ments " for the purpose of aiding in promoting
the improvement Of the common roads OF the
is more feasible. In the letter which
he has addressed to the railroad presidents Of
Throuehout the United states the condition OF the
common country roads Is the index 10 the prosperity
81 railroads When highways are Imp disable height ana
p9ssenger earnings are necessarily diminished and the
price Of railroad securities lowered when the roads
are In good condition merchandise Is accumulated OF
The depot. and in moving It trains are delayed and
accidents Increased uniform good condition OF
ads would enable railroads to handle freshts more
,xp,dtously and advantageously
Now that National League for Good
Roads" has been fully organized, 1t is to be
expected that the reform will 90 marching on
faster than ever. There is reason to believe
hat Congress at its next session will pass the
scnate's bill providing for National Highway |
Commission It is likely, too, that legislation
n the interest of the reform will be put through
his winter in many of the State Legislatures.
4 the leaders Of the movement only keep their |
reads all will be well.