The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1892-05-28
The Necessity Of Good Highways Ably
Set Forth.
WORK FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
A Prominent Citizen Favors the Max
ing of Natural Highways Under Dircc.
ton Of the War Department.

In q notable Contribution 10 the
literature of good roads the Hon.
Glenn Studebaker, the celebrated
wagon manufacturer, advances a
novel proposition in answer to the
query, "Who Should Build the
Country Roads?' After consider
ing the question of who derives the
benefits of good highways, and de-
termining that society atlarge, and
not alone the particular locality in
which such highways may be es-
tablished, shares in the advantages
of these lesser but most essential
arteries of traffic, he declares that
"the wagon and carriage road sys-
tenn Of the United States ought to
be under the direction, supervis-
iod and control of the war depart
ment of the national government"
In leading up to this point he
has described the interests which
are favorably affected by improved
roads. He divides these into two
classes-individual and govern
mental. These alse he divides into
two sections each. The first inter
ests of persons residing in the coun-
try and of those living in towns and
cities, and second into state and
national interests.
Both the farmer and the towns
man are shown to be the benetici-
aries of good rcads-the first by
the saving in labor thus securing
in marketing his products, and tie
other by the increased facilities of
trade, involving more certain sup
plies of commodities from the farm
a steadier demand for goods in ex-
change and general diffusion of
prosperity, reaching alike the
banker, the merchant, the manu-
facturer, the professional man and
all others who consume butter,
eggs, milk, meat and grain.
INTEREST OF THE GOVERNMENT.
The governmental interest is d.
rect and important, especially in
relation to the transportation of the
mails to the smaller towns not
reached by railways. Not only
says Mr.. SiudebaEer, but civil Off
GERS of the nation in the discharge
of their duties must constantly use
the public highways: and still fur
Their. in the event Of instruction or
rebellion, where the intervention of
government troops is required,
good country roads become of the
utmost Importance" And to en-
force this position he says that ''if
there had been government road
like The old national postroal. lead
ing from Fortress Monroe through
Yorktown and williamsburg TO
Richmond, Mcclellan might have
ended the war in 1862. As it was,
his army had not only TO struggle
against a gallant opposing force in
its advance on the confederate cap
ital, but to content as well, foot.
horse and artillery, for every rod
of the way through unfaihomable
mud"
In a similar way the states are
profoundly concerned in the build
ing and maintenance of good roads.
The civil officers of the state are
constantly trayersing the highways,
and in any required mo, cments Of
the militia on the suppression of
disorder the condition Of the roads
of the state may be 9 matter Of ST.
rious Importance.
Mr.. Studebaker thUs concludes !
that all have some part in the ben .
efts of good highways, and there
fore that none should be exempt