New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-06-26
conn pO1DS ONCE MORE.

The cause of good roads goes iiiarCi'''9 oi''
There is no politics in it. consequently "hen
people get tired of discussing the Presidehl'ai
canvass in all of the sharp disagreementS Whlch
that exercise implies they can get together
and relieve the strain, Republicans, Democrats
and the rest on the good road issue. 1t took
tbc average American-wh0 is nothing II not
good -naturcd, patient and long -suiierlng-hahy
years to appreciate that his country was cursed
Inv IFS roads. But now that he has realizing
sense of that vital fact, he is reso-
mtoly bent upon radically reforming
them From all parts of the couh-
try come reports of movements OF greater
or less Importance having for their object inc
building of roads upon scientific system upon
a system which will secure roads Of permanent
value. roads which will contribute to the adj
yanccment of the common prosperity. Colonel
Albert A. Pope who is heartily enlisted IN the
cause of good roads, does not express hiihSeli
too strongly when he says that "Good ROADS
cheaper the cost of transportation by saving
time reducing the wear OF dralght animais
and of vehicles, and thus lessen the cost OF
material to the producer and consumer Inc
modern development of slums, the wrctched
Outcome of life in tenement houses. can be laid
largely to the bad roads existing in the farm
ing districts. which in certain seasons of the
wear prevent social Intercourse. making coun-
try life cherries. isolated and narrow
One of the interesting results of the awak-
encd popular interest in roads IL the pending
PROPOSITION to establish special department
Of roadbuding at the approaching Worlds
Fair The intention is to give the thousands
upon thousands of Americans who will attend
tho Fair an object lesson in roadbulding. the
lesson being reinforced by an exhibit of road
making machinery, which once learned they
will reduce to practice in their respective com
monwealths. Not few thoughtful and cx-
porenced men who have turned their atten-
ton 10 the road problem are inclined TO be-
lcvc that its solution is largely conditioned
upon the cooperation of the National Gov
eminent. Those who hold to this view point
ont that in the early part Of the century no
les, than sixty acts Of Congress were passed
after a full discussion Of the constitutional
questions involved for the construction and re-
pair Of natural roads while of late years, how
ever. nothing has been done at Washington for
roads and practically nothing BY State or local
authorities. The suggestion for Federal aid
has taken shape in bill which provides FOL
the appointment Of a National Highway Com
mi. sion This Commission is 10 consider the
feasibility of cooperation b. National state
and county authorities in n general system OF
road construction To devise AMI formulate
plans for the establishment of a National school
Of roads and bridges 10 procure the eXhibi-
ton at the Worlds Fair of the best methods
and appliances for roadmaking, and 10 pro-
vide for practical instruction in the art free
If cost. and collect and disseminate general
information regarding roads and their improve
mcnt There are a number of other provisions
in the bill, but these are IFS main features.
The measure 50 far as its general principles
are concerned has rs we have stated many
level headed hackers. And even those who
question its feasibility may well accord it a
welcome since necessarily it will lead to that
full and free discussion of the general subject
Of roadmaking which ought to preccdc any
final determination. This is one of those
peaceful revolutions which never go backward,
and which ought 10 go forward so dominated
by common-scnsc rs ultimately to give the
country system of roads which shall prove
a great blessing TO om countrymcn. and help
Cnclo sam to achieve his manifest destiny