The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-07-10
Good Roads Once More.

The cause of good roads goes marching on.
There is no politics in it. consequently when
people get tired of discussing the presidential,
canvass in all of the sharp disagrecments
which that exercise implies, they can get to-
gether and relieve the strain, Republicans,
Democrats and the rest, on the good road is
sue. IL took the average American-whO is
nothing If not gOod-natured. patient and long
suffering-many years 70 appreciate that
his country was cursed by its roads. But now
that he has a realizing sense OF that vital
fact, he Is resolutely bent upon radically
reforming them. From all parts of the
country come reports OF movements OF
greater or less importance, having for
their object the building of roads upon a
scientific system. upon system which Will
secure roads of permanent value. roads which
will contribute TO the advancement OF the
common prosperity. Colonel Albert A. Pope,
who is heartily enlisted in the cause OF good
roads, does not express himself too strongly
when he says that good roads cheaper
the cost of transportation by saving time, re-
duoing the wear of draught animals and Of
vehicles and thus lessen the cost of material
10 the producer and consumer. The modern
development of Sums the wretched out
come Of life in tenement houses, can be laid
TO the bad roads existing IN the farming dis
tricts, which in certain seasons OF the year
prevent social intercourse, making country
life cherries. isolated and narrow"
One of the interesting results or the awak-
ened popular interest in roads IS the pend
ing proposition TO establish special depart
ment Of roadbuilding at the approaching
Worlds Fair. The intention is 70 give the
thousands upon thousands of Americans
who will attend the fair an object lesson IN
bodybuilding, the lesson being reinforced by
an exhibit OF rOadmaking machinery. which
once learned they will reduce TO practice IN
their respective commonwealth. Not few
thoughtful and experienced men who have
turned their attention TO the road probl elm
are inclined u believe that its solution is
largely conditioned upon the cooperation of
the National Government. Those who hold
to this view point out that in the early part
of the century no less than sixty acts of [ on
gress were passed after a full discussion Of
the constitutional questions involved for the
construction and repair of natural roads,
while OF teyears. however nothing has been
done ut Washington for roads and practically
nothing by State or local authorities. The
suggestion for Federal aid has taken
shape in bill which provides for the
appointment of National Highway Commit
tee. This committee is 10 consider the feast
bility of cooperation by national. State and
county authorities in ageneral system ofroad
construction: 70 devise and formulate plans
for the establishment of national school of
roads and bridges; to procure the exhibition
at the Worlds Fair Of the best methods and
appliances for roadmaking and to provide for
practical instruction in the art free OF cost,
and collect and disseminate general informs
ton regarding roads and their Improvement.
There are a number of other provisions in
the bill, but these are its main features.
The measure. 30 far as its general princI-
pies is concerned, has. as we have stated,
many level-headed hackers. And even those
who question its feasibility may well accord
1t q welcome. since necessarily II will lead 70
that full and free discussion of the general
subject of roadmsking which ought TO pre-
cede any final determination. This IS one OF
those peaceful revolutions which never go
backward. and which ought to 60 forward.
so dominated by common sense as ultimately
to give the country system of roads which
shall prove great blessing TO our country
men, and help Uncle Sam 10 achieve his man
ifest destiny. New York Tribune. june 10th.