St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-01-26
ALL FOR GOOD ROADS
In Intelligent and Represen-
tative Body Of Men Now
in Session
TO Devise Means to Improve
the Common Roads Of
the State.
Practical Results Sure to Fol-
low the Interchange Of
Ideas.
Much Solid Sense Displayed
in Papers and Discus
Sions.

The good roads movement is the
theme Of interesting discussion just now
throughout the entire country. 1t is
matter that is being advocated and fur
thered everywhere. a magazine, even,
is being published i'll New York that
rejoices in the caption of Good Roads.
Everywhere the subject is being taken
up with earnesmess and zeal.
The movement in Minnesota is now
pretty we'll inaugurated. The good
roads convention was called to order in
the chamber of commerce yesterday,
and most interesting papers and discus
SIOnS of the matter were listened to by
some 200 enthusiastic advocates of a
reform in the present system of con-
structon and maintenance of the roads
in the state. The meeting was called
to order by a. B. Choate, of Minneapo-
lis. He is the chairman of the commit
fee on arrangements, and, i'll calling
the meeting to order. he took occasion
to outline the purpose of the conven-
ton. He directed attention to the
course of the Farmers Alliance about a
year ago in critiCiSing the wretched con-
dtOn of the country roads in this state.
At that time the Alliance asked the
legislature TO offer relief. Mr. Choate
also explained that the l.. a. w. had
appropriated 500 to help defray the eX-
pcnses Of this convention, and sub
scriptions had beer secured from public
spirited citizens of ST. Paul for the same
purpose.
Judge Henry R.Wells,of Preston, was
unanimously elected chairman of the
convention, and upon taking the chair
he delivered short but felIctOus adj
dress upon the Importance of the object
Of the gathering, and he added that it is
more than gratifying to note the inter
est that is manifested by the people of
the state in the common movement. The
attendance is sufficiently large to testify
to the interest that is felt.
The chairman was authorized to APP
point the usual committee on creden-
tialS and A. B. ChOate. w. ii. Grant and
j. n. johnson were named as such COM
mitt6e.
Credentials for Four.
The following committee was then
appointed with a view to formulate a
plan for permanent action: {. ID. Beld-
en, Paul LavalIee. A. +. Ankenny,
NJ. A. Ostrander, c. II. Strobeck.
The list of Commercial club delegates
to the convention comprised: j. H..
Ramaley. chairman; Paul a. Lavallee,
W. p. Snow, j. II. Allen. Phil Abbott,
K. II. Burch. f. S. Bryant. ID. Moreland.
Val RolschId, c. l.. LumDardo, j. X.
Bacon, c. G. Irvine, y. ii. Moon, j. f.
Broderick, George F. Benz, Ed S. Bean,
F.. l.. Bancroft, J. II. BurWell, w. w.
Cooley, W. &. Dyer, G. c. DeC0ster, r..
X. D0rr, Adam Fetsch, q. l.. Farwell,
r. &. iIine.
At this juncture F. G. lngersOll, act
ing mayor, was introduced. and he de-
Hyered the following
Address of WELCOMES:
The mayor finds himself unable to ac-
cept in person the kind invitation OF
your committee on arrangements, and
so sends me-his proxy. The duty i'm
posed is made easier because the senti-
mrntS | am expected to utter are those
that lie next my heart, and the business
which calls you here is one in which
myself take deep interest.
The city of st. Paul is proud that the
first good roads convention ever held in
this state is assembled within her bOrd-
erS. We want all conventions to meet
here, and especially those having OBJ
jects in view so laudable as this. We
are heartily glad to welcome you, gen
tlemen. AT sacrifices of tine and money
YOU have left your homes to initiate
measures for the accomplishment of an
important object. III this sense you are
public benefactOrS, and rising genera
lions will sing your praises.
The present condition of the roads of
this state seriously inter1ereS with our
material growth and prosperity, and it
is time indeed that earnest and united
efforts were made to remedy the evils.
Many difficult questions present them
selves in the endeayor to arrive at some
systematic and comprehensive plan of
operation, and these in your wisdom
you will be expected to solve.
The pleasure and benefits to be found
in good roads cannot be overeStimated.
Wherever found, you are sure to find a
thrifty people; by their means neigh
borly feelings are promoted and social
ties STRENGTHENED: the advantages of
education are brought nearer home, and
refinement and cultivation become DO
tent factors in the instruction Of the
young.
The commercial interests Of our state
imUeratiVely demand Improvement in
the condition of our roads. Twenty
miles over rough, hilly road. with long
stretches of sand, seem like thirty to
both man and beast; but over one OF
easy grades, well graveled, with suitable
trenches for drainage, so that the top
surface is kept dry, the same distance
seems much less. Bad roads are very
expensive, for they tax time. stock,
vehicles and the property transported
good roads may, perhaps, require a
greater outlay for first cost, but when
properly prepared, and their mainte.
nance closely watched, ARE mach cheaper
in the end.
Small Expense
Throughout the greater portion of ouI
state good roads are to be had at a very
small expense; the presence of Level
prairieS suggests the facility with which
easy grades may be established; the
abundance of the best rock for macad
Rmizng TO be had at very small cost
furnishes easy means for their improve.
mcnt aud maintenance. The question as
TO whether or not some part Of the labor
In our penal and refOrmatory institu.
lions may not be used to good advantage
in The preparation Of materials for use
IN our roads is one which will no doubt
receive our consideration.
many Of you have, in preparation fol
this convention. gwen much time and at
tentiOn 70 the practicalmethodo of putting