Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1893-01-06
The Morrmrn, for Good nona..

One of the good signs of this year 1898
is that the year will see the development of
an intelligent, determined and well organ
lied movement In behalf of good roads. 1t
is not TO be expected that a great deal will
be accomplished in the way of constructive
work in the first year of this movement,
but its character is such that the public at
tention will surely be aroused, and a strong
public sentiment created. Last October,
In Chicago, the national league for good
roads was formed. Its plan contemplates
the formation of state leagues in every
state, and local leagues or chapters in ev-
cry county or school district. Gov. Fuller
interested himself actively in the move
ment, and a Vermont league was formed
during the session of our legislature
Maine has since followed suit, a strong
sentiment in favor of road reform has been
at work in New York and New Jersey for
two or three years, and the movement is
pretty sure to become general in all the
older northern states before the end of
this year. The six broad, general pur-
are:
l. To combine, as far far as practicable,
the efforts of all persons now engaged in
the work of road reform.
2 To awaken interest in the subject
among the people at large.
3. To receive, publish and discuss any
wel-considered plans for local, state, or ma
tional action or legislation.
4. TO urge the passage by the house of
representatives of the senate's bill for
national highway commission of inquiry.
9. To aid in providing for proper road
exhibit and for free instruction in road
making at the Worlds Fair in Chicago.
6. To establish the league upon the
broadest possible basis throughout the
country, so that its influence may be of
weight in any direction in which it may
ultimately be thrown.
The work of the league will proceed on
the general basis that, remarkable as has
been the progress of this country in a
thousand ways during the last half centu-
ry, in the matter of road-making we are
away behind the times. Compared with
England, Germany and France we are not
much better than barbarians, in respect to
our roads in country districts. This state
of things is due more than otherwise to
ignorance, and to lack of appreciation of
the difference, on economic grounds, be-
tween good roads and poor roads. For
this reason the work at the start will be
largely educational. Circulars and PAM
phlets of practical information will be
prepared for general distribution, and a
league paper or magazine will be regularly
published as soon as subscriptions or other
funds for its support are in hand.
1t is suggested, as one of the surest and
best ways of reaching the farmers, that
men familiar with the subject and compe-
tent to talk upon it, be sent to address the
farmers institutes in the various states
The Importance of compelling teams which
do heavy work on country roads to have
wide tires, proportionate to their work, will
be urged as one of the primary features Of
the reform 1t is significant fact thai
railroad men are among the first to take
hold of the movement. This is because Il
is recognized that good highways are the
best feeders to the railroad system.
All hail to the road reformersl Thei
work is needed, and there is room enough
for us all to serve in their ranks.