The San Francisco call., 1895-07-31

Inc GOOD ROADS Association OF Alameda
County issued the following appeal yester.
day afternoon. 1t has been sent all over
the county:
OFFICE OF COOP ROADS ASSOCIATION OF ALA-)
MEDIA COUNTY,
OAKLAND, Cal, July 29>
In natural advantages Oakland is peculiarly
favored as place of residence. Located within
easy access OF the metropolis of the Pacific
Coast, with more genial climate than can be
found elsewhere without undertaking long
journey, with gently rising foothills that offer
building sites unsurpassed for scenery, and
make possible the construction OF the most
beautiful drives of any place in the world, with
soil and climate that will produce all the
flowers and fruits of the semi-tropical couI-
tries besides those of colder climates-with
such natural advantages Oakland's advance in
prosperity should be extremely rapid.
There is but one thing that has retarded
this progress in recent years. The streets are
almost without exception in very bad condi-
ton. The class OF people that can afford subur-
ban residences and the class that is most de-
sirable as q part of the population Of a resi-
dence city, is much given to riding and driv-
ing, and, over the greater part of the streets of
Oakland, this cannot be INDUCED in with
pleasure There is not an approach to the city,
from whichever direction one may come, that
is well paved.
This condition has not always existed, and it
can be remedied. Many residents Will remem-
ber the condition of the streets and drives
about Oakland fifteen or twenty years ago, and
as temporary sOjourners or as permanent resi-
dents, by these streets and drives. Ii was
realization of these changes that have taken
place and of the fact that the defects may be
remedied that led to the formation of the Good
Roads Association of Alameda County.
The work that has been done by the associa-
ton proves that the necessity for its organiza-
ton was even greater than had been supposed.
The present City officials have shown willing
ness, and even an eagerness, to carry out the
wishes of the association, but difficulty after
difficulty has been encountered, and a less
enthusiastic body might be discouraged by the
magnitude of the work to be done. Street matters
have been allowed to drift along until they are
in a hopeless tangle, and much time and
labor will De required to straighten them out.
The association, in stating these facts, desires
to cast no blame upon any person who has had
control in the past. Human nature being as IL
is, no man, public official or other, Will do
more work than he is required to do for any
length of time. If blame attaches anywhere it
is to the citizens who have allowed public
affairs to drift into their present condition.
By the organization of this association an
opportunity is offered every citizen to assist in
the work. 1t has been formed with the public
spirited purpose OF assisting the community,
and it calls upon the community TO assist it.
Every person who has the prosperity of the
City at heart should become member, and, at
least, assist with his voice and by payment of
the annual dues of 81 year. 1t is manifestly
impossible for an association such as this,
where all work is voluntary, and extensive
calls are already made upon the time of the
officers, to call upon all sympathizers person
ally and solicit their support.