New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-20
FOX GOOD ROADS IN THIS STATE

In discussing the question of road improve
mcnt recently The Tribune suggested that this
State had something important to learn from the
experience Of those States which have had High
way Commissions for Longer or shorter periods,
such rs Massachusetts. Connecticut and Rhode
Island 1t is satisfaction TO us. therefore. that
careful students of the problem Of bettering our
roads have reached the same conclusion, and
that the preparation of bill providing for such
n commission is now under way. The work is
being done by Mr.. Isaac b. Potter, who is well
known as the Chief Consul for this State Of the
league of American Wheelmen; State Senator
Uigbic, who as n member Of the last Assembly
was appointed chairman Of a committee to in
vestgate the subject of good roads, and General
Roy Stone. an engineer of high standing, VINO
is the special agent in charge Of the Bureau OF
Road Improvement In the Department OF Agri-
culture All these men have special qualfca-
tons for the work which they have under
taken; and it Is reasonable to suppose that the
draft Of the bill which IS being drawn up will
form a part Of the report Of Mr.. 1ligble's COM
mittce.
1t can hardly be questioned by those who have
given attention to This matter and watched the
progress Of the good-roads movement in other
States that the only practicable method OF bring
ING about the Improvement Of our highways on
a large scale is by having the State take the
initiative 1t is true that good deal has been
accomplished in one or two counties or our state
as for example, Queens and Hichmond-but
il is apparent that their nearness to the metropo-
lis has been an important factor in the work
they have done The counties OF the State in
general have been calmly Indifferent to the de-
mand for road Improvement mainly, we mag
inc on account Of the expense involved. To re-
lcvc them in part. at least Of this burden the
State must come forward and assume H. The
first effect Of the establishment Of a system Of
good roads will be largely educational. 1t Is be-
cause the people do not appreciate the advan-
tages Of fine roads that the demand for them Is
so small This educational work the State may
wisely and properly undertake. When this les
son has been learned the people Of the different
communities will be loud In their demand for
better highways and will insist on having them.
The preparation OF the bill In question Is OBJ
viousy a work Of great Importance. Just what
its scope and import should be we will not un-
dertake to say. The makeup Of the Highway
Commission and the method Of It's appointment
should be carefully considered. for 1t Is plain
that the success OF the movement for better
roads will depend TO large extent on the men
charged with the execution Of the law at the
outset. That 1t will become law. provided, of
course, that the bill prepared is what 1t ought to
be, we do not permit ourselves to doubt. The
State Is in such financial condition that the
needed expenditure can we'll be provided for,
and little II any, opposition is to be expected
from any quarter TO the Improvement Of public
roads ut the cost Of the State. The appropriation
authorized for this purpose should be on wise