The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1895-02-15
"A = q ~ LNns
Santa Rosa Democrat

The Good Roads Convention, which
met last week in Sacramento, was CONF
posed OF earnest, practical and expert
enCed business men. 1t can hardly fail
IN producing good results.
In the first place, the time was most fit
Tor such a meeting.
The Legislature was in session, its
Committees on Roads and Highways were
considering the framing OF a road law.
They were present at the convention and
We're deeply Interested in its work.
The convention included in its MEM
bership a large number OF Supervisors.
surveyors, road engineers and other per-
sons interested IN good roads. In adQi-
ton TO this strong practical element
General Roy Stone was present, of tho
Agricultural Department OF the General
Government, having had for q number OF
years special charge Of the aIl-Important
division OF road Improvement.
There seemed TO be a spirit of ConceS-
sion on all sides, and an earnest desire to
act solely for the public good.
The mode OF procedure was calculated
to bring out the best results. The con-
ventiOn did not attempt 10 frame a road
law. That was left to the legally author
lied authorities to do. 1t made nine di-
visions OF the matters before It for con-
sideratiOn, and each division was referred
to special committees for report. Their
reports were referred back to the con-
ventiOn as whole, and were discussed,
improved and amended to conform
with the views of the body as a whole.
Among those present who took active
part in the proceedings were the Super
vIsOrs of Santa Clara, who are admitted
to have made the best county roads in
the State, and there were a number OF
equal experience in road construction
aud Improvement. With this light
thrown directly upon the subject they
are considering there is every good rea-
son TO hope for a good road law, and
there seemed to be very earnest desire
on the part of the legislative committee to
meet the demand for good roads.
A GREAT THING FOR CALIFORNIA.
[San Francisco BuIletin.I
A State Convention for good roads has
been sitting at Sacramento for the last
two or three days. 1t had tho single OBJ
Ject In view OF the construction of better
country roads. When it is shown that the
people Of California have invested $780,
100000 IN public roads, and that there is
little now to show for it except expert
ence, the best reason is given for con-
ventiOn OF practical mon 10 find out how
to secure good roads without a waste of
money. % =" What is needed at the
outset is q system OF road building that
can be made of universal application.
Nothing should be left in that respect
to inexperienced men. There is Just
where so many millions of public money
have been wasted. When o system has
been once established, and a few miles OF
good road have been constructed by way OF
example, half OF the battle will have been
won. The financial features Will be far less
difficult. The resources would prObabiybe
found ample enough with no more assist
anCe from the State than some good legis
laJiOn. . = If the convention dOes
little moro than to create new public
ward making the future country roads
the pride of the State.
A COMPLIMENT TO THE LEGISLATURE.
LSanta Rosa Republican,
There is quite general belief that the
present California Legislature is better
than the average. The opinion at the
State Capital is indeed favorable to both
the Senate and the Assembly. w hlle
there is occasional criticism OF the en-
ployment of so great mum Der OF attaches
1t is understood that the demands and
opportunities of personal and political
friends could not easily be ignored, and
that no great sum will be required To pay
the wages of such employees rs might be
dispensed with. There is vet opportu-
nifty for the Legislature to- make a good
record, and an impression exists that 1t
will do well.
A COMPLIMENT TO CHURCHES.
lSan Diego Union.
Throughout the campaign against vice
the course Of the churches has been dis
tinguished for its manliness and whole
some Christian spirit. In all references
to the latest achievement made from the
city pulpits yesterday, the clergy testified
to high appreciation of the action of tho
Mayor, thus proving that as body the
church people are prepared to back up
every moral reform that is undertaken IN
the comfnunity.