New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-05
NATIONAL HIGHWAY COMMISSION.

'
The House Committee on Agriculture has
decided 10 make a favorable report on the
bill which has been before it for some time
providing for a Special Commission on High
ways. In It's present shape the bill estaD-
fishes commission. 10 consist OF the chief
II Engineers Of the Army, the Director Of
the Geological Survey and the Chief OF Road
Inquiry Of the Department Of Agriculture AS
first introduced. provision was made for three
more members OF the commission namely one
senator and two Representatives 1t was
prescribed that the body should report from
time 10 time by bin or otherwise. but was
not 10 continue beyond the present Con
grcSs While the brief Washington dispatch an
nouncing the decision Of the committee Is silent
on this point. II is possible that the elimination
Of three Of the members indicates that the com
mission is to he n permanent body.
The duty Of the con- mission Is to be 10 inquire
generally how the Government may promote the
improvement Of highways. and to consider the
cxpcdicncy and best methods OF providing for
the scientific location Of highways on the public
domain, the employ Of the Geological Sur
vcy In the discovery Of road materials, the free
testing OF all road material offered. the CON
struclon Of model roads, and instruction In road
making a, agricultural colleges and experiment
stations. The creation OF this commission Will
involve very small outlay 10 the Government.
The only appropriation made IL of about $1,000.
the amount Of previous appropriations for road
inquiry which have not been expended. In
truth then. there would hc outlay what
ever, but simply the turning to good use OF money
which is now lying idle
The establishment Of the proposed commits
sion would in no sense mean that the National
Government was going into the work OF road
construction, save on the domain now under It's
control 1t Is universally recognized that the
building and improving Of highways must be
taken in hand by the several States. II not by
the communities most Immediately Interested;
but III the same time il II evident that com
mission composed Of the officials named might
be instrumental in aiding the movement which
has already made such marked advances In
certain portions OF the country There Is crying
need Of popular education on this subject. The
mere fact that Congress has seen fit 10 set up n
special commission TO carry on Investigations,
recommend road materials and the Ike will be
helpful md suggestive
II * understood that II the bill reaches the
Senate II will go through easily but some op-
position has been manifested by certain mem
bcrs Of the House. What they can find In 1t to
object 10 IL Is hard to conceive. Congress Is in
tent on economy, to be sure but that is no rca-
son why uncxpcndel balances amounting to a
little more than $4,000 should not be placed at
the disposal OF three capable and high minded
men. who are in position TO render Il service
to the entire country by Intelligent attention to
road bcltermcnt The measure has been strong
ly advocated by the League Of American Wheel
men, whose interest In good roads. while 1t may
not be absolutely unselGsh, has done much to
create n public sentiment on the subject that
has already led TO important results There
never was bill with less Of politics in 1t. There
ought TO be no question about It's becoming a
law.