The record-union., 1897-02-03

are main arteries and to traverse the
sections named in the report of his
bureau.
The plan does not interfere with
county or district roads; it is to be a
model and stimulus for them. In no
one year is more than , per cent. of the
State money to be expended in any one
county. After two years of beginning
the State can see if it will be we'll 70
broaden the system
His own belief is that it will be in
clined to broaden it once a beginnins is
made. The plan is based on experience
in other parts, and is the result of the
study of all road systems and laws of
| the world, and of the observations of
the bureau in two years, physical eX
animation and in collection of data.
We have in California such enormous
area, so many counties and such topo-
graphic variety and unequal distribu-
tion Of population and taxable values
that a State system is absolutely neces-
sary.
For instance, to connect tide water at
Humboldt Bay with the north Saera-
jlfotIlO dllty ~ tSSCiilldl lOI liIS pICtC.
But a road to do that must pass
through Trinity, which is sparsely set
tied, poor, and taxed already excessive
ly. That county is a link that cannot
contribute, yet the main line is of ut
most Importance and is demanded by
all the people.
What is needed then is a system that
| is wasteless, economic and based on the
best results of experience in economic
road building and maintenance. The
maintenance is not difficult or costly,
once permanent, scientific roads are
built, indeed, the maintenance cost is
shown to be exceeding light.
The State system viii stimulate the
| feeders, the county and district ays-
| TENS. and in aid of which the depart
ment of roads is to advise, furnish
plans, data, etc.
In giving the State a system all in
terests are ito contribute for all are
equally concerned whereas now the
burden falls upon the few. The work
must be done Systematically, according
to best approved methods and under
the watchful eyes of trained men, But
wherever county residents having the
ability or are able to acquire it they
should be employed.
On the basis Of present expenditure
If We go ON for twenty years more We
will have expended $40. 100000 and
with no better results than we now
have. But a State system of one-fifth
the expenditure will give the greatest
beneficial results and make rural life IN
California desirable, increase taxable
values. decrease taxation accordingly,
and teach counties and districts how to
construct economic, permanent roads
and maintain them. These things are
unlikely to result from indiscriminate
| work and expenditure.
To Senator Dickinson he said con-
struction by the State will be slow
step by step. and as completed the ar
terry roads will come under State con-
troll for perpetual maintenance. BTJ
that will be light, really but few
| cents a day per mile.
! To Mr. Anderson-The plan is to start
work over as wide an area as possible
| beginning in the worst places, and
| where the greatest need is on the gen
eral lines for the main arteries. 1t will
not be feasible to do dab of work IN
That would be unwise.
! t. Mr. Caminetti-Our lines as ID
mirage run over the places of greatest
need and largest movement. OF course
q county wants the earliest possible
results, but | doubt the wisdom Of
counties building State roads and TAX
ing pay un1~r acceptance, by INSTALL
ments, as the State money comes in.
| There would be no objection to that if
the work was done under State super
vision, perhaps. We considered that
/ play in connection with the issuance of
| bonds, but deemed the wiser course
| that we have advised. After the State
| has started in that plan may well be
considered when the people see what
| the State system produces in the way
| or permanent roads, they may after
| two years experience proceed more
rapidly and the plan of county build
| ing of roads for State acceptance on
| the arterial lines might then we'll be
adopted.
To Mr. Melick-Yes. we considered
the possible contribution by peo-
pie of counties and districts to
the State arterial lines where
a county system. But while there is
nothing to prevent it now, we have not
| expressed it, thinking it better to leave
! all such matters to be considered after
| two years of experience and education
To an Assemblyman-Yes, the pro-
posed tax is two and half cents on all
property within as we'll as without
municipal limits while we reduce the
maximum of the road tax in outside
districts and for county road systems
to 80 cents, so that the total possible
tax will be 3112 minimum, while now it
is 40 cents
To Assemblyman Price-1he total
mileage of the proposed State system
! is to be ultimately 1900 miles. The cost
| per mile we place ait $1,000. Yes, sir,
| it can be done for that. We in no
| wise propose any State interference
with county and district lateral sys-
TENS feeders, and lines between county
points for purely local purposes.