The record-union., 1897-04-07
WHAT THE NEW LAWS ARE
INTENDED TO ACCOMPLISH.
(CONTINUED.)

(CONN1 IL
The Record Union" presents below
another batch of the laws passed by
the hate Legislature-in some cases a
synopsis-and will continue the pub
LEGATION from time to time until all
are published:
FOR GOOD ROADS.
In 1895 the goods roads movement
was agitated to such a degree that the
Legislature deemed it wise to establish
a State Bureau of Highways. to con-
sist of three members, for the further
ance of the cause. That the bureau
was a success in disseminating useful
information relative to the construction
of roads throughout the State is ac-
knowleged everywhere, and the re-
ports of observations and surveys sent
In by it has stimulated action until the
large central cities are evincing more
interest in the matter than the more
isolated counties and localities.
THE BICYCLE A FACTOR.
The advent of the bicycle was lead
ing factor in the good roads movement,
for by it's use thousands of persons be-
came acquainted with the needs of
substantial State highways, who pre-
viouS to the empire of the wheel did
not go outside the city limits once in
decade.
The last Legislature acknowledged
the pressure brought to bear, and
passed four bills providing for the con-
struction, on a gradual scale, of an i'm
proved system of highways throughout
the State Three of the bills were We
tced by the Governor, for reasons best
known to himself, but the one re-cre-
ating the Department of State High
ways, and providing for the appoint
ment of three commissioners, was ap-
proved. AS "a ready reference for those
interested, the full text of the enact
ment is given herewith:
THE ENACTMENT.
Section /. A department of and for
the State of California, to be known as
the Department of Highways, is hereby
created, to consist of three chief eX-
ecutive officers, who shall be known as
Highway Commissioners. Said depart
Ment, it's officers and employees, shall
have and exercise the powers and du-
ties hereinafter specified, and such as
are or may be otherwise provided by
law
Section 2. Immediately upon the TAX
ing effect of this Act, the Governor, by
and with the consent and advice of
the Senate, shall appoint three persons
as Highway Commissioners. The per-
sens so appointed shall be selected with
particular reference to their Qualifica-
lions for, and practical knowledge of,
highway location, construction and
maintenance. The Highway Commits
Sioners shall devote their entire time to
the service of the State, and shall not
actively engage in any other pursuit
While serving as Highway Commission
ers- The Commissioners shall person
ally perform all the engineering work
OF the department.; provided, that the
department may be allowed assistance
on the engineering work thereof on re-
ceiving the unapi mous approval Of the
State Board of Examiners.
Section 8 Each of the Highway Com
nisSioners shall hold office for the term
of two years from and after the date
of his qualification, as hereinafter pro-
vided for At the expiration of said
last-named term two of said three
officers shall thereupon cease and de-
termine, and the powers and duties
herein specified shall devolve upon one
Highway Commissioner At least thirty
days prior to the expiration of the
terms of the Highway Commissioners
provided for above in this section the
Governor by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate unless it be 9TH
erwise provided by law, shall appoint,
for a term of four years, and every
four years thereafter, one civil engineer
as Highway Commissioner, who shall
have the qualifications specified in Sec
ton = of this Act, and upon him shall
devolve all of the duties and powers
which shall be conferred upon the
Commissioners first appointed under
the provisions of this Act, and who
shall receive like compensation. When
ever a vacancy occurs in the Office of
Highway Commissioner, it shall be the
duty of the Governor to fill such va
cancy for the unexpired term, which
appointment shall be confirmed by the
Senate at its next session
Section f. Within twenty days after
receiving notice of appointment the
person or persons so appointed shall
file a bond in the sum of $4,000, with
at least two sufficient sureties thereon,
for the faithful performance of his du
ties which bond must be approved by
the Governor, and filed with the Secre-
tary of State. and qualify by taking the
oath of Office as prescribed for State
officers.
Section B. The Chief executive officers
hereinbefore provided for shall imme
diately, upon qualifying, organize by
electing one of their number as Presi
dent and shall adopt seal for the au
Identification of its acts, records and
proceedings.