The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-05-22
GREAT MEN ON GOOD ROADS.

Washington is noted for its fine streets
and the surrounding country abounds
with excellent roads. Visitors to the Ma
tionsl capital are sure to be impressed
with the difference between these roads
and those in otner parts of the country.
This may account, In part, for the fact
that the movement for good roads has so
many friends among our public men at
Washington. Hon. Matthew s. Quay,
United states senator from Pennsylvania,
is one of these. Like most successful poll
ticians, he makes the wants. needs and
wishes OF the people a constant study. Mr..
Quay has learned thoroughly to appre-
ciate the great value of good roads TO far
mers, and the many convenences they
would bring to all classe of people. II
know that good roads are good for my
farmer constituents writes Senator
Quay, In a recent letter commencing the
work of the League of American Wheel
men, land what is good for them is good
for all other classes of citizens. Hence
l am In hearty sympathy with the League
OF American Wheelmen in its efforts in
behalf of good roads, and believe that the
movement must be successful"
Ex-Presldent Benjamin Harrison, too,
believes in the effort for better highways.
IL am in thorough sympathy with the
good roads movement" writes Mr.. Harri-
son, probably recollecting the contrast be-
tween Washington roads and some of the
roads in Indiana.
Hon. Anthony Higgins, of Delaware.
noted for many years as a leader in the
United States senate, says: II have a
great interest in good roads, and like near
ly all citizens, am glad to see that in
terest promoted"
The late Jerry Rusk, while secretary of
agriculture in President Harrisons Cabi-
net, declared: 1.-THE city is almost as
much interested in getting good roads as
the country. Good roads is a movement by
the people and for the people,"
Nearly twenty years ago, General Grant,
in enumerating necessary lines of public
improvement, named the public schools
and the highways. Once when he and
General Sheridan were in reminiscent
mood, the old commander said to Little
Phil speaking of the latter's famous ride
to the battle of Cedar Greek: SHERIDAN,
il that battle had taken place after pro-
longed rain, and there had not been a good
pike from Winchester, you would never
have been promoted to the head of the
United Stetes army. You would not have
reached the battle field to cheer your men,
and there would have been a great defeat
for the Union forces instead of a great
victory. That would have left Meade and
Thomas a long distance ahead of you in
the line of promotion"
l am reminded of this comment by let
ter from his son, Colonel friedrich D.
Grant, until recently one of the police
commissioners of New York Colonel
Grant writes Of the good roads movement:
1.-THE sentiment of the nation Is almost
unanimous in favor of good roads. Good
roads improve the appearance of the
country, enhance the value of all classes
of property, facilitate the movement OF
products, and are from every point
public benefit. l have no doubt that the
efforts Of the League of American Wheel
men," and he is a wheelman himself. "to-
gether with the efforts of the numerous
other classes busily engaged in that drec-
ton, will bring about a system of good
roads" Otto Dorner