The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-11-17
Steps Taken to Hold a Convention During
the Festival.
Mr.. MOORE ADDRESSES THE MEETING
Executive Committee Appointed ia
Arrange the Preiiminarfes for
Holding Convention.

Public Improvement association, was In
troduced by Mr.. Tom Richardson.
Mr.. Moore stated that he came here at
the instance OF Mr.. Richardson. He told
OF the starting of the movement for COOS
roads in Missouri. outlining its progress
since its inception. AS one of the prac-
teal results bills looking toward good
roads were prepared and criticised by legls-
latures throughout the country and adopt
ed by three States. One bill subdivded
the State into districts for road improve
ments, and another provided l mill tnS
exclusively for good roads. Mr.. Moore
came to Texas because the State was rep
resented at the National good roads con
vention. He wanted the people OF Texas
TO save the money they are eXpending for
roads. and build good ones. thereby getting
the farmers in touch with the town pe0-
pie. and with the press behind the whole
business good roads VIII be had. we
want Mr.. Perry S. Heath to come here to
the convention next month. IL one is held
said Mr.. Moore. II am amazed TO find
such Improvement in your streets and
roads. but there Is yet room for improve
ment. Organization will bring about good
roads. We want you to call this conven-
ton here. We will bring machinery here
to make a sample piece Of road. First we
drain ii, then roll it and crown IT, Mr.
Harrison OF the National agricultural de-
partment viii be here to explain modern
road making 1t will cost Houston about
$500 to hold this convention, but 1t Will
be worth many times that amount In
one city ] saw 5000 people in one OF the'e
conventions
At the conclusion of MIR. Moore's re-
marks. President MacGregor called on
Judge L. II. Vasmer for anything he might
have to say on the subject Of good roads.
The Judge stated that he would do all in
his power toward carrying out the sug-
gestions of MIR. Moore regarding the good
roads convention. He talked of the con-
dition of Harris countys roads aud the
contemplated improvements to be made
by the issuance of bonds He believed
that the holding OF the convention heie
would be highly beneficial. The commits
sioners court is thoroughly in accord with
the good roads movement An excellent
road making material is to be found near
Houston, and good roads for Harris coun
~ are not at all impossible. Judge Vas
mer came to the meeting to learn, One
thing he had learned about road making
was that good drainage must be had, and
the commissioners court is looking after
this feature in the roads now being built.
Mr.. Moore stated that in several cities
the city council had voted from 5000 to
$3.50 and the commissioners court about
500 to defray the expenses of the conven-
tion The expenses have sometimes been
raised by subscription.
In answer to question as to the pre-
liminary steps necessary to the holding of
a good roads convention In Houso on, Mr..
Moore stated that in most cities visited by
him an executive committee was appointed
at once to take the preliminary work in
hand. Acting upon this suggestion, the
meeting instructed President MacGregor to
appoint an executive cOfsnitee for the
purpose named, Accordingly the follow
ing executive committee was appointed:
Judge f. II, Vasmer chairman. Mayor S.
H. Brashear. f. c. Crawford, e. Albright
o. c. Drew, j. S. Daugherty Postmaster
S. r. strong and ColorH " B Slosson
The meeting then adjourned.
~
Judge f, H. vnsmer, chairman Of the
executive committee, has called meet
ing Of his committee for o'clock this ar
fernoon at the court house and desires
that all members be present
~
Mr.. Moore will spend the day in Houston
talking up an Interest in his work, leaving
tonight for Waco. In his very brief talk
last night he did not fully outline the
plans Of his association but the following
from the Galveston Tribune explains the
nature and suope of the organizations ef-
forts:
Mr. Moore has been identified with the
good roads movement for nine years and
has been instrumental in building the as
ISOLATION upto its present power and i'm
portance. It now has a membership OF
100000 and at he last National convention
1900 delegates, representing twenty-t two
States, were present.
The platform OF the association Is Good
Roads. Better Streets. Improved Sewer
age" and the theory OF improvement is
not only expounded but practical demon
STATIONS are given throughout the country
OF how to improve public highways.
Mr.. Moore said last evening that the
district conventions which the association
held We're. to his mind, one of the greatest
educational factors. The people were
taught the necessity and power OF organ
ization and they were shown how TO pre-
vent the dissipation OF their means They
learned what good roads would do for
them and they learned how to make and
matrtain good roads.
The work Of the association, Mr. Moore
said. had the hearty aid and cooperation
II Secretary Wilson of the agricultural
department and General Il. G.. Harrison
engineer OF roads and streets of the agri-
cultural bureau, accompanied the associa-
tion's men when practical demonstrations
In road and street building were given.
The association has It's own road making
plant, Mr.. Moore explained, and 1t takes
this around the country and wherever
demonstrations are desired. piece of road
or block of street Is built This is to
illustrate to the urban and suburban pop
Walton the proper and practical side OF
rad building. The correct PRINCIPLES OF
fovrdation laying Of roads OF surfacing
and OF draining Is shown and usually the
worst piece OF roadway is chosen SO that
fhe illustration may be all the more forci-
bic
District conventions are to be held In
Trxas as follows Paris. December 4.
gainesville. December @: Dallas, Decem-
he- and s. and Fort Worth. December o.
Mr.. Moore knows as much about the
street. sewerage and road conditions in
Galveston as do the home people
I'VE keep up with all the affairs" said
10, land know YOUR troubles. would
'ifr IN have district convention held
hare. ~ this state alone probably $4,000 :
Nno a year is spent on roads. great deal
~ Is wasted. Good roads are great civil
izefs. broad road across the Continent
v-ouJd ada hundreds Of millions ~ dollars
The value ~ this country. rr--y rood