Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-19
GOOD ROADS LESSON.

GOOD ROADS LESSON.
be n special car for the road experts
who will make the trip. By special ar
rangements which will be made in adj
vance road congress will be held in
two places in each state, and after q
meeting at which the subject of high
way improvement will be discussed by
the authorities who will compose the
party there will be demonstration of
practical road building.
The machines will be utilized in this
work, and sample roads will be built to
demonstrate the value of improved
highways and the economy in using
the machines. The manufacturers of
these machines will have representa-
tives in the party, and it is expected
that they will enliven the proceedings
by their competition for orders.
That there is an urgent necessity for
better country highways is shown in
the statement of a competent authority
that SG00,000,000 are annually wasted
in this country because of the misera-
bic condition of our roads.
1t is a fact that every citizen is vital
ly interested in our country roads. The
prices of farm and ranch products are
subject to their condition. The farm
ers are particularly interested. To
them modern roads mean progress
financially, socially and educationally.
The United States has spent hun
dreds of millions of dollars in railway
subsidies and for rivers, canals and
harbors. all forms of highways. 1t has
spent comparatively nothing for coun-
try roads. But there is not a pound
of freight hauled over railroads, rivers,
canals or harbors which Is not first
hauled on country roads or city streets
at some stage. The country road is the
primary highway Of commerce. Hun
dreds of millions have been spent In
improving the secondary lines while
the country road has been neglected.
If it is economical to improve one part
of the haul, why not the other? When
the country realizes that it is losing
S6OO,000,0O0 annually, how long will it
take to find a remedy?
These are questions which the League
of American Wheelmen Is earnestly
bringing to the attention of the coun-
try. Its work is going forward con-
stantly, but quietly. Whatever prog
ress has been made is to be credited to
it. 1t is admitted that the movement
started in the L. A. w. through selfish
motives. The league wanted better
roads for better cycling. But, what
ever the original reason, the organiza-
ton has found the great economic ne
cessity for good roads and Is impress
ing it upon all classes. 1t Is need of
great magnitude, however, and will
take many years of hard work before
the object can be accomplished. This
is expected by the men leading 1t, and
they are prepared to carry it on for
whatever time may be necessary.
In New Jersey and New York, where
the plan has been tried, 1t has given
nothing but satisfaction. 1t has proved
practicable in every way.
1t Is TO demonstrate these things, as
we'll as to show the proper way of
building a road, that the good roads"
train will make its trip over the coun-
try. The League of American Wheel
men earnestly invites cooperation in
preparing for its reception and stay in
the various states, and it should be &C.
corded welcome everywhere.
In addition to ascertaining the gener-
al economic need of modern roads, the
league has appreciated the fact that
the entire cost Of construction should
not fall upon the farmers. Dwellers in
cities, particularly the large centers of
population, benefit by them in no small
degree, and 1t is only reasonable that
upon them should fall a portion of the
expense. Realizing this, the state
aid" plan has resulted. Under this the
state pays portion of the cost, vary
ing from 33 13 to 80 per cent; the coun-
ty pays another portion, and the prop
erty owners pay the balance. In this
way the cost of construction is equal
lied, and the amount paid by the farm
er is very small. His immediate re-
turns are increased property valuation,
saving Of time and expense, ability to
haul larger loads with less power,
means of easy communication with
nelghboring farms and towns and the
advantages of a passable roadway to
the schools for his children and to 9TH
er places for himself and family,