New-York tribune., 1901-09-08
FOR GOOD ROADS.


There is ample evidence that interest in the
approaching Good Roads Congress at Buffalo Is
strong, widespread and increasing Delegates
will be III attendance not only from States
which were pioneers In one of the most lmpor-
tant movements of the time, and In which ex-
ceedlngy creditable progress has already been
made, but from oil parts Of the country, and
among the most jealous and intelligent will be
found not few who are as yet voice crying
In the wilderness. In appearance this demand
for highway improvement Is a sudden develop
ment, but in reality it is the manifestation that
Is sudden. Forces of which the work is now
visible have been In steady operation for years.
and the result suggests the analogy of water
on the verge of boiling, which gives only slight
indications of what has been going on below the
surface.
The passage OF the Higbie-Armstrong act.
under which the reconstruction of public roads
is proceeding In this State, not responsive 10
a strong general demand. In the view of many
members of the legislature who voted for the
measure. it was conceded. rather. to the impor-
tunltes Of a few individuals whose good inten-
tions were recognized, hut whose practical
wisdom was doubted. Even its most earnest
advocates were not prepared to sec its utility
so quickly vindicated by local applications far
OutFuHBlHP tile Stdle appropriation. Inc simple
explanation Of the steady and rapid advance of
the good roads cause is, as we have repeatedly
said, that the proof OF it's right to prevail is alb
solutely convincing wherever 1t is practically
presented. There is nothing to be said on the
other side 10 which a man thinks II worth
while TO listen who has once driven a loaded
vehicle over a road converted within his OBJ
servatiOn from a bad to a good condition. For
him the demonstration Is complete and he forth
with becomes an apostle. Such is the universal
and unbroken experience. II Is a remarkable
fact that the movement has never received
setback anywhere. 1t has inevitably gone for
ward from a small beginning more rapidly in
some localities than In others, but it has not
retrograded in a single instance.
From the congress about 10 meet The Trib-
une, whose interest In the work which II is de-
signed 10 promote was early enlisted and never
relaxed when this journal seemed TO stand al
most alone. expects far reaching results. Many
annual conferences of one sort or another leave
no particular impress upon the time, partly be-
cause they are OF old standing. and those who
attend them have wearied of serious discussion
and are chiefly intent on sightseeing and social
diversion. The representatives of the good
roads movement VIII come together in q very
different spirit, TO occupy a field which still
has the attractions of novelty, though already
marked by substantial achievements. To the
success OF this meeting, as of the general cause,
the public spirited company of citizens who
have trayersed a considerable partzof the coun-
try giving practical exhibitions Of scientific road
making nave largely contributed, AS our read
ers are aware, that experiment has aroused
deep interest and produced notable results,
which in turn are certain 10 engender new activ-
tiles throughout wide territory. Altogether,