The Banner-Democrat., 1901-12-14
Roads Of A,A>xic..

~ W.
Roads Of A,A>xics.
IlfH HE influence Of the mechanI
i III cal steed on our civilization
i IL Is best exemplified in tht
i growth and improvement o
the country highways. which. in .
country that stretches between tw,
oceans. and includes within its bound
ary nearly all the climates and physi
cal characteristics of a mighty CONT
nent. have been slowly evolved from
the almost indistinguisbable trail OF
the pioneer settlers into roads of high
engineering skill and achievement
American country roads have Jagged
In the Development of the nations
material growth and expansion until
within the past few years. With the
exception OF the few old post reads, es.
tablished in colonial days, when the
stage coach was the only vehicle for
comfortable travel. there were not
more than two or three country high
ways OF passable physical condition.
summer and winter, a score of years
ago In the United States.
Military roads were the earliest in
existence in all countries, and the pro-
tective necessity OF having different
parts or the empire Joined together by
highways over which an army could
be quickly moved inspired most of the
great engineering feats in road build
Ing OF the past. This factor had little
or no influence in American industrial
life. Our boundaries did not abut
those OF other powerful nations with
whom we might at any time wage
war. Consequently no thought of es
lines of Notifications. con-
nected by military highways, ever en-
tered the head of our most warlike leg
lslat0rs or Presidents. Military roads
were not features of our national de-
veiopment, and though potent factors
In the growth of many Europeap
States. they are almost nil in American |
history.
The modern bodybuilding movement
$ attributed to the bicycle and auto
noble, but 1t must be said that 1t was
ather the conditions of the times.
Vnlcn were ripe for the change. that
made the popularity Of these mechan-
cal steeds. Railroad construction had
imost reached it's limit: important
'unk lines were already paralleliny
ach other so that they cut disastrous
into each others profits, and the ,
lost important parts of the country
ere Joined together by the ribbons of
EEL. Railroad stocks were declining
value; profits were being reduced.
I'd capital was chary of investing in q
ew enterprises of this character. G
mat the country needed was more !
roads leading from {
rms. mines and producing lands.
Or months in the year the great acri-
litural sections were shut off from
e railroads by almost impossible
untry roads. Mills and manufactur-
9 plants located on streams of water I
at furnished excellent motive power =
uld not market their products in a
inter. The logging camps and the Ii
ming companies were likewise help
IS In winter. Thus for a good por- q
N OF the year the country's COM o
'rce was paralyzed, and the produc- ~
centres were cut off from the "a
rid. II
We rapidly grew into a nation of 81
ies as a consequence. There was u'
lie attraction in the country except !,
the summer season. impossible u
Iddy roads made rural life disagree. 70
e in the extreme. Even the small NJ
ages suffered and dwindled in num-
Q and population. In the cities M
ne pavements defled the mud and
rms OF winter. and thither our pop. .el
tion hoclea hr;,a,rn to
yes habitable nIsces rhoro .sa- nj;
lid not be shut indoors for months
! time. at
ne bicycle. and later the automo. me
, spread propaganda of good road
ding at a time when conditions Sr.
g ripe for a mighty change. and o''
nre that smoldered for a time an'
broke forth into flame. There 'or
need Of better highways to Inn.
re trade, to develop the country nu' ~
to add to our appreciation of coun.
life. With the new movement pic
o commenced . oou. wo
trend of our norrIo.;.,, .,.- SON
country was improved by good 'ecl
IS SO that people who had been
up in the city now longed to re. "A
to the less artificial life in small -,
Is and villages. Rural existence 49,. -
lenly received new charms. and rrc,
the extension Of good highways oo,o
sprung up handsome rural homes - !,
.radar,r .oi 'oun.ry hie wri,
rs new era in our existence. It 49,
It that our cities are less prosper.
or that they will cease to grow in tNa.
and wealth. but that the country ~"
. and that q has 49,. 20. - Iesf gion
'etter roads.-Gunton's Magazine. '"
The People Imrr.....s wife
: people Of New Iors.r s.. Aim,
wonderfulyv ;mrrossaS IL. soun
that by good roads the value of nign
Will be increased, transportation LIZ
,ened. travel and hus;r.ss - the
ID. school houses and churcha. by a