The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-11-29
THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY GOOD
 ROADS SPECIAL TRAIN.

The weather has been fine this week and the work of the Good Roads train, with its crew of road experts. engineers, and it's twelve cars laden with machinery is creating lively scenes at Mobile They are transforming a sand road and street into a splendid speedway. A worse place could not have been selected on the Washington Street road at Mobile. The sand is at least six inches deep upon all the roads and streets in that locality. but the ponderous machinery. some pieces be- ing propelled by eight and ten pairs of mules, is doing the work. The sand road is one of the most complicated roads to build, and Is one with which many of the Southern States have to contend, but the skilled engineers and machinery ex- perts accompanying the Good Roads train understand all phases of the subject. Delegates will attend the convention in Mobile which will be in session today and tomorrow from an area of more than 150 miles. The Mayors, Councils and Engi- ness the demonstration and receive in- struction. Mayor Jones of Pensacola will head a delegation from his city. New Or leans and many intervening cities and counties will also have delegates. The convention will be held in the spacious auditorium of the Young Mems Chri-tian Association. The churches were to an- nounce 1t from all pulpits at yesterdays Thanksgiving services, and no doubt many hundreds of ladies will be interest ed in the conventions deliberations. The clergymen of all denominations have been invited and addresses will be delivered by the Jewish rabbi, as well as the Catholic bishop of the diocese.
 The object of the convention is to unite all the material and social forces directly and indirectly concerned in the better ment of the common roads. The train i will leave Mobile Sunday morning for the capital of the State, Montgomery. It will remain here all of next week. If the teams and men arc ready work will begin early Monday morning. It will be neces- sary for the city and county engineers, if the road is to be built in the city as we'll as in the county. to establish the l grade and set the stakes. The local au- thorities always assist the train forces as to grade. the desired width of road, drainage and other local conditions. The earth roads should be graded not less than 24 feet wide; 2 or 30 fet is desirable. Within a few years electric car lines will be speeding in all directions through the rural districts, and they will not be per mitted to operate through the central part of the roads, but will travel on the l sides. and it will therefore be necessary to have a road not less than 2 to 30 feet | in order to accommodate all con ditions. A vast number of people do not even appreciate the objects and influence extended by this Good Roads train. The | National Good Roads Association, the road department of the government, and the Southern Railway have combined their separate influences to arouse deep CT industrial interest for road improve object is to organize and stimulate local interest The direct object is to "help
 the people to help themselves" It is not
 likely that a train of fifteen cars, that
 will cost the Southern Railway upwards
 of $50,0 600 besides thousands of dollars of
 other expenses to the National Good
 Roads Association will be operated again
 in many years in the Southern States.
 It Is, therefore. the duty of every farmer.
 merchant. manufacturer. educator. bank
 CT, lawyer. doctor, clergyman and woman
 to avail themselves of the educational
 influence that is exerting itself in all
 directions. The people of Montgomery
 and the citizens of all sections of the
 State should come to Montgomery next
 week to witness the new demonstrations of road improvement The South as well
 as the North has too long delayed the improvement of thoroughfares. in the
 county and in the cities. By reason of
 this neglect. millions of dollars are annu- ally poured into the coffcrs Of European