Middletown transcript., 1902-12-06
FAVOR GOOD ROADS
Interesting Session of the Far
mers' Institute at Newark
Discusses the Matter
SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE

discusses the Maltef
SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE
Prospects for better roads in this
county appear brighter and the conven-
ton of the Farmers Institute held in the
oratory hall of Delaware College at New
ark Monday demonstrated that interest
in the movement is strong. This much
was brought out in the discussions over
| various matters which were considered at
the sessions Meetings for the betterment
of roads will be continued in this county
and extended to the lower part OF the
State. Various methods to be employed
for the betterment of roads, were discussed
and the one which occassioned the great
est interest perhaps, was that relating to
state aid law whereby appropriations
by the state for the accomplishment OF
better roads would be made.
The matter of reserving 20 per cent. OF
the money raised annually by each hum
dred for the purpose of improving roads
was another matter that came in for
much discussion. The following resolu-
ton was presented by DR.. A. I. Neaie,
director of the experimental station:
1t is the sense of this meeting that 20
per cent. of the money now raised an
nually by each hundred for road purposes
shall be reserved to be used in the con-
struction of permanent road beds.
This resolution was under discussion
for considerable period, but the result
of the matter was decision to lay 1t
upon the table to be acted upon at some
future meeting
In the absence of James FL. Hossinger,
president, who was unable to be present
owing to sickness, Arnold Naudain pre-
sided. Over one hundred persons were
present at the morning session, which
convened at 10 o'clock. Not only was
New Castle County well represented, but
Grangers from down the State were also
present in the morning and afternoon
Farmers living near Newark drove to
town early in the morning and spent the
day. Many of them carried their fami-
lies, and more than the usual number OF
persons we're noticeable upon the street.
The afternoon and evening sessions were
attended by many Delaware College stu
dents.
The morning session was opened with
a few preliminary remarks by Mr..
Naudain after whicha paper dealing
with road laws was read by Francis M
Walker. The paper was given mainly
to extracts of the law in this State
dealing with the building and re-
pairing of roads. 1t was listened to
with considerable interest especially by
those from other states.
Following the paper by Mr.. Walker
DR.. Neal offered his resolution and made
an address in its supports. He contended
that something practical is needed, de-
claring that bad roads could not go on
forever. He pointed out that roads are
rapidly getting worse, and he believed
that it was high time that something was
done to improve them. He referred to
the fact that tax payers already are
clamoringfo better roads, and he thought
that the time would come when they will
rise up against the miserable roads OF
New Castle County.
A general discussion of DIR. Neale's re-
solution followed. A number favored
the plan suggested by him, while. others
thought some other method should be re-
sorted to. It was the universal opinion,
however, that the time has arrived when
strong efforts for the betterment of road
beds should be put forth. 1t was the con-
tention of many that the roads should be
constructed of stone and gravel, and it
! Ir,a;ntea e,,t that no matter how much re-
pairing is done to the ordinary dirt roads
their condition is worse than ever few
months afterwards. In this connection
the roads of the lower part Of the State
were pointed out for an example.
In Sussex County many of the roads
are covered with oyster shells, and when
they are treated in this manner the road
bed become hard and almost like stone,
lasting for considerable period. Much
money is being expended in that county
towards SO treating the roads and expert
ence has proved that the money has been
we'll expended.
The morning session took recess at
1890 o'clock, and the afternoon session
convened at 2.30 o'clock.
The address of the Hon. H. l. Budd,
State Commissioner of public roads OF
New Jersey, occupied the greater part OF
the afternoon session, and his remarks
were interesting to all concerned in the
making of better roads.
Mr.. Budd began his address by saying
that during the last 10 years the gospel
of good roads had been SO often treated
that it was almost impossible to add
more to the subject
The address of the speaker was along
the line of improvement to roads in the
State of New Jersey, which provides that
roads shall be repaired by state appro-
priation. This has been made possible
by the formation of the state aid act,
whereby the funds for road improvements
are supplied by the state treasurer.
"This act, !" the speaker said, twas very
unpopular at first and was bitterly fought,
but its foundation was due to the efforts
of the most progressive farmers of the
State. The act came about, by an agita-
ton of the movement in Farmers Clubs,
Oranges and county boards of agriculture
and the discussion resulted in resolutions
4 which required the State Board of Agri-
culture to advocate laws by which the
cost was distributed among individuals,
counties and state.
| seWhere the State Board was formulate
| ing these laws, the bicycle interest was
approaching high degree of develop
lment. This served to add increased inter-
I 1. Al. 4