Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1903-11-02
PHOENIX. ARIZONA, NOV. ,, 1908.
The Government and Good Roads.


Arizona are in the Salt River valley.
This, however, is due to the kindness
of nature, mostly To make the roads
perfect at all seasons of the year
would call for considerable expendi-
ture. 1t is because of the magnitude
of the task of making good roads gen
orally that the movement for federal
aid has received such strong support
everywhere. Until congress definitely
adopts a national policy, however, the
government can do little, for the avail
able funds in the hands of the secre-
tary of agriculture are limited. But
limited as are Secretary Wilson's re-
sources and authority in the premises,
he has the power to do a certain
amount of road building in the way OF
experiment and object lessons. While,
therefore, everything possible should
be done 20 strengthen the movement
for national aid to road building, it is
quite possible for Phoenix to get some
benefits under existing laws.
For example, the construction and
maintenance Of Il good road on Cen
trai avenue from the city to the Indian
school three miles distant, is generally
recognized as matter Of great import
ance. And this piece of road, it hap
pens, would offer an excellent oppor-
tunity for the government to demon
strate the best methods O. practical
road building. If properly approached
on the subject, it is very possible that
the department officials would readily
take the project in hand. There would
be a strong argument in favor of the
proposition in the fact that Arizona is
still a territory and ward CT the gov
errment and there is certainly
a better reason for the gov
eminent to make these experimental
expenditures in a territory than in
state. The subject is worth the earnest
attention Of the board of trade.
Meanwhile, the outlook for favorable
congressional action on the BrownlOw
measure for national aid TO road build
ing is steadily improving. The great
progress already made in creating pub
lie sentiment and in educating congress
on the subject is to be credited to the
Hon. William P. Brownlow, congress
man from Tennessee. Mr.. Brownlow
sends to The Republican some late In
formation concerning his programme
for the coming session. He advises
that he is more enthusiastic than
ever for his pet measure, and will re-
introduce it at the first opportunity.
He thinks it is possible to secure its
passage by this congress, and the re-
markable growth Of favorable senti-
ment indicates that his hopes may be
realized. 1t is certain that the princi-
pie involved will have powerful aid in
the house. a large number of mem
bers from different sections stand
ready TO support it, notably from the
south and west. He says that the bill
is also likely to receive strong sup
port from the Pennsylvania, New Jer-
sey, New York and New England dele
cations. That section of the country
not only has the best improved roads,
but has had most experience with the
principle and practice of cooperation
in road building as embodied in the
state aid plan. It is believed that the
representatives from that section Will
favor national aid which is only a
more general application of the princi-
pie of state aid.
1t is certain also that the measure
will have active championship in the
senate. Senator Latimer Of South
Carolina is an enthusiast on the sub
ject Of good roads, and is fully COM
mitted to the national aid plan. 1t is
also claimed that number of north
ern senators will support the measure
1t is an interesting fact, by the way,
that the movement for national aid
for good roads has received a strong
impetus because of the adoption of the
policy Of national irrigation. Our
friends east Of the Missouri river have
reached the conclusion that if we here
in the west are to have the benefit of
tens of millions out Of the federal
treasury for the reclamation of our
arid lands. the whole country can with
equal propriety have the benefit of
millions fer good roads. And this. Of
course, is a contention which will meet
with no oppositicn in this section.
Congressman Brownlow makes
point Of the rural delivery system. He
says it is difficult to see how congress
can avoid taking up the good road
question If the rural free mail delivery
is to be extended much farther. AL
ready the people Of many districts are
muttcring because extension of the
delivery system has been refused to
them. Such mutterings, he thinks,
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