The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-02-26
-THE Cecil Farmers club met
at the home of Alfred Kirk

Inc uOSC Cdllcu luC uCCIiuS ~
order and presented the newly
elected president, Elwood BAlder-
ston, who then took the chair.
The secretary being absent, A.
B. McVey was appointed for the
day. The following members
answered to roll call; Elwood
Balderston, A. B. McVey, M. G..
Reeder, A. J. Kitchener, Jos. S.
Scarborough. Robt. T. Cameron.
James II. MAXWELL Alfred Kirk,
J. P. Wilson, R. X. Rawlings, Jos.
7. Grove, G. Ross Biles.
Visitors present-Samuel Smith,
VIM. T. Patten, Danl. Hawke, B.
W. McVey, Rev. W. P. Compton.
On the call for reports from COM
mittees, Robt. X. Rawlings, dele
gate from the club to attend the
good roads meeting in Washington
last month, reported as follows:
Gentlemen, in return for the honor you be-
slowed upon me as delegate to the National
Good Roads Convention, beg to offer the follow
ing report
The meeting was called to order about 2:30 by
Secretary R. N. Richardson, OF the National
Good Roads Association, who was UNANIMOUSLY
elected at the convention. He was authorized 10
choose one person from each state of the Union.
Mr. T. G. Harper was unanimously elected CHAIR
man of the committee, who was elected President
at the April convention of the Good Road Asso-
citation and at the same convention Col. Richard
son was unanimously chosen Secretary.
On suggestion of one of the committee the SEC
retary read the resolutions which are to be pre-
sented to both houses of Congress.
After the election of the officers the roll was
called, nearly every state in the Union being
represented either in person. by letter or telegram
MI. Brownlow made brei speech stating that
he and Mr.. Latimer were for same and under
stood each other, and did not ask for any partic-
uar bill excepting the state aid. after which Mr.
Latimer made statement of the two bills.
There was motion made that a committee be
appointed to see Secretary Wilson in a body, but
Mr.. Latimer ruled down the motion stating that
he was no greater than any Of US. and that COM
mittee of five be appointed to wait upon Mr.. Will
son and have him come to US. The committee
returned with the report that he would be with
usat 4:30.
Mr.. Wilson was introduced to the League, giving
us about thirty minutes talk. He made good
speech in favor OF good roads, naturally staying
clear of the national aid proposition. He stated
that he had been at his own state and found the
house he had built much improved. with the
people talking all over the country over the tel
ephone, and even the boys and girls were counting
over the phone.
Mr. Booth of California, stated he would prefer
the good roads and the old way of counting. so as
to sit beside the girl with his arm around her and
whisper in her ear.
The committee noted his omission of the nation
al aid and it wassuggested by one of the members
that it would be acceptable to the meeting II 1t
could see his way clear to say something thai
would be used before the Congressional Com
mittee today but the Secretary did not appear to
comprehend the remarks.
Secretary Wilson told the Committee of the
division of public roads relating to his depart
ment, and of the important work it has done in
educating the people, and how building per-
manent road is economical and the big saving in
hauling expenses that is made in any county or
state where good roads exist. The Americans
Iketo get through as a people and we are getting
there rapidly but of course we will get there faster
will do the best with its effective staff.
Mr. Wilcox presented to the meeting an amend
ment to the Brownlow bill but was voted down
by two-thirds majority, and it was decided to
present the bill, but claim no bill in particular,
except the state aid feature,
The evening session was given to hearing re-
ports of the delegates to the Committee on the
different conditions of the good roads in the dit
ferent states Short speeches were made by the
members of the committee. which reminded me
OF an old time Methodist experience meeting.
There was committee of five appointed to wait
upon the Postmaster General, who promised to
meet with us at $3.50 Tuesday. Also five appointed
to wait upon the President, with the chairman
and secretary as honorary members. Three were
appointed for Senate Agricultural Committee and
three for the House Committee. We then ad-
journed to meet at Q O'Clock Tuesday,
We met at Hotel Raleigh and were disappointed
as the Postmaster General could not be with us
Promptly at 1880 we went in body to the Agri-
cultural Committee, where Mr. Harper made the
opening address of the argument to the Senators
in behalf of state aid for the good road improve
ment, and stated that during the Civil War the
North and South both fought bravely. They have
helped the National government with the build
ing of the railroads, canals and the improvement
of rivers and harbors to the vast OF four hun
bred and one-half million dollars, and they also
help syndicates and banks and pay 80 per cent OF
the taxes, and this is the first time the farmers
have asked for aid AND w think it is high timet to
get something and now We demaLS II ---'-,
The following gentlemen argued the good read
question: ]. G. VanPelt, Sec. Kentucky GOOD
Road Association; Robert l. Muker, Assistant
State Engineer New York; W. d. Swisher. OF
Philada.; Samuel Hill, Washington, President
Good Road Association.
They asked for the appropriation of twenty-four
million dollars in three years, that is eight million
dollars year. Some OF the Congressman asked
as some of the members had named figures for the
improvement of our country roads. that the
amount of the appropriation be placed in writing
that it might lay ON the table for reference They
then commended the committee, stated their
cause had been strongly argued and would now
be given their careful and best consideration.
We then adjourned to seek our different repre-
sentatyes of every state. called on all, saw all