The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-12-27
GOOD ROAD LAWS.
Association President Comes West to
See About Legislation.

| Kansas City, Dec. CIV. H. Moore
of st. Louis, president of the National
| Good Roads association. was in Kansas
| City yesterday to see members OF the
Missouri and Kansas legislatures in re-
gard to legislation which the assoc1a-
ton will seek to have enacted during
| the coming year.
Mr.. Moore said the association has
concluded arrangements with leading
railway companies for operating good
roads special trains to visit the thirty
six general state and territorial assem-
blies in 1905, and also to arouse favor
able sentiment and organize local as
sociations. The first train will be
equipped and leave ST. Louis on its
educational campaign Monday, Janu-
airy 8. Said Mr.. Moore:
-Four important pieces of legislation
are sought by the association and the
purpose of the special trains is to edu-
cate the people in regard to them. The
first and perhaps the most important is
the creation of the office of state high
way commissioner. who would have
supervision over all road affairs in the
state. His headquarters should be at
the capital. This Office should be an
appointive one. The governor should
gineer and road builder.
Another important piece of legisla-
ton desired is the adoption of what is
known as the state aid plan in road i'm
amendment is necessary BY this plan,
which is now in operation in several
states, the state makes general appro-
priation to aid counties in road i'm
provement. The railroad companies and
corporations are by this method COM
PEELED to assist in road building. Each
county is allowed a certain sum in pro-
portion to population. The county,
however, must take the initiative A
petition signed by a majority of tax
payers must be presented asking for as
sistance in building certain roads. All
states making the greatest improve
ments in road building are now operat-
ing under this plan.
THE third measure recommended by
the association provides for the utiliZa-
ton of the labor of all dependents and
misdemeanor prisoners in the prepara-
ton of materials for road purposes. The
material could be prepared in stockades
at or near prisons and loaded on cars.
The counties would have to pay the
freight.
"A law requiring the payment of poll
or road taxes in cash will also be urged
to take the place of the Anticipated sys-
tenn of working OUT these taxes
Mr. Moore said he had recently held
conference with Governor elect Folk of
Missouri and Governor-elect Hoch CT
Kansas in regard to these matters, and
they had manifested such interest that
lusionS on the road subject in their mes
sa ges and recommend what in their
judgment seemed best.
The annual convention of the Ma
tiOnal Good Roads association has been
called to meet in Jacksonville, Fla, Jam
uary 10, 20 and 81. Extensive facilities
for advertising the convention and con-
gregating hundreds of delegates are
now under way The special purpose in
calling the convention so early in the
year is to outline and recommend good
roads legislation prior to the converting
of the legislatures. President Theodore
President Estrada n
Cuba, the governor of Panama and the
governors of all the states contiguous
to Florida will be personally invited to
attend the convention. Addresses will