The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1905-07-12

BfOWnlOW hOOu ltOuuS Dlil
XN was first offered in the
MN House of Representatives
Ism M it was regarded by some as
proposing a dangerous in
novation in our economic affairs, but
when studied in the abstract IT is
found to be strictly within the line of
well-establshed precedent and clearly
written constitutional limitations. Gov
ernment aid to good roads was entered
upon under the auspices of President
jefferson, who set forth the policy
with great spirit. Had not the author
ity been in the Constitution, it would
not have had his sanction. There is
nothing in the Constitution inhibiting
national aid to good roads. There is
abundant authority in the Constitution
for such aid. The doubt about this no
longer exists. The paramount ques-
ton at this time is, have we in the
United States satisfactory highway
conditions; are the means Of commun!-
cation between town and country ade-
quate to public necessity; are the high
ways cre1itGble to our advanced intel
llgence ana civilization; dc we need
better roads, and can they be had in
any other way than by national aid,
by Government cooperation with the
States? Every intelligent being within
the bounds of the Union knows that
the average wagon road is for perhaps
six months of every year 4 community
horror and State and national shame.
1t is Just as well to use plain speech
in dealing with practical facts. When
carefully collected statistics show that
only five per cent. of the wagon roads
are good, we know by the same token
that ninety-five per cent. are bad: and
the questions just asked are answered
at once. Can these unhappy condi-
tions be corrected by the States? There
are all the years of State experience
in road making to prove the negative.
Since the earliest organization of the
States the country has experimental
with roads under local systems, and yet
the average wagon road to-day is but
little better than when first blazed ont
in the forest or laid along the plain. 1t
is this that has convinced advanced
thinkers that effective road construc-
ton in the States is only possible
through Government aid and cO-opera-
ton. The reasons for this are not far
to seek. Good roads-rOads that will
last-can only be built upon scientific
plans. There are but four or five
States in the Union wealthy enough to
inaugurate such plan. If scientifical-
" constructed roads will benefit the
counties they will benefit the States
and Nation. This is self-evident de-
duction. Then there shiuld be coop
Grafton of the Government with the
States and counties. Another thing:
The Government owns property in all
the States upon which it pays not one
cent of taxes. 1t has taken charge of
the public roads for the transaction of
its rural mail business, upon which it
places fixed charges upon the people
who built these roads without its aid
1t ought in mere justice to be willing
to help better the roads for its own
uses, even if it had no concern in the
welfare of the people. In addition to
its postOffices. custom houses and court
houses in all the States and Territories,
the Government possesses lands. parks
and other property. 1t has direct in
terest i'm the advancement of every
community, and the reciprocal obliga-
ton of Government is to protect ana
foster the natural interest Of each iE-
divldual These obligations will not
be fulfilled until the Government as
sists in improving the public roads.
If it is proper for the Government to
aid in the improvement of its water
courses for the extension of commerce
which courses must ever carry
small percentage of the total commerce
of the Nation-then, it is surely the
duty of the Government TO aid in the
improvement of the land, or primary,
means of transportation over which
ninety-fve per cent. of all products
must be moved before it reaches a rail-
way or steamboat. The proposition
for Government aid to good roads is
right, and we hope TO see it enacted
into law. as it will be if the people
keep after their Senators and Represen-
tatiypS in Congress-.