Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-10-12
GOOD ROADS MEN UNDER FIRE.
state Commissioner Gates Has Something
To say About otieers Of National Assoc
citation Who Were Here.

To say About OFFICERS Of National Asso-
citation Who Were Here.
The oficials Of the National Good Roads
association, who conducted a county con-
vention in Brattleboro a few weeks ago.
and who had charge of similar meetings
in other parts Of the state, are not above
suspicion apparently. The Montpelier
Journal Of a recent date contained the
following:
Hon. Charles w. Gates Of Franklin.
state highway commissioner, is in the
city today on official business. When APP
preached by Journal representative re-
garding the National Good Roads asso-
citation, that has been holding conventions
and organizing associations In Vermont.
Commissioner Gates said that he was
well pleased that the mayor and city
council Of Montpelier turned down Col
Moore, president Of the national asso-
citation, and Organizer Loucks when they
asked for an expensive demonstration of
road building, Commissioner Gates stated
that II such a demonstration were neces-
sary at this time, some Of our local COM
missioners who understand our local cll-
matte conditions and materials could give
a much better and more practical DEM
onstration Of modern methods in road
building as applied to conditions in Yer
mont than could these western promoters,
who have been campaigning the state.
The commissioner further stated that
he had no criticism to make OF the idea
Of these promoters in arousing public in
terest in good roads for Vermont. In fact
It will be a positive help, because the
men who have gone into the county or
ganization are some Of our best citizens
and are thoroughly in earnest for better
highways.
The commissioner further states that
four Of the conventions had been held
by President Moore and Organizer Loucks
money was collected for the meetings.
None Of the towns in which the conven-
lions were held made any application to
Commissioner Gates for information con-
corning the men or associations that they
represent or the methods pursued.
When he found that the men were col
lecting money from the towns visited,
Commissioner Gates states that he insti-
tuted an inquiry concerning the associa-
ton and its officers. Recently a COM
munication, coming from the office OF
public roads of the department OF agri-
culture, was handed to the commissioner
by Senator Redfield Proctor. This letter
gave Col. Moore, Mr.. Loucks and his as
sociates rather an unsavory reputation.
The following quotation from the letter
is self-explanatory. In speaking of these
two men and their associates the letter
says: "a large amount of misinformation
Is disseminated. They take in return
whatever amount Of money they can get
from a community, which in the aggre-
gate amounts to a great deal" The letter
further explicitly states that many stories
of an unsavory character have reached
the department regarding this National
Good Roads association and the men and
methods that it uses.
Enclosed with the letter is a two column
clipping from the Bellingham (Oregon)
Reveille, Of the issue Of day Of May,
1905, in which the methods Of the asso-
citation are branded In no uncertain terms
as those of graft.
In concluding the interview Commits
sioner Gates said that 1t was unfortunate
that these men have gained a foothold In
Vermont but he believes that the COM
mon sense Of those interested in good
roads will result in securing practical leg
islative measures by the present legisla-
ture.
Some talk has been heard Of calling a
good roads conference by Commissioner
Gates within the next two weeks. But In
view of the many conferences and meet
ings that will occur during that period
it has been decided not to call the con-
ference.