The Minneapolis journal., 1906-04-29

RURAL MAIL SERVICE
HELP TO G0|0|lD ROADS
Requirements Of Postoffice De-
partment Bring Many Improve
nents in Highways.
} Ry w. w. Jermane.

IS Washington, April 28.-The subject
of good roads as affecting the rural
delivery service has been revived by
the suggestion that the postoffiee de-
partment, in view of its interest in the
maintenance of good roads incident to-
efficient rural delivery service, take
steps looking to some action by the
government for the Improvement Of
public roads In this connection it
should not be overlooked that since
the year 1894 the congress has made
appropriations to enable the secretary
Of agriculture to make inquiries in re-
gard to the systems of road manage
ment thruout the. United States, to fur.
nish expert advice on road building,
and to make Investigations in regard to
the best methods Of road making and
the best kind of road-making materials
In the several states; and for preparing,
publishing and distributing bulletins
and reports Of such work.
The maintenance of good roads un-
obstructed by gates, with no unbridged
creeks or streams not fordable at all
ordinary seasons of the year, is a con-
dition precedent to the establishment
and continuance of rural delivery SER
vice. When a rural agent or post
master reports that the roads traversed
by rural carriers are impossible, or in
bad condition, the matter is taken up
by the department, thru the postmaster,
| with the local road authorities and due
notice given that unless the condition
Of the roads is improved it will be
necessary TO take steps looking to the
withdrawal of the service in that
vicinity. -
This policy has resulted in the ex-
penditure of thousands of dollars thru.
out the country in the construction Of
bridges and the Improvement Of high
ways. The maintenance of good roads
as required by the postoffice department
does not necessarily involve any radical
change in the system of roads in q
given locality. but does call for a sys
tenn of grading that will keep the roads
smooth and properly drained. The i'm
portance Of systematic effort with g
view to keeping the roads in good con
dition is illustrated by the experience
weeks, when it has been neces sary te
suspend service in some localities, the
~|'condition of the roads being suchea as tt
make itsSimpossibles for the carriers tt
traverse their routes. :. %9@
This naturally results in complaint
which frequently comes from people
who are themselves responsible for th'
condition of the roads. While in some
respects the past season has been al
UuS, LII GudG Guo WSdGuoI COu
ditions have been such as to make thu
roads unusually muddy, still, if the .sys
tenn of working the roads was conducted
along more intelligent lines, it is be
Ilieved the existence Of the condition
referred to would not be possible, s.
Iii is necessary te#repeatedlY call, t.
the attention Of road authorities il
given localities the requirements Of tn
department in this respect. In SOM
I communities where the benefit Of goo,
= roads is appreciated by the ~busines
men, commercial clubs and other simila
: rganizations are offering prizes for tn
8 best mile aof road spna any ! rural rout
q running from the par ticniar g eonlmu unity
+ which it is believed will result mot o1l1
in improved roads in that particula
section, but in increased interest on til
part of the. people themselves. 3
The Indifference in some places to thi
: important subject, so far as rural de
livery service is concerned, is disclose
by the inspection Of the service no,
!, being made, and it is hoped that tn
: result of the efforts of the departmen
during the coming summer will be sue
, an increased interest in the improve
. ment of all highways traversed by rurs
routes that the department will be e1
abled. to more satisfactorily complet
y the work of extending the service t
q the largest proportion of the rural popl
y lation. thruout the country ..stSz. tz !. Il