Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1907-03-05
ISENAToR JOHNSON WRITES GAZETTE
Gives Facts and Figures Regarding His Coed
Roads Bill Which the Governor Vetoed.

fi'y H'AAS'Naa ANo1ohs odh
l submit that when his reasons
are carefully considered that
there is nothing lett except the
Que he has been good enough to
give me over his own signature,
to-wit: ''the partisan spirit dis
|p aged by the legislature in
trenchiug upon the prerogatives
OF the Executive, etc." In fur
her explanation I wish to here
submit part of an extended edi-
orial appearing in Thursdays
Portland Telegram showing the
view taken of this matter by our
metropolis and we all know that
this state aid would fall heaviest
upon Multnomah county:
/ Before the Legislature met there was
siimmer of hope that some substantial
advance would be made in good-roads
law making. The hope proved to be but
q glimmering. however. Evidently the
time was net ripe. What the Legisla-
ture attempted to do in this direction the
Governor, on the score of economy, has
annulled by his veto. Oregon has yet to
take the real initiative in this important
activity, affecting its material prosperity.
The good roads propoga nda, like that
of civic improvement, and other kindred
efforts toward the broade er public ad-
vancement. progresses but slowly in the
Pacific Northwest. Perhaps it is true
that We are doing as we'll along these
lines as one eau reasonably expect, but
the readily appreciable utility and profit
which lie in good roads distinguish this
movement from the others. To become
effective, however, the good roads idea
must become subject for more thorough
education. This duty devolves largely
upon the Oregon Good Roads Associa-
ton. But from every other source,
where there is informstio to impart, or
new light to be shed on methods of pro.
cedure that will bring about permanent
| improvement of the high ways, there
should be hearty cooperation.
With this purpose in mind The Tele-
gram respectfully calls attention to the
! fact that in a number of Eastern States
notably in New York, the construction
and maintenance of good roads has be-
! come matter of most important concern.
There has been discussion. public educa-
ton in the premises and action that has
brought forth fruit amply compensatihg.
1t has been demonstrated beyond cavil
that whatever the cost, the game is worth
the candle.
They have in New York what is known
as the Higbe- e-ArmstroEg road law, enact
ed in 1898. The chief feature of this law
is state bonding proposition, and the
expenditure of the money so obtained in
conjunction with established proportion
ate contributions by the towns and coun-
ties, the money to be used for the con-
struction of high-class macadamized
rosds. Under the operation of this law
692 miles of such road have already been
built and comprehensive plans are enter
tanned for building some 1000 miles of
the same class of highway by the expen-
diture of $50, 900, 900, made available by
vote OF the people. authorizing the issue
of state bonds to that amount. Theroads
already built are the strongest arguments
for the continuance of the work. Farm
ers have found that they could drive with
triple the load that could be hauled over
the imperfect highway. There is an
actual saving of two-thirds the cost ol
wagon transportation, to say nothing eI
the gain in social comforts, in facilities
for educating children, in contact with
the world through more expeditions mail
delivery and in the enhanced attractive.
ness and opportunities of life generally.
New York is IN the lead in the practi'
cal working out of this good roads pro
blem; but. that state is by no mean:
alone. Pennsylvania has arranged fol
. the expenditure of more than $1,000. .00t
in the next six years and state aid ant
cooperation in the construction of gooc
roads have been declared for in seventeen
= other states. Oregon, first through educa
tion of the people, and then by the popu
| lar judgement considerably expressed
J. should join the procession. The need
t great. We are not as rich as the olde
: Eastern states, but the principle apple
n just the same. Our activity in this yer
F, material line of pro ,-ess can be commer
su ate with our means, bearing in min
that il is only fair o,-ts,ity should baa
it's share of the bu den, do it will reap il
;. share OF the reward.
:. There has been strenuous effort to gai
7 National aid in tie good roads NOV
! men'. When majority. .oie the statsszi
d the Union hats shown IN practic