The Idaho scimitar. [volume] (Boise, Idaho) 1907-1908, 1908-09-19
A Gettysburg Road.

Considerable impetus is being given this summer
to the project for Congress to build $7OOOO 900
roadway between the national capital and the battle
field of Gettysburg in honor of the centennial of the
birth of Abraham Lincoln Among the first of the
many bills which will be introduced at the next
session of congress- is giving evidence of such
growing popularity that with this object, which
has been prepared by Representative Daniel Lafean,
of Pennsylvania 1t is proposed have the highway
begin at the white house and run in practically
straight line to the of the most decisive struggle
of the civil war. The project is one of the most
ambitious that has been proposed to congress in
the way of a memorial, but it has hearty support,
and the prospect of its speedy passage is daily be-
coming brighter
The time selected for its introduction could hardly
have been more propitious, for February 10,
1902 the Tooth anniversary of Linco1ns birth will
be celebrated. Representative Lafean has the
hearty endorsement of the district commissioners
for his measure, and it is known that many promin
ent Washingtonans will appear before the
mittee which the bill is referred and argue for its
passage.
In speaking of his bill Representative Lafean
points out that, although proper and fitting
ials have been raised to Washington, there is no
worthy national tribute to Lincoln by the entire
country. With the exception of independence hall,
in Philadelphia, there is spot in the country which
is held in such the battlefield of Getys
burg He asserts that every year Gettysburg be-
comes more and a place of pilgrimage that
the roads which now lead to it are devious and in
adequate, and that some provision should be made
for those patriotic citizens who wish to reach and
traverse the field which still bears many marks of
the great conflict In spite of the war, Gettysburg
is a difficult spot to reach From New York and
Philadelphia the most travelled road is that through
York, but the railroads leading thither slow and
the trip in the hot months is wearisome Mr.. La
fean asserts that the presence of good roads makes
automobile trip the ideal way to reach the battle
field and from New York and Philadelphia the road
is excellent But Washingtonians have to traverse
bad roads, and the ride is a continual struggle.
The proposed would extend straight from
Washington to Westminster, Md, where it DIVORCES
slightly to direction and proceeds directly to
Gettysburg. 1t is proposed to make it $50 feet wide
and in the middle to have plots for shrubbery and
flowers, with a roadway either side.
Postmaster General McCleary has been active in
working out the plans for the proposed highway
and through him the Abraham Lincoln Memorial
Association, of which he is foremost member has
heartily commended the project Senator Knox has
agreed to take charge of the bill in the senate Ac-
cording to the present plan of Representative La
ean the Tooth anniversary of President Lincoln will
be the day chosen for the breaking of the ground
or if that does not allow sufficient time for the
completion of the plans, he will try to have the pres