The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1908-11-05

SlSdlC4 I'M JOI ldlCG 10 lHS IdIIH6IS
than any other suggested legisla-
tive reform.
Nor is it necessary to dwell upon
the inferior character of our exist
ing roads The fact that out of a total
road mileage in the United States
OF 2,I5I,57O only a fraction over 7
/ per cent. can be called improved,
speaks for itself.
The facts as to present condi-
lions have long been known to the
thoughtful farmers of the country,
and they have been the first to
realize the urgent need for radical
/ reforms in methods of road con-
struction and improvement. 1t is
true that the farmer is naturally
conservative, and perhaps has not
taken up the subject Of better roads
as quickly as the residents of towns
and cities would act in a matter
vitality affecting their interests.
but from my wide acquaintance
with the farmers of all sections of
the country am prepared to af-
/ firm that they are as a whole
awake to the Importance of this
subject, and ready to do all in their
power to further the work of road
/ improvement.
The farmers recognize the need
for better roads, and realize how
largely such roads would contri-
butte to their comfort and prosperi-
/ ty. They areanXious too that we'll
considered plans for road improve
ment should be submitted to the
state and national legislatures, and
will do all in their power to aid in
securing the adoption Of such
/ plans.
1t may be asked why, if the
farmers favor good roads, the work
of road improvement has not made
greater progress. The chief rea
son is to be found in the lack of
the money required for the con-
struction and maintenance Of i'm
proved roads. Many farming sec.
tions of the country are sparsely
/ populated, and the economic con
dition of the farmers in general is
such that they regard it as i'm,
possible for them to contribute in
taxes the funds necessary for the
construction of permanent road
system. While it is true that it
would pay even the poorest com
munitles to increase their expendi-
lures for road improvement, it may
be said that as general PROPOSE
ton the means of the farming dis
tricts are wholly inadequate to
provide for proper road system.
In view of these conditions the
farmers have in recent years come
to realize that the road problem is
not merely a question for the COM
munities through which the roads
run, but one that concerns the peo-
pie of the states and of the nation
as a whole. They are convinced
that as the workers of the towns
and cities, the manufacturers mer
chants, and indeed all classes and
interests, are affected by present
, conditions, the people of the entire
country should aid in establishing
better system. Believing that
| appropriations for this purpose
should be made from other sources
than local taxation they have aid
ed the movement for state aid for
highway improvement which has
been in progress for some years
past, and their votes have aided
in securing action on this matter
in various states.
In many states, however, the
same conditions which prevent the
construction OF the needed mileage
of improved roads make it imprac-
tiCable to secure the desired appro-
priation by the state. The neces-
sity for better roads is admitted,
but it is not believed that the
states are justified in increasing
their tax rate to the extent need
full for this purpose.
The general recognition of these
conditions has in recent years Civ