The Washington times., 1908-07-19

Never before was the widespread
interest Of the American people in the
good roads movement brought 50 torcl-
bly, before the public eye as al the
Buffalo Convention held by the promot-
ers of better highways last week de-
clared Robert B. Caverly. president OF
the Washington Automobile Club ana
the representative Of that body at the
national gathering.
DELEGATES from all parts OF t1e Unit
ed states brought the same n essage-
that there was an unprecedented awak-
euIna in interest in this question II
their respective communities and that
in most cases agitation had begun 10
bear fruit in the shape OF substantial
State appropriations for the improve
nent of highways
THE change in the attitude OF the
farmer 10 autOists was also W1ce-y
commented upon. Formerly the rura4
denlzens were prejudiced against the
motoring invasion; now they cater 10
the automobiles in every way possible
Not only do they realize THAI ne =
bringing money into their community
and is q liberal spender- but they are
for the most part appTeciaJlVe OF the
efforts on the part OF autolng booles
toward better roads Throughout the
Middle west touring seems TO be gam
ing witt. rapid strides according 70 the
reports made at the convention ana e-i JhS
farmers and business men OF sInaI
towns along the more frequented llnes
Of travel are making every euorI 70
accommodate the tourist
state Commissioner Talks
ITO my mind one OF the most IN
teresting addresses Of the convention
which brought together leading author
tiles on road questions was the illus
trated talk given by James H Mac
Donald. state highway commissioners
of Connecticut and president OF the
American Road Builders Ass ociation-
Mr.. NFacDonaId's lecture was practical
and was illustrated with views ot model
stretches which had improved from i'm
nossible bvways In a few years
~ strong point brought out by Air
Macdonald was the utter Uselessness
nj The horizontal waterbreak which IS
the bugbear Of motorists in this sec
non. The speaker pointed out that the
water could be more effectUally drain
ed of by other methods and stated that
! In the course OF building thousands Of
miles OF roadway he had never had
occasion to resort to the antiqUated de-
/ across the roadbed-
AT the close Of the convention 1
made a run through the State OF New
York" said Mr. Caverly, starting at
/ Sufern and passing through Nyack
/ where we crossed the river to larry
town. Peekshiu. PoughSeepsie. New
burg, Tuxedo PARK and back to SUI
fern. a total OF 100 miles. In this en-
tire distance there was not q water
break and the going was something
I ideal in comparison 10 the discomfort
/ Of roads IN this section. Twice n year
/ the roads are oiled, thus laying the
dust no matter how dry IL may be.
| Along the way were signs at every
! crossing and turn. warning autOists Of
| danger and telling Of the route and
distances.
Oil Lays Dust.
/ This oil laying process is 2 great
so.eme and viii ultimately be adopted,
/ as much for reasons Of economy as
/ for the protection of motorists from
dust. According to the New York State
/ road commissioners the cost of oiling
! Is more than saved III the Iessening
! OF wear on the road bed When an
! a-to ,,ro--e frrO,-cb S7.sf Dar- % the