The Democratic advocate., 1908-09-18
THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY
WESTMINSTER COMMITTEE GOES OVER
PROPOSED ROUTE
EASY GRADES AND PLENTY OF STONE FOR ROAD
BUILDING PURPOSES.

OF the young chauffers, who, as one
OF the passengers remarked, handled
tnelr machines like big toys.
But the facts not only speak wond-
ers for the naturally easy grade of
the entire route, but also indicate
the character of the road making ma
terial along the whole line, that makes
possible the keeping of ordinary coun-
try roads in such good order, under
unfavorable conditions and with the
limited amount of labor that is ex-
pended on such roads.
That this good road-making mater
lal is at hand, ready for use, along the
entire length of the route was ap-
parent along every mile. Along the
first few miles there is abundance of
limestone and fiinty rock not far to
the west and easily accessible. From
the vicinity of Morgan run, on into
and through Howard county, there
is on every hand constant outcrop-
pings of granite rock, massive bouId-
ers of many tons weight projecting
far above the earth, Indicating the
presence of great rock formations,
sufficient for the construction of the
boulevard not only along this part of
it's route, but for it's entire length, if
needed.
That which called forth most COM
ment was the diversified country
through which the trip was made.
Passing through the fertile fields of
old Carroll, well-cultivated farms,
with evidences of thrift and prosperity
on every side, through the gently-roll-
ing, wooded hills of Howard, and on
to the more lovely yet still elevated
road through Montgomery county, re-
minding one of the farther Southland,
the varied surroundings, with ever
changing view, without monotony,
bring new interest with every mile.
This diversity of scenery is account
ed for by the fact that the route de-
scribed along it's entire length runs
practically along the ridge which forms
the watershed between the section made
fertile by the streams that flow north
ward into the Patapsco river and
those that flow southwark into the
Potomac. The proposed route is
therefore the natural and most feas-
lble. Such a road as that which is
contemplated should be constructed
on such ridge, with a view to ease
of construction, to its future mainte-
nance and to it's scenic beauty. BY
no other route, either to the east or
west of the meridian of Washington,
is there another ridge of such length
inviting the construction of the great
way. On either side are deep gorges
and from time to time the eye looks
out on far distances, presenting Wis
tas of rare beauty.
At intervals small streams cross the
ridge through beautiful valleys, max
ing possible beautiful viaducts and
bridges for scenic effect.
1t was the unanimous conclusion
of the representatives of the Mer-
chants and Manufacturers Associa-
tion that nature has provided this at
tractive route, ready at hand, for the
carrying out of the suggestions of
Hon. J. T. McCleary and Congressman
Lafean, and that it is not possible for
any other route to combine so many
natural advantages.
This conclusion was arrived at
through the mediums both of sight"
and touch" upon the efficacy of
which methods Senator Beasman gave
an interesting table talk while at
luncheon at the Raleigh.