The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-08-22
Advocates of the Needed I'M
provement Are Being Ably
Seconded by Agricultural
Department.
40 SUBJECT CLOSER
TO, FARMERS HEARTS
, Number of Good Roads Bills
introduced the Past Ses-
sion Shows Interest the
Farmer Takes.
(American News Service)

(American News Service)
Washington, August 21.-One hum
, xred million dollars for good roads;
that is the slogan of the advocates Of
magnificent national highways. They
are being ably seconded by officials Of
the department of agriculture, who
says that no subject is closer to the
heart OF the farmer than that of good
roads. In the opinion of the depart
ment, scarcely any one thing Is more
conducive to the prosperity of the
farmer, nor adds to the value of land
as do first class roads. The best evil
dence that the farmer has taken this
subject up is shown by the number OF
good roads bills introduced in the
house during the extra session of con-
gress recently adjourned.
A Dozen Bills.
More than a dozen bills were intro
duced. each having for it's purpose the
betterment of the highways of the
country. Representative Scott, Of
Kansas, who is chairman of the agri-
cultural committee, is strong believ-
er in good roads and says that his
committee will next winter take up the
subject and give it careful considera-
ton. 1t is probable that the commit
tee will hold hearings to obtain facts
and data that cannot but have good
effect on the house. The agricultural
department, which is the one execu-
tive department representing the in
terests CT tl" farmers, has for several
years b"~r " -. 1g up a public senti-
ment IN charging and extend
Ing the Fays between states. The
departnHr" has been ably assisted in
this by The numerous automobile clubs
of the country.
During the recent extra session Of
congress thousands upon thousands
OF petitions from every section of the
country were received by members
urging legislation in favor of good
roads. Many Of the petitions pointed
out that in certain states, where first
class roadbeds, private business was
good and the population in the coun-
try districts prosperous and thriving
The advocates Of good roads, in and
out OF congress say that it would be
economy for Uncle Sam to spend
$1OO,O00,000 or more with the states
in the improvement of National high
ways, in that 1t would develop the bus
mess OF the country and add to the
prosperity Of the nation.
Taft an Advocate.
President Taft is an earnest advo-
cate of good roads and may have
something to say on this important
subject in his message to congress
next December. The manufacturers OF
autos in the United States have joined
In this movement to facilitate by con-
gress at the next session Of one of the
several highway bills. The statement
has been made nat with first class
roads throughout the country, five au-
tomobiles would be in use as against
one at present. In addition, advocates
Of good roads say that marked in
crease In the express business, by au-
tomobiles for short distances, would
take place.
The only opposition limited at is
said to come from railroads and ex-
press companies. 1t is admitted that
level highways between cities of from
80 to 60 miles apart, now reached on
~ by rail, would be easy of access by
automobiles carrying about twenty
passengers and. of course, such COM
petition would unquestionably hurt
railway traffic. However, public SEN