New-York tribune., 1909-01-26
WORK FOR GOOD ROADS
NEED FOR COOPERATION.
Conservative Increment and the Part
1t Is Playing

The American automobilist has proba bly, never
regarded himself as a part OF the great national
conservation movement which has taken root
and which is being pushed by some of the abiest
minds in the country.
Powell Evans. OF Philadelphia. who is chairman
OF delegation recently appointed by the American
Automobile Association - confer with the National
Conservation Commission. In recent interview
gives some idea Of the duty which falls upon every
member of the automobile association in order to
carry ont to ultimate and successful CONCLUSION
the building. maintenance and mapping OF a great
chain of highways reaching in all directions over
the United States.
Mr.. Evans, who is also chairman of the touring
information board of the American Automobile
Association believes that through the connection
of the association with the National Conservation
Commission the twenty thousand odd members OF
the association will be in a position to accom-
pish more in the direction Of good roads than they
have ever been able to do through any previous
good roads organization.
While great deal has been done by automooie
clubs scattered throughout the country, The eho1t
has been less disjointed and 1t Is now De
leved that through the influences of the conserVa-
ton commission all which has been done in the
several states be brought together, maintained
and improved for the good Of the whole country
and for all users of every kind Of vehicle
The formation of motor car users into ciuoS'
said Powell Evans III a recent interview. mas
finally developed into definite policy. which com
prehends the broad question of good highways. wen
built maintained and carefully posted ana mappeo.
This policy also embraces the decent use or
highways not only by automobilists but by all
travellers together with just and equitable legsia-
ton for every class of highway users
This programme is being advanced with actiVtS'
honesty end intelligence The National ConserVa-
ton Commission recognized this fact when II IN
vited The American Automobile Association to be-
come one of its conferees The conservation COM
mission fully appreciates the fact that one OF It's
greatest duties is the announcement of compete
system of national highways. A good road con-
serves energy, time and money.
1T seems to be the consensus of opinion that
states should themselves construct and maintain
+ba Great highways within their limits and that the
lesser division OF the state should construct the
smaller highways. This is the general treno OF au
vanced good road legislation from the leglslauNe
point of view The important principles underlying
all good roads work are known but not sulol7ii'tS
adonted II Is the purpose of the ASSOCIATION 10
make all these facts known to those in aathori'y'
and through the medium of the conservation Coil-
mission the association will undoubtedly nave IN
the future a greater influence in the good roanS
movement than any other automobile body IN the
country.
"As regards road use the association believes that
travel on main highways should be regulated uS
one law for all users and that II lights on Vehlcles
are necessary they should be used on horse-ora"r
vehicles as well automobiles 1t Is no" pretty
generally recognized that some allowance must DC
made for the destruction Of road surface ny rep'oy
moving vehicles. II the Cdulhs ia Ai'0 49, -
or the chains on motor car tires destroy portions
of the roadbed this should be borne as necessary
evil and charged TO highway maintenance.
1T Is further believed by every man who has
given serious thought this highway problem
that the rules governing the use of public thorough
fares Ehould properly under the Interstate
Commerce Commission, and not be slo1ect 70
change at the whim Of some unreasonable local
legislator or township board. The association
stands for broad and Uniform road laws covering
all travellers alike. denounces reckessness and
urges the punishment Of all inconsiderate motor
car drivers and It invites all users OF sef~pTopeied
vehicles 10 Join this good work