The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-20
GOOD ROADS ARE ND
 LONGER DRY SUBJECT
Thacher Says Everybody Is
 Becoming Interested
MEAN so MUCH TO STATE
Says PeouIe Are Coming More and More to Realize That There Is No Greater Factor for Civilization Than
 Good Highways

Charles W. Thatcher, the good roads apostle. who is now making speeches in various parts of Jefferson county to arouse still greater interest in Detter highways. was in Birmingham yester- day to have his wagon repaired.
 The little mule-drawn wagon, which has travelled so many thousands Of miles, had too much of strain put on It yes terday as it was passing over some ol Jefferson county's roads and a break down was the result. The trouble oc- curred between Bessie Mines and Bir- n,inpbam. MT. Thatcher said last night:
 .eThe interest for better highways IS growing at a healthy pace in JeHersoh county. I am very much delighted to And if ,s not of the spasmodic variety which would likely simmer down ana ole a natural death.
 .orhe people are thinking a great deal about the subject of good roads. It IS no longer A dry, uninteresting question with inc farmer and laboring man. But they turn out in large numbers 10 'nese meetings and manifest heartfelt entnu- siasm.
 .rba masses of the people are devising vsvs and means to secure the pest hisn ways at the least possible cost. So the idea of directing prison labor Tn the COT st,,,c+;on of highways Is meeting with their hearty approval .,,
 .orhe prisoners on the highways Will remove as near as possible tneir "oih from conflicting with free labor Naturai- ,,, this is favorable to both the farmer and laboring man. The aesthetic sloe oi the good roads question is 1ascina'ihs tho people. It is different Vie"polii' iron, which they had heretofore consld- araa the matter. But as soon as the neonIe begfn to realize that good roaos means an inspiration to life on higher nlanes. loftier ideals in the minds Of the young; more of paradise; and more of light and less of shadow, 1t becomes A question of deep import. In fact. the ieea Is rapidly growing in the minds of the people that the fight for Ideal highways and streets Is the greatest reformatory movement of the age.
 "I am more than delighted to ind out that A sentiment for a two-million dol lar bond issue for good roads Is just the thing for Jefferson county. The ra hid growth of Birmingham is causing the peoples minds to expand, adding wis dom to their plans for future highways. They will no longer be satisfied with roads constructed according to old, worn out methods The people of this county want roads fully as good as those about Atlanta. Many of Birminghams people have been to Atlanta and know the rare rleasure of gliding over such charming roads as they have in Fulton county. l feel confident a Captain Donaldson will arrive in Birmingham who will construct wide roads with rock sewerage and man. hole escapes for overflow water. Roads constructed as smooth and almost as per nanent as the South Highlands boulevard are the dream of the progressive citizens of Birmingham.
 "On my trip to Bessie Mines l travelled over roads that had received no attention for 15 years. My wagon was broken in three places Returning to Birmingham today the horrifying roads caused an other break, making 1t impossible to reach my appointment at Morris. Would one have thought such roads existed In Jeff ferson county? The Peerless Jefferson?"