Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-12-15
HOUSE PASSES THE
GOOD ROADS BILL
Effort to Cut Appropriation Down
from $15O,0OO to 100000
Is Defeated.
SENATE TRIMS SALARY $500
Important Taxation Measure Goes
through but Cushman Sal.
airy Is TO Be $4,000 and
Not $4,000.
SENATE TRIMS SALARY $500
Important Taxation Measure Goes

Not $4,000.
Montpelier Dec. 1.-THE most important
piece of LEGISLATION to-day was the
passage BY the House after n debate
OF nearly two hours OF the highway bill
introduced by Mr.. Eabbltt of Rocking
ham. which appropriates sl5o $50 annually
for the Improvement Of the highways of
the State This bill was In line with the
platform plo1--- of the Republican and
Democratic parties in the last campaign
and Is considered as an administration
measure
This bil was reached as special or
der at half past ten. Mr.. Stafford of
Brattlehoro spoke strongly in favor of
the bill with PENDING amendments. He
said he considered 1t ono of the mos,
Important bills of the session. as there
IS nothing OF more importance to the
people Of Vermont than It's highways
Mr. Stafford said after -four years Of
trial, with constantly Increasing an
propriations for highway purposes. we
are better prepared to-day than eve,
permanent work on the highways of the
state.
Willie favorng the general intent cr
the Ill Mr. Battell of Mlddlebury be
leVei the appropriation was too large
ana lie moved AN amendment making it
$lo3.Q~ annually. He said that over $500
~" Is now raised in the state and laid
out for highway purposes. To this f., is
I
addition. He believed we are not yet
expert enough IN read building to expend
such a large sum
ACCORDs WITH STATE POLICY.
Mr. Fletcher Of Cavendish opposed the
amendment and supported the original
hill. lie believed the Legislature should
meet the situation now, and not wal; two
or four years longer. He said the bin
is In accord with the policy adopted hv
the State to cut down grades. eliminate
dangerous crossing and improve condi-
lions generally, then We Will be able to
experiment with material for roads that
VIII stand automobile travel
Mr.. Burbank of Cabot said he cnnoe
here prepared 10 oppose such n larg.
appropriation for highways. and he be-
lieved his constituents stlIl oppose H. Ho
had changed his mind. and believed that
such n large appropriation would not
Jeoparo'ze the educational interests Of
the State
Al this point Mr.. Gllett Of Richmor,
!nterrogated Mr.. Fletcher Of Cayendish
the chairman Of the WAYS and means
committee. whether If this anpro-
nriation goes through the money
can be provided without n direct
tax. Mr., Fletcher said at this stage Of
the Legislature. Il was impossible to an
s"er that question definitely.
SOUND BUSINESS PROPOSITION
Mr. Bahbitt of Rockingham also on
posed the amendment and favored tho nil,
as II came from the committee He said
II carried the good roads promises Of
hoth political parties. Il Is II measure
that can be supported on sound husi
ness principles. The bin has the an
proval Of TWO Of the largest committees
OF the House, made up of 30 Of the lead
Ing men. II has been considered by them
for eight weeks. 1t is in the line of nro.
rress adopted by the sister States on
both sides Of US.
Mr.. Bryant OF Ludlow said tho AL
mighty has been yood v. ens
mere is no reason why New Hamp-
shire Shouid nave better roads than
Vermont Mr' Bryant dwelt eloquent
~ on 'ho scenic beauties of the State
ana urEea that with this sconcrv
Nho"i" ne iouhd good roads and good
hoVelS' me mn is not alone in the
'"'e'e eS'S "i th"sc wh1 drive automo-
"lieS' IL IL III 'he interest OF every
c'''"eh III the state. There arc now
Z"oo antomoblleS registered in the
Hta'c' ana thelr owners pay into the
''"'e treasury Noo"Oo annually.
MI ie'K OF burlington said when
ne came mere he was opposed t. a
large appropriation for good roads.
a'houeh Such an appropriation is fav-
"red ny many OF his constituents. He
said he was for education first. arri-
culture second ana lastly good roads
hut he did not believe tho I'm no,v h.-
fore tho House would ondnpyer tbe
interests Of either education of o,r,-