Morris tribune., 1910-12-30

eating drinks can be carried on and
| therefore the whole basis of federal
authority over commerce in intoxicat-
ing liquors is wanting.
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The good roads convention held
here a few days ago brought to the
city many who were interested in this
reform. 1t afforded an unusual oppor
tunity for those who had made good
roads a study to get together to con-
suit as to the best methods of improv-
ing the state highways. In this con
nection it will perhaps be interesting
to outline the principal provisions of
the bill which R. c. Dunn will take an
early opportunity to introduce in the
house. His scheme for good roads in
wolves the appointment Of experienced
road builders or engineers by the state.
whose salaries are to be paid out OF
the state treasury. For road purposes
he proposes to divide the state into
districts, the districts to comprise gen
orally two counties, though when the
county is large one engineer will be
assigned it. Thus Steele and Dodge
counties might comprise one district,
and Mower and Olmsted another,
while county like St. Louis or Bel
trami would be district by itself.
:. !. j.
For each of these districts a road
Oinnnr would ho onnNinto1 Tho
modus operandi would be something
like this: Suppose the county commits
siOners OF any county designed to i'm
prove piece of road or lay out new
me, they might send for the engineer,
lay their plans before him or ask his
aid in preparing them. They would
have the benefit of his experience and
advice only. 1t would not be for him
to dictate. They would be the final
judges in the matter. Suppose them
to have reached a decision as to the
details of the work they wanted to do,
the contract would then be let. The
engineer would exercise a general SUI
pervision over the work, report the
matter to the commissioners if it was
not being done properly or according
to contract and they might order such
changes made as they thought proper
Finally when the work was completed
the engineer would certify to the fact
and on his certificate the contractor
would we paid. The services of the !
government engineer would be equally |
at the disposal of the township board |
or of the village authorities as of the |
county commissioners. Civil service |
rules would apply to the appointment |
of road engineers. Only men of proved |
capacity could be appointed and they
would be removable only for cause.
X 4 X
1t is Mr.. Dunn's opinion that the
services of a sufficient corps of road
engineers could be secured at an an
nual expense to the state of $125,000.
The men being paid by the state and
being assured of their positions would
not be subject to local influences, and
their tenure of Office depending on the
character of their services would re- |
suit in their giving their best thought
and attention to it. They would not
have to be Subservient to the de-
nands of local politicians, nor would
It be necessary for them in the dis
charge of their duties to think how it
would affect them at the spring cleo
ions 1t Is Mr.. Dunn's opinion that
10th county commissioners and town
Ihip boards would welcome the opDor-
unity to consult with competent and
authority in the construe-
ion Of roads within the territory for
which they are responsible.