The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1911-07-25
Under Law Which Bears His Name
Funds Ready for New Era of
Development.
PUBLIC GATHERING TONIGHT
Addresses to Be Made at the Court
House, to Which All Are
Invited.

wise to assemble the legislature in
extraordinary session at this time
and if it were reconvened l should
still further question the wisdom of
attempting retalitory legislation
against the railroad companies as a
result of the restoration of three cent
fare"
This from Senator James T. Ell
well, who arrived in Bemidji this
morning to address the Good Roads
meeting to be held at o'clock to-
night in the court house.
Il voted for the two cent bill and
by their own figures that rate is not
losing proposition for the rail-
roads. But to attempt to force rail-
road legislation through the legisla-
ture at this time, with rate adjust
ments still an unsettled thing in the
courts, doesn't look just right to me.
Anyhow, an extra session has too
great tendency to disrupt business
throughout the state to make it ad-
yisable, except in rare instances
Blames Twin City Press.
There were some things that
wanted to see go through last win
ter. Reapportionrfent was one, and
I believe if the Twin City press had
taken little different tack, it would
have passed. The vigorous demands
of the press for reapportionment
made the country members fearful
that it was the three big cities, and
not Northern Minnesota, who really
wanted more representation. At
them an excuse.
Il don't know how the other mem
bers feel about an extra session for
| haven't talked with them about it,
but my impression is that no session
will be held"
The one thing dear to the heart of
Senator Elwell is good roads. 1t was
the result of his efforts that the Ell
we'll bill, which has made possible a
good roads fund of $20,0O0,O00, be-
came law.
Briefly the Elwell law provides
that highways may be constructed
with state aid. The state pays one
half the cost of road; the county
one-fourth and the benefited prop
erty owners one-fourth, payments
extending over a period of ten years.
The cost of the road is financed by
the county.
after careful study" said the
senator today, 1--WE have come to the
conclusion that roads can be built
in this forest district of the north at
an average cost of about $4,000 a
mile.
under the Elwell law long
stretches of road can be constructed;
different sections Of the state can be
linked and lateral roads built.
Mean Forest Safety.
'The construction of good roads
would, believe, remove danger from
forest fires, because long distances
could be patrolled by automobiles OF
other vehicles, and incipient fire
quickly quenched. Your excellent
farming communities could be con-
nected and consolidated rural schools
effected.
these long roads can be built at
probably one-half the former cost
because the contracts can be let tc
railroad contractors, equipped with
modern machinery. With the aid
of electric lights, the road work
could go on day and night Heavy
rollers would place the roadway iI
perfect condition for immediate use
"And l want to say right here
that any road that is worth building
is worth taking care of, and that i.
a provision we now have. Countie!
will be compelled to see to it thai
roads are properly repaired. lnves
tigators find that where Germany
which nation has the best roads or
earth, triumphs over the United
States is not in building the roads
Visit Schroeder Farm.
At 2 p. m. the following Good
Roads visitors and Bemidji person.