The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-05-24
GOOD ROADS MEN OF COUNTRY MEET IN
 CONVENTION HERE Stirring Address Made by Gov. O'Neal in Rendering
 States Welcome
MANY SPEECHES OF
 WELCOME ARE MADE
Excellent Attendance Noted Yester- day and Telegrams Pour in From Delegates Who Have Been
 Delayed

Under auspices the most favorable the fourth National Good Roads congress convened at it's first session yesterday 'nerning at 10:30 o'clock at the Jefferson theatre. The gathering was representa- tive of 15 states, and among the speak CTS on the programme were prominent men from all sections of the country. The seating capacity of the first floor was blocked off by states, and it was nos table that each division contained full representation. The spacious stage of the theatre was arranged with seats for the speakers, distinguished members and guests, and all of this room was well taken up. A number of ladies who graced the occasion with their presence were to be seen in the boxes and they manifested a sustained interest in the entire proceed ings of the morning.
 At 103O o'clock, somewhat later than had been scheduled, the large meeting was called to order by John w. O'Neil pres ident of the Jefferson County Good Roads association, and chairman of the local advisory board of the congress. The ses- sion was opened with an invocation by Rev Raimundo de Ovies, rector of s.; Andrews Episcopal church.
 Immediately following the invocation the chairman introduced Gov. Emmet O'Neal who made the address of welcome to the members and delegates to the congress on behalf of the state of Ala bama. ~
 Address of Governor
 In the course of his words of welcome the governor took occasion to congratu- late the National Good Roads association for its growing influence and promotive strength in furthering the movement for the building of public highways. lie commended the good roads advocates for their zeal in overcoming the sneers of the pessimists in working out their campaign in such a cause as will accelerate the de- velopment of the country's resources. When we consider that no state has iization in the absence of a system of improved roads and highways, and that their advantages and beneficial results are so obvious to every thoughtful man, it is almost inconceivable that we should have so long been content with the mis- erable, wretehed public roads which SO generally prevail in the states or that any opposition should be found to a move ment seeking to remedy their condition.
 "I congratulate you that since your last meeting the state of Alabama has aban doned its former policy, has established a Highway commission, and has placed the construction of our public roads under the supervision and management of a skilled, competent and experienced commission
 '"rhe large number of applications pour ing into the state highway commission for the appropriation of 5000, which the state will grant to any county expend ing a similar amount for public roads, is conclusive evidence that we have at last succeeded in arousing a public in- terest in road improvement which will, in my judgment, in the near future re- suit in lasting good.
 Our people will not be satisfied with the former conditions and this movement will not stop until a system of improved highways radiate through every county in Alabama, and our commonwealth takes her place among the most advanced and progressive states of the union.
 Under the system which has general ly prevailed, not only in Alabama, but throughout the union, almost the entire cost of road building has been borne by the people residing in the rural districts. The people residing in the cities and towns have been exempted from road duty, on the theory that their revenues should be devoted exclusively to the con struction of roads and streets within their respective municipalities.
 Not only state, but the general gov ernment should bear it's just proportion of road building The constitution of the United States vests in Congress the power to establish postoffices and post roads. and Cooley in his work on the consti tuition declares that any road existing in state becomes a post road whenever . Congress makes provision for the trans portation of the mails over and upon it, and hence even the strictest construct ionist of the constitution cannot deny that it is within the power of Congress to furnish aid for the improvement of