Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-11-20
SENDS HIS REGRETS
Continued from First Page).

declared the cost Of living would be re-
duced when there was established more
intimate relation between the producer
and the consumer. With the increase ir
the good road mileage, the parcels post
he said, would perfect the facilities fol-
getting from the farm to the town.
Relations between farmers and town
folks can be established he explained.
"for the prompt transfer daily or weekly
Of much that the farmer produces and
town people consume. At present when
the town dwelier pays dollar the farm
er gets half or less. With parcels post
the farmer would get more, the carrier
would get his freight and the consumer
would get his supplies promptly, fresh
and good. Dairy products, fruits, meats
and vegetables are transferred in this
faction to all concerned and with less
unhealthy food, fewer ptomaines and less
frequent stomach troubles"
Adds to Land Values.
The value Of farm land and the extent
and character of production thereon are
influenced largely, the Secretary pointed
out. by the condition of the public roads.
Many products, he said, cannot be trans
ported for long distances over poor roads,
so that farmers in such country must
raise crops that are not perishable. This
works loss to both producer and con-
sumner; to the former in that he must de-
liver his goods when the roads permit: tG
the latter in that he must pay higher
prices than II good roads would permit
the farmer to deliver his milk, fruit and
vegetables with less wear and tear on
horses and wagons and in less time.
Every farmer should, merely as a
matter of self-interest." said the secre-
tary. ''be a strong advocate of road i'm
provement, and should give practical sup
port to a movement looking to the bet
terment Of present conditions"
Turning to what has been done in this
direction by the Department OF Agri-
culture through its bureau OF good roads,
the Secretary declared that as a result of
object lesson roads constructed by the
bureau in various states nearly 10000
miles of good roads had been built.
Last year it was found from a careful
investigation made in connection with
twenty-eight short obJect-lesson roads
none Of them more than a mile in length,
that 7vo miles Of additional road had been
completed and that an increase Of 81, 800
600 had been expended in the work.
Under Competent Direction.
These object-lesson roads," he con-
tinued, "are constructed under the direc-
ton Of engineers from the bureau Of good
roads, whose services are given absolutely
free Of cost to the local comm unities.
although the road itself must be built at
the cost Of the locality. Our laboratories
for the testing Of road materials are now
considered the foremost In the world. and
provide for the testing of road materials
to determine their rela-.ve value. such
tests being made free of charge for any
citizen of the United States.
I'm addition, our laboratories are work.
ing constantly on the problems of devils
ing materials and combinations Of mate
rails for the construction and treatment
of roads to meet modern traffic condi-
tons brought about by the Introduction
of the automobile.
The Secretary spoke of a number Of
experiments made in various places with
different kinds of road material.
Enormous expenditures for road i'm
provement during the past few years. he
asserted, make it necessary for the work
to be done right and the money wisely
expended. The resources Of the Depart
ment of Agriculture to help local authors
ties in getting their moneys worth when
ever they had any reads to build were.
he declared, open to the command Of the
various communities.
Wants $50, O0o, 900 Appropriation.
Senator Martin declared himself in ia