The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-29

An important conference was held yes terday, having as it's purport the mak- ing of plans for the consolidation of all five of the national good roads associa tions in the United States. which plan is to be promulgated at the coming con- gress of the fourth National Good Roads congress in Birmingham May 2S-26.
 Those present at the conference were Senators Johnston and Bankhead. John W. O'Neill, J. A. Rountree. Richard w. Massey, B. H. Cooper and J. H. Hol- combe. The idea of a consolidation of the five associations was advanced by Senator Banllhead, who believes that the organization would then, like the Ma tional Rivers and Harbors association. receive not only the recognition of the government in the matters of good roads building, but also an appropriation of $200,000 for the support of the body
 It was agreed at the conference to send invitations to J. H. Mcdonald, president of the American Road Builders assooia- tion; Logan Page, president of the Amer ican Association for Highway Improve ment; A. c. Jackson, president of the National Good Roads association: John A. Stewart, president of the League of Highways; Robert P. Hooper, president of the American Automobile Good Roads association, and N. J. Bacheldor. presi- dent of the National Grange Good Roads association, asking that they attend the good roads congress and compose a con- mlttee to consider the consolidation of all five of the organizations
 Senators Johnston and Bankhead are very enthusiastic over the prospects for a consolidation and they both will stand sponsor to the movement. It Is very likely that one or both will make speeches before the Senate in behalf of the plan.
 The following letter of invitation was mailed to the officers of the various States:
 Dear Sir-A national good roads con- gress will convene at Birmingham on May 23 to 26, inclusive, to consider the question of improving the high ways of the country and associations and organizations formed to further this purpose are cordially invited to be present by their chief officers and such delegates as they may appoint to at- tend same. One of the main purposes of this congress will be to consider the advisability of uniting all existing agencies formed for the improvement of our roads and to consider the oues- tion as to whether the efficiency of all cannot be improved and better re- suits obtained by their consolidation into one strong and effective organiza- tion.
 You are cordially invited to attend and appoint such delegates from your organization as you deem advisable.
 If you will accept this invitation, appoint delegates and cooperate in this movement, we would be very glad for you to write your acceptance and send list of delegates with any sug- gestion in regard to this matter to J. A. Rountree, secretary of the Alabama Good Roads association.
 Hoping that you will cooperate in this movement and that you will be in attendance, we are, yours truly, J. II. Bankhead, United States senator of Ala bama; Joseph F. Johnston, United States senator of Alabama; Emmet O'Neal, gov ernor of Alabama; R. F. Kolb, commits sioner of agriculture of Alabama; c. Ex- um, mayor city of Birmingham; Ala bama Good Roads association, by John Craft. president; Jefferson County Good Roads association, by John w. O'Neil, president; Chamber of Commerce, by R. W. Massey, president; Board of Trade, by B. H. Cooper, president: Business Mems league, by J. II. Holcombe, pres ident.''
 President A. c. Jackson of the Ma