The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1912-05-09
AID
FOR GOOD ROADS
Especial to the Silver State.)


to extend federal aid to the construc-
tion of state roads, there has been talk
of having meetings of the house of
representatives at night in order that
the business before it might be finish
ed so that an adjournment could be
taken before the National conventions
are held. However, Mr. Mann, of Il
linois, asserted that there would be no
trouble in getting away by June 1st
if the senate would but get its work
done. Nevertheless, the date when
congress will adjourn SENS to be as
much in doubt now as it has been at
any time during the session.
Talking about appropriations for
roads, the house had long debate
over the question. Mr.. Mann said he
recognized the fact that probably the
time had come when the national gov
ernment in some form or other would
give aid out of the Federal treasury
for the construction of roads, and he
believed that whether the Shackelford
| bill would involve present ex-
pense of $10,0O0,D0O or 100000 a
year, the expense would amount ulti-
mately to hundreds of millions of dol
lars.
For the Farmers.
So desirous were the gentlemen of
proving their devotion to the farmers,
who had previously shown their dispo-
sition to "meddle' in national affairs
by kicking about Canadian reciproci-
ty, commenting on the free list, -
and asking for protection to their pro-
ducts as well as to the products Of 9TH
er classes of laborers, that there was
some comment by men who wanted,
like Mr.. Mann, of Illinois, and Mr.
Fitzgerald, of New York, to ask where
their constituents came in. Fitzgerald
favored the Madden amendment,
which, he said, would result in equali-
ty of treatment for urban and rural
communities. Mr. Sims. of Tennessee,
wanted to use Federal money to i'm
prove rural mail routes Mr.. Dies, of
Texas, asked Mr.. Prouty, of Iowa, if
he did not think it would amount to
getting money for roads by "the in
direct system of tariff taxation and
| Mr.. Prounty said it would. Just like
constructing postotfices in Texas was,
but he thought the expenditure pro-
posed would be fair to the people
who pay it - Mr.. Madden thought
too much consideration was being
shown for the farmer and not enough
for the city dweller. Still, with all
the debate and discussion, it looks as
| if the country was to embark on a
very extensive plan of road develop
ment. And in this connection, it may
be permissible to remark here that
the government has Good Roads bu-
reau under the direction of Logan
Waller Page, and that an exhibit of
the best ideas in road building will be
one of the most practical and interest
ing things to be seen at San Diego in
1915, on the occasion of the big Pana-
ma exposition which is now being con-
structed at that city.
Some Good Roads
The movement for good roads
throughout the United States is being
encouraged by the automobile inter
ests which are doing praiseworthy mis-
sionary work of this character. 1t is
due in part TO the automobile enthusi-
asts and partly to natural conditions,
that in California the roads are gen
orally very excellent. In many cases
the natural soil is a decomposed gran
ite which packs well, and with the ad-
dition of a top dressing of crude pc
troleum it gives a smooth but resilient
surface, ideal for any but the heaviest
traffic. In and around the citv of San
Diego this condition prevails to a
great extent. The exposition city has
been greatly favored by nature, but
her enterprising people have spent mil
lions of dollars, and are still expend
ing them, to improve the country high
ways leading into San Diego. Thereby
it has been made easier for the farm
ers to reach the city with their pro
duce, the cost of which has been re
duced to the city dwellers while tn.
profits have been enhanced to tn.
ranchers; and another important fea
ture, the increase of auto touring, ha.
resulted in profit to the business in
terests of the city. A study of Sar
Diego's road system may well be un
dertaken by all practical men who ma,
visit that rapidly growing and prosper
ops port and health resort.
Model Cities.
The enthusiast in civic planning
hardly asks for any task more agree
able or congenial than to have the op
potunity to lay out city and con
struct it according to his own ideas
from the "grass roots to the fnishe,
details. That is one reason why SOM
of the government experts in Washing
ton are taking very absorbing in
terest in the San Diego exposition, be
cause it is the equivalent of making
complete city, with power plant
roads, waterworks, sewer system, rec
reation centers, administration head
quarters, lighting plant and in shor
practically all the features o. mod
arm a;fv which will duripo IT'S axisf
ence, be obliged to look out for tn
comfort, welfare and amusement o
millions of intelligent people. Col.
c. Collier, president of the exposition
has held extended conferences wit
government scientists and experts. an,
city builders everywhere, and their sue
gestions are being put into effect i
the exposition city. Most of the build
ings will be of concrete, steel an
glass-fre proof and permanent, stand
inc as nerDptual monuments to the on