The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1912-05-10
GOOD ROADS SPIRIT IS
GIVEN VENT IN tlyS|AN
Four Hundred People Attended
Gathering Last Night.
From Thursdays Daily.

Good roads have been the topic
for discussion in and about Elysian
for some time past, but the first
step taken toward creating more en-
thusiasm for definite purpose was
not made until last evening. when
a large number of business men
and farmers of Elysian gathered at
Longs hall, where four speakers
from Mankato addressed them on
this subject.
The meeting had been extensively
advertised by the Commercial club
of ElySian, under whose auspices it
was held and who was at the head
of the movement, and the people of
Elysian. GAINESVILLE. Waterville and
Madison Lake, besides the many
farmers, turned out to listen to the
Mankato speakers. 1t is estimated
that from GAINESVILLE alone, seventy
i've people were present. However,
rhere were not quite as many farm
srs present as was hoped for.
SHISNCH supper 0CTNCu,
Preceding the meeting, bounte.
Jus chicken supper was served at
the Lake house by the wives of the
Commercial club members aud the
ladies of the village The eatableS
had all been secured from the farm
ers and ladies' as donations, and for
the splendid manner in which they
served the supper, they deserve con
siderable credit. Before the last per
son had left the tables, about 400
people had taken their supper at the
Lake house.
The street in. front of Longs hall
resembled a county fair for a short
time. as there were automobiles from
all directions parked along the side
walks.
The Commercial club of Elysian
has a membership of over fifty, in
Guiding nearly every business man
in the village, and this is the first
endeavOr along the line of creating
good roads enthusiasm that the club
has made. The arrangement or gen
+. A. Allen, chairman: G.. l.. Gala
gan, w. X. Wilcox. l.. G. Keene and
r. Schaffan. Mr.. Galagan presided
at the speaking.
Following the meeting. the floor
was cleared and about 100 couples
enjoyed dancing party. The Mod
Crn Woodman orchestra of Madison
Lake furnished the music and a
general good time enjoyed.
Judge Cray Opened Speaking Program.
Judge Lorin Cray was the first
speaker, being introduced by Mr..
GaIagan. The speaker began the
meeting by compimenting the ladies
for the excellent chicken supper, and
then launched into his subject, which
had for its theme the creating Of
enthusiasm against disbursement
and determining who the real bene-
ficiaries of good roads really were.
This movement, like all other move
ments, must have beginning, he
said, and generally it is very slow
one. None have been more slow in
its general adoption of the sugges-
tons, than the farmers, in getting
good roads. Although they are the
ones who receive the first direct
financial benefit and use the roads
most extensively, it has been left for
others to take the initial step. Good
roads were not made for automobile
owners exclusively, but primarily for
the farmer.
Mr.. Cray was StrenuOuSly against
the disbursement of the movement
through the efforts of someone who
wanted the lions share of the bene
fits, yet did not like to help it along
Because he could save Il dollar OF
two. he preferred to continue in the
tracks of his ancestors, he said.
But demonstrations formed one OF
the best means for giving the move
ment a good impetus. 1t was by
demonstration that many men were
won TO the cause. He encouraged
those present to take up the work
in an earnest way and encourage
others.
Cooperation and Good Roads.
G.. E. Wise then spoke briefly
about good roads cooperation, anC
mentioned some of the means to Sc
cure good roads. The needs of gooc
roads were SO plain and have beer
demonstrated so often that it was
useless to argue the matter. A few
years ago when there were few au
tomobile owners, rather was very lit
tie agitation for good roads. The au