The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-10-13
Motoring Notes,
GoodRoadsNews
and Trade Matters

Only few. liz any. of the prominent
candidates OF the various political par
ties striving for supremacy at the polls
in November have thus far sought the
support OF the great army of auto
mobile users and have failed to recos.
nize their influence with thousands Of
voters throughout the country
About everything Is mentioned In ths
party platforms excepting The subjects
which are nearest to the hearts OF au-
tomobiiists, including improved high
ways, the elimination OF grade cross
snEs and the need OF uniformity in au-
tomobile laws and regulations. all of
which have been persistentiy advocated
by the Touring club OF America.
Not alone are these subjects of vital
interest 10 motor car owners, but they
concern every other road-user and es-
peciafiy the farmer, who liz now one
OF the ardent advocates of the automo-
bile and In no longer antaEonistic to
the movement for good roads. In
every state where elections are to be
held Automobiles and rosd-asers are
urged by the Touring club to insist
upon recognition from the various can
tedates as to their attitude on these inn
pS,rtant sub5ects, not only from those
sticking legislative positions, but Tor
every State office UP to and including
the rovernorship.4
In several states the voters will be
asked to approve bend issues for high
way Improvement running into many
millions OF dollars, and certainly the
officials who are TO be elected In NO.
vember should give their assurances
early in the campaign to the great
army or voters interested in automo-
billing. from the users, manufacturers
and dealers. standpoint as we'll. outlin-
ing their plans for judiciousiy and eco
non1ically carrying out these big Inn,
syruyrfTYents. If elected. I'd ssaas+
In this connection a statement re-
Gently made by Hon. John A. Bensai.
state engineer and surveyor Of New
York. will be Of interest to motorists,
not only in New York, but other States.
Ne argues that the execution OF such
work as belongs to highway depart
ments should be carried on as func-
ton by itself. irrespective OF its eneet
upon occupants of and aspirants for
public office.
mThe develoment OF the highways
system throughout tho State OF New
York should" said Mr.. Bensel. be
along the line OF railorad building
through q new country, In which 1t
would be directed by commissioners
appointed from the various sections
al the State Their obligations
should be to carry forward the build
ing OF good roads for the benefit OF
the whole State. totally without re-
gard A. to the effect Of their work
upon the particular political exigen-
lcieS Of the moment.
ssThe question OF road building"
Eacc0rdtnk 70 Mr.. HenseL speaking ~
1.-THE states highest ofiicial engineer
ling authority, IL ono of greater i'm
[portancA Ia the people than any oth-
ter question that confronts them 1t
the present time. II there were NO
railroads III this State today and Il
Were neeeaeafy - immediately pro-
xide b comprehensive system Of
EeteAm lines, the importance Of that
,&Ixuaticn would not be greater than u
tha present demand upon peopIe to
proeeqpto and safeguards the laying
sstt III actual iai1ding AZ market 1cade
And unnk Tines "A thi6 Btats
@ 20 es -. ~ q 9: s's sEs 49, ~