The Detroit times., 1912-10-07
POLITICIANS
IGNORE ARMY
OF AUTO USERS
Only Few Have Thus Far Sought
the Support of the Own
ers of Cars '
EVERYTHING ELSE But
MACHINES MENTIONED
Good Roads Is the Subject the
Auto Fans Would Like
To Hear Talk of

Only few, II any, OF the prominent
candidates of the. various political
parties striving for supremacy at the
polls In November have. thus far
sought the support of the great army
OF automobile users and have failed
to recognize their influence With
thousands OF voters throughout the
country. ~.
About everything is mentioned In
the party platforms excepting the sub
jects which are nearest to the hearts
OF automobilists, including improved
highways, the elimination Of grade
crossings and the need OF uniformitS
In automobile laws and regulations,
all of which have been persistently
advocated by the Touring Club or
America.
Not alone are these subjects OF
vital interest to motor car owners
but they concern every other road
user and especially the farmer who
Is now one of the ardent advocates OF
the automobile and is no longer an
tagonistic to the movement for good
roads. In every state where cleo
tions are to be held, automobilists and
road users are urged by the Touring
club to insist upon recognition from
the various candidates as to their at
titude on these important subjects;
not only from those seeking legisla-
tive positions, but for every state Of
fee up TO and including the govern
orship.
In several states the voters will
be asked to approve bond issues Tor
highway Improvement running into
many millions OF dollars and certain
ly the officials who are TO be elected
in November should give their assur-
ances early in the campaign TO the
great army OF voters Interested In
automobiling. from the users, manu-
facturers and dealers standpoint as
well, outlining their plans for judi
ciously and economically carrying
out these big improvements. II
| elected
In this connection a statement re-
| Gently made by Hon. John A. Bensei,
| state engineer and surveyor OF New
York. will be OF interest to motorists,
| not only in New York but other
states. He argues that the execution
| OF such work as belongs 10 highway
| departments should be carried on as
function by itself irrespective OF
its effect upon occupants OF and as
pirants for public office.
"The development OF the highways
system throughout the state OF New
York should" said MIR. Bensel. "be
along the line of railroad building
through a new country. in which 1t
would be directed by commissioners
appointed from the various sections
| of the state. Their obligations should
bc to carry forward the building OF
good roads for the benefit OF the
whole state, totally without regard
as to the effect OF their work upon
the particular political exigencies OF
the moment.
"The question OF road building" 40
cording to Mr.. Bensel. speaking as
the states highest official engineer
ing authority. is one Of greater I'M
portance TO the people than any other
! question that confronts them at the
present time. n there were no rail
roads In this state today. and 1t were
necessary to Immediately provide a
comprehensive system Of steam lines,
the importance OF that situation
would not be greater than is the
present demand upon people to prose
cute and safeguard the laying out OF