Imperial Valley press., 1913-11-25

iiiS 1lcAIi Il Olilcl1 cliNG pISlI CCu VI
the California line, will want to reach
the Pacific terminus at the earliest
possible moment and therefore will
practically give the cold shoulder to
much of the vast resources and inter-
esting features of this wonderfully
promising section of the state of Cali
fornia.
Undoubtedly the originators of the
ocean-to-ocean highway wanted Jmpe-
rial valley to share in the enjoyment
Of the traffic over that route, but were
daunted by the tremendous barrier of
shifting sand dunes south of the
Southern Pacific railroad, and consid-
cred that it was impracticable to build
through or around these dunes except
at the northern end, along Mammoth
wash.
To build through the dunes is in
deed a difficult undertaking, not by
any means impossible or impractic-
able, but preferably to be avoided if
possible.
Contrary to the general belief, it has
been found on this investigation that
the route just to the south of the sand
dunes presents no difficulties what
ever and is but two miles longer than
going directly through them on what
has generally been known as the Holt
vile route.
This new route is along a perfectly
level country of firm, compact soil,
covered with mesquite trees of great
age and unusual growth. 1t is vir-
gin country, almost impenetrable be-
cause of the heavy trees and brush,
and lies just south of the sand dunes.
Water is obtained at IL to ID feet
in depth in any desired quantity.
A road on this location can be built
at minimum Of cost and would be
entirely within the United States ex-
cept for Is miles adjacent to the south
end of the sand dunes. The greatest
distance of the road south of the boun-
Diary line would be three miles.
The question has been raised as to
the control of the road in time of war,
because of its being on Mexican terri
tory. A few field guns located on the
sand hills overlooking the road and
within 200 or 300 feet of it through
out its length of Is miles, could amply
protect it.
The mere fact of having good
road in close proximity to the border
line all the way from Calexico to
Yuma would be a strong argument
in its favor, as such road would af
ford ready means of transport for
men and supplies along the line.
By building this road around the
south end of the sand dunes, entering
Imperial valley near monument 21O
on the border line, continuing due west
to the proposed road from Calexico,
then turning north and west to Holt
vile and Ell Centre, then north again
through Imperial, Brawley, lockwood
and on to Imperial Junction, this pro-
posed road would become an "all I'm
perial valley route" extending as it
would through every important town
and traversing the very heart of the
valley, as well as through it's entire
length from south to north.
Such a road should have the heart
lest support of large majority of
Imperial valley citizens, and should
unite the energies Of San Diego and
Los Angeles in one strong effort to
carry to successful conclusion the
actual construction of the road.
From Imperial Junction the route
should follow closely the south side of
the railroad embankment all the way
to Mecca, thus keeping in the lee Of
it's protection in the same manner and
IOr tDp same ISdSOIl lildJ was dQNdliSSu
for the ocean-to- ocean highway east
of Mammoth wash.
1t has been shown on previous
page that the length Of the ocean-to-
ocean road in it's present location west
of Salton sea and through Mammoth
wash to Yuma would be 292 miles. 1t
is a mere coincidence of course, but
the all Imperial valley route via
Mecca, Imperial Junction, Brawley, El
Centre, Holtville and around the south
end of the sand dunes is approximate
ly the same distance, it figuring only
one mile shorter.
This mileage is made up as follows:
Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riv-
erside counties will improve road to
Mecca, I51 miles; new road to be built
from Mecca to Imperial Junction, 43
miles; Imperial junction to Alamo
river, II miles; Alamo river to Braw
ley under county improvement, 6;
proII,lav to FL Cantro to he imprOVed