Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1913-08-08
GREAT NATIONAL HIGHWAY
MAY RUN THROUGH STATE
Senator Gray Silver viii SEEK TO
Bring National Road Through
West Vira mia.

With the hope that the federal gov
eminent will adopt as its route for
National turnpike the present Virgin.
a thoroughfare. Governor Hatfield
has announced the appointment of
Senator Gray Silver, OF this city. as
West Virginia's national representa-.
tive in the matter Of the National
Highway project.
In a statement given 10 the press
Governor Hatfield takes a strong
stand for better roads in the State.
The Good Roads Laws that were
passed at the last session of the Iegis-
lature are now being compiled by
Judge Lively of the attorney gener-
ais office. The State road engineer
Is organizing this new department at
the university / am looking forward
to the cooperation Of all good c'tzens
n a good roads campaign which VIII
mark the beginning Of the develop,
ment of a road system in West Vr-
gina based on economic principles
with the assurance of material future
accomplishments for our State and
It's citizens.
In a discussion of the idea of the
National Road proposition with Sen
ator Silver last week very practical
proposition was suggested which will
mean a great deal to our State if we
can be assured of sufficient support
aud cooperation to accomplish the
scheme, which is in every way a prae-
teal and feasible one.
"The suggestion is that we try to
induce the Federal Government to
adopt as its route for National
Turnpike the present Virginia thor
oughfare. which connects Winches
ter. Woodstock. Harrisonburg, Staun-
ton and Lexington with the eastern
turnpikes. This would be prac
teal economic route for the National
Government to adopt Beginning with
the Virginia turnpike the road would
then extend by way of Lexington,
White Sulphur. Lewisburg, Charles
ton, Huntington and thence on
through Kentucky by way of Lincoln's
old home. and also near the childhood
home of Jefferson Davis, and on by
St Louis and the Santa Fe trail
to San Francisco. This route, il
adopted by the National Government
would give to the people a road con
Meeting the north with the south, and
the east with the west, extending
through the most picturesque country
in the world, as we'll as on through
the most lportant historic sections
of our country. This road would dl-
rectly connect tourists with all impor-
tant watering places in Virginia and
West Virginia, and also with all the
historic battlefelds of the CYL war
including Gettysburg.
ut is my intention 10 appoint Sen
ator Silver as West Nlrginlas ma
tonal representative in the matter
of the National Highway project. I
shall join with the senator in visit
ing the governors of Kentucky and
Virginia with the hope of being able
to interest these two State executives
in this important project.
q am very much interested in the
future developments of our roads. I
spent a great deal of time after the
close Of the campaign last Noyem-
Der in preparing bills for the atten
ton Of the legislature which would
give to the people substantial assist
ance and support at the least inan-
ciaI consideration in the different sec
lions Of our State