The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-11-13

the WORK for better roads. They COM
prise a considerable portion of the
wealth and intelligence of the commune
ty and ought to be able along proper
/ lines to exert powerful influence for
general aud modern road improvement.
If, however, they attempt to force, in
spite of the existing prejudice among
others, the methods and means to this
end, they are doomed not only to bitter
disappointment in the result but also to
even more severe, restriction of their
use of the existing roads than now pre-
vail
This State has already felt demand
from the farmers for its assistance to
the police authorities of the various
communities in preventing excessive
speed by the automobiles on the roads,
Where the drivers of the machines, in
the opinion of the inhabitants of
locality, are inconsIderate in their use
of the roads, and where the technicali-
ties of the laws or the feebleness of the
legal authorities have prevented the
majority of the users of the road from
enjoying the road according to their own
ideas, provision has been asked for
such form of construction as will
absolutely prevent the enjoyment of the
road by the automobiles according to
their customs. So far it has been
| possible to resist this demand but it
depends upon the Automobiles them
selves how much longer it will be
/ possible to do SO. AS before stated, it
makes no difference at present whether
or not the ideas of the majority are
right and up-to-date, as long as the
majority with its ideas referred to,
exists.
Another consideration for the auto
mobilists is the effect of the machine on
the roads themselves.
The farmers are continually reporting
the damage done to our modern roads
by the machines. and already extensive
repairs at the expense of these farmers
have been rendered necessary to first
class modern macadam built less than
three years ago because of the severe
use of them by. automobiles at excessive
speed. Unless ways and means are
provided to prevent and repair the
destruction of ordinary macadam under
such circumstances it seems entirely
possible that the further construction of
such roads will be opposed, if not
prevented.
The1 automobiles could render val
liable aid to the cause for better roads
on this point alone, and at the same
time do much toward the overcoming of
the prejudice against them, by vol
UNFAIRLY supporting a contribution from
the automobllists, that would at least
cover the cost referred to. In the
opinion of the writer, this contribution
is sure to be demanded despite the pro-
test occasionally appearing from some
automobilists and their indignant denials
of their responsibility. Without doubt,
. lOWNNClb VIC hidJOlIlN Vi lHtIU VIII
agree that much can be done both for
the good roads cause and themselves.
by their voluntary contributions. 1t
is doubtful, even, that they would feel
that any serious sacrifice was being
made.
'Pdblic opinion is extremely difficult
to force, but it can be led by patient,
persistent, and intelligent work. Road
authorities generally are willing to
lead it the right way, but the officials
are directly responsible to their employ
ers, that is, to the majority of the
citizens whom they represent, and only
through that majority becoming auto
mobilists themselves or being educated
to see the automobilists' side of the
question can it be expected of the road
authorities to permantly advance along
the lines desired by the automobilists.
/ 1t is useless to expect the road authori-
ties to be very far IN advance of their
constituents, even though their train
. ing anu DCllCllGC olOuIu III lnSIn lOT
/ seeing farther ahead and more clearly.
1t certainly is up to the automobiles to
make good in the community, and until
they do so, it seems to be unavoidable
for the success of the work of better
roads generally, that they must be
content to assist as they can in the
movement and not demand to lead it.
! Recent conventions under the aus
picies of motorists. which have been
largely attended by good roads work
ers from all sections, have undoubtedly
done much good, for it has been
apparently intended. as they seem to
have done, to interest and organize the
different interest in the cause of better
roads. 1t would be a mistake how
ever, in the opinion of the writer, to
now place the work for the cause in the
hands of the automobilists and to make
them the recognized leaders of this
work. The cooperation OF all Interested
4 is most desirable, and probably the
best way would be to effect a new and
broader organization with such leaders
as would command the confidence of
| public generally and with such division
of the general organizations into sec
tons as would enable the formation of
subdivisions composed of closely allied
interests and the consideration. in sec
ton, of the peculiar problems and work
| of each.