Gilpin observer., 1913-09-25
WASHINGTON NEWS
By Edward Keating.

Ot good roads. / have spent three
weeks In the state and wherever l
have gone, I have found the same in
tense interest in the improvement OF
the commonwealth's highways. For
a time 1t seemed to me that our peo-
pie were devoting too much thought
and energy to the subject of trans
continental roads, great highways to
guide the autodst from ocean to oc-
can, and neglecting the more prOsaLc
but infinitely more utildarian work
of making better roads within the
boundaries of the state.
found that the Denver CONNER
cial organizations were wining and
dining the delegates of various good
roads associations, who were said to
be engaged on the task of laying out
the system of national highways. One
of these gentlemen was quoted as
saying that his organization had pre-
sented bill to congress, calling for
an appropriation of fifteen million dol
lars, to build a transcontinental road
and that he had assurance it would
pass without serious opposition. He
intimated that unless Colorado be-
stirred itself and united its energies
with those of the organization, the
road might not touch this state.
A great many loyal Cploradoans
were disturbed by the gentleman's
remarks, and they were loud in their
demand that the people of the state
do whatever was necessary to pla-
cate these all-powerful ''pathfinders.
Should not '-stampede".
While it would not be exactly just
to say that Coloradoans are ''mercur-
ial'', yet it is true that we. are some
tines rather easily "stampeded" by
the "tenderfoot" with an idea who
temporarily stretches his legs be-
meath our hospitable boards. There
is some danger that We may stam
pede on thsi good roads question, and
this letter is written with the hope
that it may shed little light on the
plans of congress for the improve
ment of our highways.
First of all, we should understand
these 'pathfinders" who are chasing
back and forth across the continent,
logging national highways. are with
out official standing. They may be.
and undoubtedly are, doing good
work, but they do not represent con-
gress or the national administration
and they are not authorized to bind
any lranch cf the national govern
ment. In most instances, their ex-
penses are met by organizers which
are promoted and financed by automo
bile manufacturers and the makers
Of road material and machinery. They
have helped immens ely in a-ous'ns
interest in good roads and for that
they are entitled to unstin.ed praise,
but their official status-or rather,
lack CT official status-should be
known so as to avoid misunderstand-
ing.
If Uncle Sam ever undertakes the
work of constructing national high
ways. his engineers will select the
routes, determine on the materials,
and supervise the construction.
Sentiment in congress.
Personally, l do not believe that
the present congress will look with
favor on the creation Of road-build-
ing bureau. l am one of the wes-
tern representatives and have been
put to some pains to ascertain the
sentiments of my colleagues.
The great majority of the members
Of the house and of the senate be-
lieve that the national government
should be more than generous in the
aid that it extends to the good roads
movement. The preponderence OF
sentiment, however. favors having
the work done under the supervision
of the highway departments of the
various states.
AS westerner, l am earnestly sup
porting that view. believe that a
close cooperation between the state
and the national government on the
basis of the states doing the work
and the national government doing
the advising and part of the financ-
Ing will result In the speedy con
struction Of a system of highways,
which will be satisfactory to both the
farmer and the tourist. II we IL
trust the work to the national gov
ernment, l fear intermtnable delays,
and In the long run. the interests
OF the farmer may be lost sight OF.
There are many plans before con-
gress, providing federal add for the
state highway departments. All have