The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-09-09
Net at Commercial Club to
Discuss Legislation.
A QUESTION OF LOCATION
Topeka VS.. Manhattan for
Highway Headquarters.
Some of the Road Problems
That Were Considered.

There was an unharmOniOus session
OF representatives of Kansas good road
factions held at the Commercial club
quarters today. The meeting was held
to agree on road measures to be pre-
scented for the consideration of the
legislature. 1t was the opinion of
those that there should be state
highway department, but the location
of the department and its make up
were questions that brought 1orth
heated argument.
One faction at the meeting stood for
q state highway engineer with
headquarters at Topeka while another
argued in favor of a commission OF
three to be located at the State Agri-
cultural college.
The Topeka Automobile association
has prepared bills which are support
ed by the state organization of county
commissioners and the Kansas STATE
Engineering society. Clarence Jordan
secretary of the Kansas State Automo-
bile association represented that or
ganization at the meeting. and read
portions of the bills. The bills call
for a state highway engineer.
More Money for Roads.
Secretary Jordan in speaking of the
hills said: I'VE would take the auto
mobile license bureau out OF the sec
rotary of states office and put 1t un-
der the state highway department: Al ~
turned over to the county for good
roads We propose to turn back $4:5U.
We also propose that any funds lett
over should be prorated and turned
back to the respective counties.
I'VE are for a state highway com
missioner who does not increase the
taxes and who shall be elected by the
people"
Commission at Manhattan.
w. s. Gearhart, state highway en-
gineer, who is now employed oy the
State Agricultural college, favored a
highway commission Of three persons
appointed by the governor and with
headquarters at Manhattan. Mr.. Gear
hart would make it compulsory for
county commissioners to choose their
respective engineers from list of men
approved by the highway commission
]. Will Kelley, secretary OF the Conn.,
mercial club, expressed himself as fav-
oring a highway department..
Before the close Of the final session
late today it is possible that some plan
will be agreed upon.
Hinshaw on Legislation.
G. j. Hinshaw. secretary of the Kan
Kansas Good Roads Federation. In
speaking of the proposed legislation
said:
THE state automobile tax surplus
in 1914 has amounted to over $19.-
900. This sum diverted to the prop
err channels would make a state high
way commission possible without en-
ira appropriation or increase in
taxes. The fact that as many as
forty-two states already have opened
the field for intelligent and effective
road improvement by creating COM
missions similar to the one now asked
by the Kansas boosters, many OF
whom are among the states most
progressive farmers, will be a power
full argument, it is believed. The
state commission will mean free
skilled advice for the county COM
missioners and township trustees. the
fundamental purpose being to imme-
diately better all rural roads and thus
encourage farm life and help the far
mer to market his crop"
A convention of good roads boost
ers will be held at Hutchinson Nov
Hip, when legislation will be fur
Their discussed.
Among others present at the meet
ing today were: P. H. Albright OF
Winfield, Walter J. Arnold and Jasper
T.. Kincaid, state accountant.