Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1914-01-28
Tener Calls on the
Farmers to Tell
About the Highways

L When Governor Tener assumed the
chair to preside at the opening ses-
sion he made brief remarks which he
later emphasized in introducing other
speakers. His keynote was that the
officials of the State government are
in office to work. that they are work
ing, and that they will appreciate
being told how to work-being. told
what the citizens of the State desire.
The strong point in his remarks was
what he said about highway improve
ment.
The general program for the boards
meeting, principally composed of ad-
dresses by heads of State departments,
to show how the various branches Of
the work are intimately connected
with the welfare of the farmer. was
remarked by the Governor, and then
he continued:
"The impression which widely pre-
walls that State officials have a sine
cure is a false one. Administration
officers are here to work. Not only
do they put in the time at their desks,
but they have something to do all
the time they are there. One and all,
they have a high sense of the duties
of their respective offices and they are
Striving their best to accomplish their
work"
Reference was then made by the
Governor to the progressive work of
the Republican Legislature last win
ter. He enumerated the various road
bills, the womens labor bill. the pub
ic service company law and others,
dwelling particularly upon the public
service company law as an act which
guarantees every citizen fair play from
he corporations, and vice versa.
"As for the subject of good roads"
continued Mr.. Tener, "the people
~. r~1 - l., Il I.,4 L.
evidently did not approve bond issue
es the correct method for raising
money for this purpose. Now, if the
State Board of Agriculture or any
Pther body has a better plan, please
ct us have It. If our roads are to be
improved and are to be maintained
tfter they are improved, you must see
0 it that money is provided for that
purpose, particularly to carry out the
provisions of the Sproul law. And
ct us especially have money for the
proper construction and the proper
ARE of roads. Is direct taxation the
proper thing? If so, let us have it;
how us just how it should be levied
still believe that no farmers tax
you'd have been raised one cent un-
er the proposed s50,000,000 bond
ssue which was defeated last Novem-
per, and there are many people, of
ourse, who object to a raise in tax
or such purpose, and a direct tax
night not, therefore, be popular. Let
IS remember, too, that at the present
ime not a cent of tax is levied upon
PERSONAL property for road purposes.
II trust you will give this matter
our most serious consideration and I
m hopeful that an acceptable solu-
on of the problem will be found"
The agriculturists were so impressed
kith the remarks of Governor Tener
nd the other speakers of the morning
fho touched upon roads that before
he noon recess the chair was author
.ed to name committee of five to
onsult with Highway Commissioner
|igelow on the subject OF appropria-
ons and other road matters and re-
ort tomorrow afternoon. Opposi-
on to this was at first expressed be-
ause of the short time. but this op.
osition was withdrawn when B. F.
fillam, of Pike, who offered the mo-
on, pointed out that the committee
an easily be continued, If desired to
eport at a future time. Vice-Presi-
ent ]. Aldus Herr announced that
he committee would not be appointed
ntil the afternoon.
Beside the road discussions of the
forming, interesting reports were
lade by two specialists of the board