The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1914-06-16
Ohio
Is At Read Of The Class In
Good Roads
Markers Figures Show Great
Results
Ohio

Columbus, Ohio, June 15-Ohio's
high place in the good roads move
ment of the country is shown by com
parsons that have been made by the
State Highway Department under
Commissioner James r. Marker. To-
day the state has easily the leadership
in the comprehensive nature of the
plans that are now being worked out
and in the system of main-market and
inter-county highways supported by
statewide tax.
While other states have adopted
the plan of large bond issues and
sporadic highway construction, Ohio
is paying as she goes, and, better still,
is developing the maintenance force
necessary to keep the roads construct
ed in permanent repair and prevent
premature wearing out. No other
state has worked out such an ambi-
tious program for the next few years
as has the Buckeye State.
Supporting this program is the pro-
posal, through compulsory use, of the
road drag to make the dirt roads, now
among the worst in the nation, pass
able in the seasons of mud. Vigorous
enforcement of the road drag statute
is to be part of the work of the de-
partment next year. Little could be
done during the present year.
Initiating the example of sister
states, Ohio mag have two good roads
days during the coming summer when
volunteers may display their eager.
ness to promote the better highways
cause. In other commonwealths these
days have been great successes and
have resulted in the awakening of a
hearty and wholesome interest in the
roads. For two years the old poll
tax road work of two days for every
able-bodied man has been off the
statute books. The voluntary work
would be regarded as a substitute. No
decision with reference to the good
roads days has yet been reached.
The manner in which Ohios work is
being looked upon outside of Ohio is
shown by the fact that Ohio has been
given 100000 out of the post road
fund for rehabilitation of the old Ma.
tional pike from Columbus eastward
to the Ohio River A dozen other
states only received s496,SO0 The Ma.
tional Congress has wished that Ohio's
example may spread.
The calculations of the Highway
Department. show that only two states.
Rhode Island and Massachusetts, have
greater percentage of improved road
ways than has Ohio. Out Of sS,7OO
miles of public roadway in the Buck
eye state, approximately "a per cent
of 2S,413 miles have been improved.
There are 1900 miles of streets with
in the limits of various municipalities
and $3.50 miles have been improved.
There is today more work under the
authority of the State Highway De-
partment than there ever has been in
the past. Since last November 1O4
miles have been contracted for, while
there are pending petitions for 7O47
miles. The Highway Department ex.
poets that 500 miles will be improved
during the current year. This will be
more work than has been done by the
department from it's establishment in
1905 down to the present time.
Despite the liberal terms under
which the, state gives highway funds to
the counties, only few counties have
more than ten miles of state-aid road.
Little Portage heads the list with 23. 6
miles, while Greene, Richland, Prank
lin, Tuscarawas and Mahoning follow
in the order named In 20 counties
concrete roads have been built, while
brick roads are in existence in 3s
counties. The favorite continues to
be macadam.
Counting in all the work that has