Evening star., 1915-04-04
Conference of State Govern
ors and Good Roads Advo-
Gates at Chattanooga.
PROJECT IS COMMENDED
BY PRESIDENT WILSON
Congress to Be Asked for an Appro-
priation-Roadway to Extend
Through Seven States.

CHATTANOOGA. Tenn, April 3.-Se-
lection of the route of the projected
Dixie highway. from Chicago to Miami.
Fla, was left to a commission of four
teen men by the conference OF gov
ernors and road advocates which met
here today to launch the movement for
its construction. Two commissioners
each are to be appointed by the gov
ernors of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio. Ten
nessee, Kentucky. Georgia and Florida,
the states through which the road will
extend.
With Cows. Ralston, Indiana, and Nc
Creary. Kentucky. leading the opposi-
tion, the conference defeated a motion
TO give voice in the routing to the
seven incorporators of the Dixie High
way Association, representing the
founders of the organization. The mo-
tion precipitated debate. which threw
the convention into an uproar. The
governors explained that the founders
were men from many states, who had
agreed to contribute to the highway
fund, and they asserted their belfer
that only citizens of the states affected
should have voice in the routing.
Alabama Excluded.
The conference also voted down
resolution to have Alabama included In
the list of states, so that Gov. Hen
derson might name two commissioners.
This resolution was offered after w. G.
Ratcliffe of Birmingham, presented as
Gov Henderson's representative, had
announced that Alabama was interest
ed and wanted to aid the project.
Acting upon suggestions OF Cows. Raj
ston and McCreary, the convention
adopted resolution memorializing the
national Congress to appropriate funds
for the construction and maintenance
of the highway. Chairman Preston was
authorized to appoint committee OF
seven to present the memorial when
Congress meets.
Thanks to President Wilson.
President Wilson was thanked in a
resolution for his interest in the high
way, as expressed in telegram to
Representative Moon of Chattanooga.
which was read at the opening session
this morning.
The Presidents telegram said:
May i not, through you. convey my
cordial congratulations upon the In
auguration at Chattanooga today OF
the Dixie highway. projected to run
from Chicago to Miami Such a high
way will be of the greatest importance
alike to the people Of the east, the
south and the middle west, and / shall
watch its progress toward completion
with the greatest interest"
Gov. Slaton of Georgia announced to-
night the appointment of Clark Howell,
editor Of the Atlanta Constitution. and
W. T. Anderson. editor of the Macon
Telegraph, as Georgia's commissioners.
They will determine the route of the
highway through Georgia.
Plans for the construction of the
proposed Dixie highway were consider
ed here today by governors and good
by Gov. Ralston Of Indiana. Besides
the Indiana executive. Cows. McCreary,
Kentucky: Rye. Tennessee. and Slaton.
Georgia, were present Cows. Tram
nell. Florida; Dunno. Illinois. and
Willis, Ohio. were unable to attend, but
sent personal representatives.
Cities and Towns Represented.
Delegations from many cities. towns
and counties Of the states which the
proposed route is to traverse were in
attendance and the advantages offered
by their particular locality as a part
OF the route were presented by their
spokesmen at the. opening session of
the conference this morning. Among
the cities represented are Indianapolis,
Ind: Dayton. Tenn: Cincinnati, Ohio;
Louisville. KY: Lexington, KY; Nash
vile, Tenn; Atlanta. Macon. Rome,
Savannah and Dalton, Ga, and Bir-
mingham, Ala
Gov. Rye and Mayor Thompson of
Chattanooga welcomed the visitors aft
er parade of the delegates and a re-
view of the 11th United States Cavalry
by the governors. The conference will
close with banquet tonight.