Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1915-04-02
COUNTY ROAD MEETING.
State Highway missio n r
s. B. Bates Meets Road Men.

s. B. Bates Meets Road Men.
In introducing the new State High
way Commissioner, Mr. Stoddard b.
B ties of Derby, to the road commissions
ers and selectmen of Addison county in
Grange hall Thursday morning, Mr..
Willis n Cady, Middlebury commits
sioner of State roads, said that in
changing from Gates to Bates there
was only the difference between G. and
B. So it proved in the exercises of the
day. The new commissioner reminded
every one of Governor Gates, whom he
succeeds and by whose appointment he
holds his position There is the same
clear, common-sense presentation of
the law and of operating method, with
no pretense or affectation, the same
dir ct, vigorous method of imparting
information, and the same friendly and
hearty manner. Commissioner Bates
even takes off his glasses at about the
same places and with the same gesture
the friends of the present Governor have
become so used to. The new commits
sioner evidently has ideas Of his own.
but it did not hurt him any with his
Addison county audience that he showed
himself an apt pupil of Mr. Gates, un-
der whom he has worked eight years
Five towns failed to respond at the
roll call, but it was stated that several
of these had been represented at meet
ings in other counties
Mr.. Bates said that there were Ills
miles of highway in Addison county.
Of this mileage 436 miles have been
marked as selected highway for State
cooperation, and of these 436 miles
about 100 have already been improved
In the present year Is towns in this
county voted the necessary sum to Sc
cure State assistance, as against l9
towns last year
In the morning session the commits
sioner laid special stress upon road
maintenance, taking proper care of
highways which have already been i'm
proved. He stated that much more at
tention should be paid to the preserva-
tion of the dirt and gravel roads, espec-
ally at this season when there's liability
to damage from water. He urged that
culverts be kept open and bitches cut,
so that the water will not return to the
highway. Smoothing off the surface so
that the water will drain off saves much
expense later in the season.
The Importance of road work early in |
the season was urged strongly. Every
thing should be completed before haying
and as much as possible. before spring |
work on the farm. Mr.. Bates predicted |
a busy season for Vermont this summer,
with larger influx of summer visitors
than ever before.
The law with reference to the various
State funds for maintenance, re-
surfacing and new roads was explained,
and also the money available for patrol
work. An interesting question was the
care of the road over and at either side
of culverts and bridges, the strain on a
bridge when hole is allowed at the
approach being emphasized Mr.. Bates
advised the commissioners that automo-
bile trucks would soon be a common
sight on Vermont highways, and we
should build our roads and bridges to
stand the added weight and wear.
AT the afternoon session interesting
pictures of Vermont highways were
shown, showing roads before improve
ment and after. Commissioner James
l.. Davis of Bennington county gave an
address on concrete work, telling of the
proper ingredients and methods of
The Middlebury Board of Trade ex-
tended dinner to the road men, which +,
was enjoyed at the Addison House be- !,
tween sessions. Commissioner Bates
to brief words of welcome by
President Thomas, and made it clear to
all that he did not intend that Vermont |
highways should rest on their reputa- |
ion In the past, but that constant i'm I
'rovement and progress should be the U
'rder during his administration.