Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1916-10-27

THING CALLED FOR BY THOSE
RESOLUTIONS APPEARS IN THE
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM. What a
funny world we live in. an important
plank in a Republican state platform
written by men who four years ago
sustained Wilson and Mcdonald!
A Clear Cut issue.
It is due the people Of New Mexico
that they should know how Il happens
that with the utmost effort to keep
roads out of politics roads are the
burning issue in the campaign in New
Mexico today. The issue is clear cut.
clear as crystal II is impossible to
blur the lines. The Republicans stand
for one thing, the Democrats for an
other.
The Democratic Position.
The Democratic platform declares
for a state bond issue for roads. So
far sc good. But not n hint of any
change in the State Highway Commits
sion, il Is to remain as it is. That what
has been Is that which shall be. The
Mcdonald policies are to be the de
Baca policies. During the Mcdonald
regime the state has been served by
q most capable road engineer. with
insufficient funds, handicapped by
lack of modern road machines. and OF
trained laborers, Mr.. James A.. French
has devoted himself to the duties OF
his office and has laid out a system Of
state roads that will remain the prin
cipal lines of travel. Some modifica-
tons may be necessary, some addition
al roads are needed, but in the main
his proposed system is to be com
mended.
The weakness of the Democratic pc.
sition is that It does not call for
changes in administration that the
public welfare imperatively demands.
The voters in each county will do we'll
to look around them, see the record
that has been made in their W coun-
ties in road building, and ascertain
Just what has been done with the
money they have paid into the general
road fund of the state, and on what
particular roads i'm the county their
county's share of the state road bond
issue money has been expended: and
II they are satisfied with the distribu
tion they have reason to vote for a
continuation of the present policy.
The Republican Position.
The good roads plank of the Repub.
lican PARTY is as follows:
I'VE regard the construction
and maintenance Of roads as the
most vitality important work now
recurring our attention. Millions
OF dollars of federal funds for this
purpose have heen apportioned to
New Mexico to he matched by mil.
lions of state funds. The selection
of the roads TO he improved, the
character of the Improvement, and
the expenditure of the money are
left with the state Highway Com
mission.
1--WE favor. therefore. such
changes as will prevent f%avorit-
ism and secure to each section
and county and township of our
state its rightful share of the road
funds.
Governor Left or State Highway
Commission.
1.-THE Governor should not be a
member Of the State Highway
Commission. The number should
be increased from three to five,
no two to re from the same Judi
cial district. After dcductinG the
expenses Of the state Highway
Commission. TIE d%'stribution OF all
state and federal road funds
should be regulated by law, and
unless otherwise required by the
federal Secretary Of Agriculture,
should be evnended upon a reason
able bass between the counties.
I'VE recognize the t-ranscendent
importance Of the two great
ocean-to-oce9n roads crossing our
state. the National Old Trails and
the Southern National Highway,
, and pledge 10 the several states
traversod by these roads. and to
the federal government, u CO.
operation in the improvement and
maintenance Of these roads as ma
tional highways.
we recognize the Importance,
! also. of the north end south lines
Of travel in our state, following
our great valleys, and pledge our
efforts to the improvements OF
these roads.
IN the creation OF the road sys-
tenn of the state the end in view
Is to connect all %centers of popu-
r lation, to link all producing areas
(, with their markets. ana to render
o accessible to tourists our match
less scenic regions and our places
y Of historic and archaeological in
terest."
. A Square Deal for Every County.
4 In charging the State Highwa
d Commission from three to five it wa
he intention to create a body Of az
e ministrators representative OF eac
2 section of the state who would be I
r lose touch with .he situation in eac
county in each section, and who coul
i re depended on to make a wise selel
ton Of the roads 10 be improved wit
state and federal funds, and the Ordf
II their improvement with an eye sill
lie lie to transportation needs AND NO
H. TO POLITICAL ENPEDIENCY. It
ID evident that everything will Deepen
ipon the character of the men selec