The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1916-07-06
THE EASTERN ROUTE
Gone Over from Elk River to Brainerd
Last Saturday by General Manager
GARRISON an6 Others.
Roads in Good Condition and Great In
terest Was Manifested by People
Along the Route.

Word was received in Princeton last
Friday that the members of the Jeffer-
son Highway inspection committee
would arrive at Elk River from the
north late that evening, and would
leave there early Saturday morning to
go over the eastern route between Elk
River and Brainerd, via Princeton.
Milaca and Mile Laos lake.
By 4:45 a. m, Saturday, a delegation
from Princeton reached Elk River. but
the inspecting party had been delayed
by the hospitable boosters Of st. Cloud
and did not arrive until after eight
o'clock.
The party consisted Of Mr.. J. D.
Clarkson of Carthage, Mo-, general
manager of the Jefferson Highway,
Henry H. Orme of St. Paul, president
Of the State Automobile association
and one Of the Minnesota directors of
the Jefferson Highway, John H. Null
len, deputy state highway engineer,
Senator P. H. McGarry of Walker,
representing the eastern route, J. K.
West Of Detroit representing the west
ern route, Daniel Shaw of Thief River
Falls, representing the central route,
Hon. L. H. Rice of Park Rapids, and
Rudolph Lee Of Long Prairie, repre-
senting the central route north from
Sank. Centre.
The party started from Elk River
about 500 and made Princeton in 40
minutes. Here quite stop was made.
At Milaca there was the usual Satur-
day crowd Of farmers in town. Here
Mr.. Clarkson made rafting good
short speech from the steps of the
Arlington hotel, which was we'll re-
ceived and enthusiastically applauded.
Among other things Mr.. Clarkson
said Minnesota had a most excellent
road law, and that in the past five
days he had Travelled over LOO miles
Of good and fairly good roads that had
been constructed under the provisions
of that Law. s- ...-~ss : -
Senator P. H. McGarry also spoke
briefly and his witty remarks elected
rounds of applause.
A cordial welcome was accorded the
party at Onamia. Wahkon people
were also much in evidence here. Again
Mr.. Clarkson and Senator McGarry
delivered brief but highly appropri-
ate remarks which brought forth re-
sponsive cheers from the crowd.
From Onamia the route was direct
ly north to the Queen of Minnesota
lakes-beautiful, Incompatible, Mile
Laos. The road around the south
short of the lake is not state high
way, but it will be so designated in
the near future. 1t was. too bad that
a fog partially obscured the view of
the visitors, and it was also regrettable
that time did not permit of the party
visiting Cove and Wahkon, really the
most picturesque sections of the lake
shore, and where almost all of the good
harbors as we'll as most of the cottages
are located.
1t was high noon when the party
reached Garrison on the west shore,
where many of Brainerd's foremost
citizens were waiting to escort the Of
fetal members of the party to that
city. AS the visitors passed through
double and treble lines of automobiles
the cheering and horn footing was
deafening. Here the Union scribe left
the party, but we know the good peo-
pie of Brainerd treated the visitors
right royalty.
The distance over the route travelled
from Elk River to Garrison is about
80 miles, and, allowing for stops, was
covered in less than three hours, which
would indicate that the roads were in
fairly good condition, considering the
recent heavy downpours. On many
stretches of the road IS and 40 miles
per hour was made. Then in some
places it was necessary to slow down
to 10 or Is miles.
Mr.. Clarkson was a close observer
of every foot of the route traversed
and constantly consulted his map and
propounded numerous enquiries to
Deputy State Engineer Mullen. There
was not thing that escaped Mr..
Clarkson's attention.
In the opinion Of the writer Mr..
Clarkson is not a man who can be cas-
lily influenced, nor do we imagine it
would be pleasant for the person that
would have the temerity to attempt
it. We have not the slightest idea of
which route will be finally determined
upon, but whatever decision Mr..
Clarkson arrives at ought to be cheer
fully acquiesced in by all. -
It should be borne in mind by the
49, E.. 4 --r