The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-12-19

that the next Legislature should
authorize the establishing of SUFFICIENT
camps to serve the entire State, so
that the camps will not have to be
moved from one county to another.
Sixty-scven Bridges Built.
Under supervision OF the depart
ment sixty-seven bridges we're COM
pleted or begun during the year. cost
ing t242.72464 Surveys with the
necessary plans and estimates were
prepared for 1873 bridges for fftysix
counties of the State. The department
is of particular benefit to the counties
in this work. as It not only prepares
plans for tnam. but passes on work
done other then under the specifica-
tions OF the highway department
During the year twelve counties is
sued bonds amounting TO sl.401.T0O
for road work and bridge building.
The report states that the enact
ment OF the automobile maintenance
law by the last Legislature was a
move in the right direction and will
go far TO insurlng to the State and
counties permanent benefits. Under
this law all funds derived from auto
mobile and garage licenses are placed
in maintenance fund and each
county and district shall put up an
equal sum to that used in the re-
speCtive localities.
During the year the department
parolled men from the State road
force to several of the counties, to be
used as patrolmen on maintenance
work. This plan is still in the ex-
perimental stage. but there is every
reason to believe it will be a success
and II so it can be extended to the
majority OF the counties in the state
Would Employ All on Roads.
Under the head OF recommends
tons. Com missioner Coleman asks
that the present road force he extend
ed 10 take in all of the able bodied
prisoners now used in the peniten-
tiary on contract, in order that road
camps may be established In coun-
ties now desiring them. He adds that
long-term or dangerous prisoners
should be placed in permanent quar-
ries or gravel pits for the prepare
ton of material for various counties
of the State in which this material
is not now obtainable. Mr. Coleman
also urges that one or more brick
plants be established in the State, and
that these long-term or dangerous
men he used in this work. Ample
material for the manufacture of the
brick Is we'll distributed throughout
the State. which would facilitate the
oPeTdlioH VI the GlSnlS. All nElCkS
road work used in the State now are
shipped In.
Mr.. Coleman especially urges the
establishment of State system OF
road building in conformity with the
requirements of the Federal aid road
bill The last General Assembly APP
pointed a committee to prepare and
submit a plan for consideration by
the next Legislature. and il liz recon-
mended that all necessary provisions
be made by the General Assembly to
meet the requirements of the Federal
aid road act in order that Virginia
may be eligible TO receive government
funds. 1t is estimated that this State
will receive 100000 for 1917. this to
be increased by like amount each
year for five years.
The report recommended that the
department be allowed greater dis
erection in fixing the salaries of its
employees. in order that capable mer
may be retained in the service of the
State instead of being induced to &C
elsewhere by offers of high salaries
/, This has been a source OF great los;
to the State during the past few years
and should. the report reads, he rene
died without further delay.
Fund For Conyicts.
( II ;e a1an recommended that cpun