The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1916-11-09
MILLIONS SAVED
BY GOOD ROADS
Better Highways Gan Accom-
pIiSh Still More.
TO INCREASE FARM VALUES.
Bad Roads increase the High Cost of
Living-Better Highways Would Ac-
corpIish Great Savings In the Cost
Of Handling Freight and In Many
Other Ways.

OF Handling Freight and In Many
Other Ways.
In recent address before the Ma.
tional Highways association its presi-
dent. Charles Henry Davis. G. E., said
i'll part:
The problem of roads is an old one.
1t has been one of our great national
problems ever since we have been q
nation and have had national prob
lens. 1t is fundamental contributing
| cause for many other social ills besides
the high cost of living. And during re-
cent years the natiOn-all the people
has been coming to greater and
| greater realization of the problem un-
| til now the cry from east to west and
| north to south is for good roads every
| where"
1t has been estimated that more than
| 5000, 100000 tons of freight per annum
pass over all the highways of this ceun-
try. 1t Is also estimated that the aver.
age haul is little under ten miles
and that the cost is about % cents per
ton mile. This cost should not exceed
8 cents per ton mile on good road. In
other words, at least $1.50 should be
saved OH every ton moved on our high
ways. Thus the total saving from good
roads staggers the imagination.
Seven and q half billions Of dollars
per annum! This would build fifteen
Panama canals year or 1900 dread
naughts a year. 1t would build all Of
the 25O.OO0 miles Of railroads In the
United States in a period Of three
years. 1t represents one-quarter Of the
entire annual wealth produced by this
great nation.
This is no raving Of the ina gination.
1t is no wild theory. 1t is based on
cold, hard facts. .s.
Let us look at another, phase of the
situation. The value Of farm real es-
tate and buildings is gS35. 600 100000
for the United States. Two million
miles Of improved highways will in
crease land values $10,O0O,OOO,O 900 or
approximately an increase OF one-third
above present values. Does this indi-
cate we cannot afford to improve our
roads? There are G,500,O0O farms
This means that the average increase
of value for each farm would be
$500. At $1OO a year per farm we
would have a sum Of $3.50, 600 pei
annum with which to improve ouI
highways This would build 10000
miles year at 5000 a mile or less
than twenty years within which tc
improve all our highways: In this
time they would many times pay fol
themselves in savings and in increased
land values.
Still another view: There are about
100000 automobiles in the United
States. Estimating an average Of
twenty-five miles a day for 300 work
ing days we get mileage Of 1900.
100000 per, annum. At Is cents 4
mile operating expenses the total ex
ceeds $1.O00.OOO,OO0 year-a goodly
sum. viii not good roads save 10 per
cent Of this? We think more-muct
more. This means not less than $1OO.
100000 per annum saving.
There are 100000 horses. mules
ETC.. and more than 100000 horse
drawn vehicles In the United States
more than 100000 bicycles and more
than 100000 motorcycles. These. with
the automobiles, are valued ut more
than $4,000, 10000. If from good roads
only 10 per cent In depreciation pei
annum were saved it would amount tc
the enormous sum of $500 0O00,0O(
every year. How long would 1T take
us to give our great country good roads
from north to south and east to wesi
out of such savings?
Public spirit is awakening to these
facts. This is evidenced by some fifty
major good roads or allied associations
500 state and local organizations ant
, an equal number of automobile club:
devoting most of their activities to ths
movement Much hard work has beer
done which deserves much credit. Blu
what has been accomplished? Wha
plans have been advanced. and wha
really effective work has been done?
Public spirit is slow-wavering-il
its movement if not guided by shin
= ing beacon light of fearless leader
. ship. We need to crystalline sentiment
r We need action. Each year lost mean
: millions of dollars wasted We need ,
plan to follow. and public sentimen
D will push 1t along.