The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-09-10

period, but the plan adopted by the
department is altogether reasonable,
and the Alabama highway commission,
with the assistance of State Engineer
w. S. Keller and his expert associates,
| will lose no time in formulating the
plans. Their report probably will be
ready to lay before the authorities in
Washington sometime in October.
In order for Uncle Sans funds to
| be available each state must contribute
in money, or it's equivalent in material
and labor, an amount equal to the gov
eminent aid. This will mean that
under government auspices Alabama
will have at the end of five years up
wards of 100000 worth of new
highway. In addition to this impor-
tant work, the counties will continue
their road building.
While Alabama has made much
progress in highway improvement in
recent years, we are now at the be-
ginning of an era of rapid strides.
Senator Bankhead, who was the author
of the 100000 good roads bill, was
not dreaming when he predicted that
by the time this appropriation had
been expended Congress would think
nothing of appropriating $50,000,000
annually for highway betterment. The
government could not invest money
for better purpose.
\
7T HE victorious party in Names
u election tomorrow will send up a
shout that will resound throughout
the country, not only because of the
achievement in state politics, but be-
cause of the effect the result may
be supposed to have
Political Interest upon the presl-
Centers in Maine Dental race. Yet
Names Importance
as a political barometer is exagger-
ated. While the vote in that state
will reflect in measure the drift OF
national campaign sentiment it will
be by no means conclusive.
In 1912 the republican state ticket
was elected in September, but Wilson
carried Maine in November. A gov
ernor and two United States senators
are to be chosen Monday. The demo-
Gratis have reason to be hopeful, but
the contest is close and party predic-
tions count for nothing.
Democratic success in normally
republican state would have depress-
| ing effect on Hughes campaign or
ganization, but it would be mistake
for Wilson's managers to be over
exultant, for no matter how Maine
goes it will behoove both democrats
and republicans to keep up their eff
forts in all the debatable states until
November
Republican leaders are worried over
the situation in Mr.. Hughes own
state. Governor Whitman, candi-
date for reelection, is believed to be
losing ground rapidly. The election of
Judge Seabury, the democratic candi-
date, seems practically assured. If
Whitman goes down in defeat, Hughes
will go down with him. OF course,
New York is now, as it has long been,
the campaign battlefield, but it is
possible for Wilson to lose that state
and still be. elected. Hughes cannot
win without New York's forty-five
electoral votes.
But no matter whether or not Maine
is barometer, all eyes will be turned
that way until after the gubernatoria
vote is canvassed and announced
Then New York and half dozen Other
so-called doubtful states will have at
tention.
4 ~
The theatrical season will not be alto
gether colorless if the Dolly sisters kee
their health.
Once the Rumanians quit ruminatine
they lost no time in mixing matters witt
the enemy.