The Mena weekly star., 1917-07-26
GOOD RoAps EVERYWHERE.

Permanent road building is a na- tinnal move They are being built all over the country, so what is the use in trying Co keep them out of Polk county? There's none at all The only thing a man can do t0 check the move even so little. is to refuse to sign the petition And here is where something of an an- omaly shows up. Some men are for the road, and yet are refusing to sign the petition, and are being called towards. But this is mis- take. They are only trying to use caution and prevent going in debt when conditions the world over seem to be abnormal and feverish. Weaken the German autocratic ma chine little more. and it will be no trouble for the men carrying pc titions to get signers especially around Hatfield, the home of the writer
 There are several ways Of looking at this good roads proposition. To the clear-sighted man there can only be one question, Can we build it2' But others fight it on the ground that it is for the automobile men and for grafters, business men included This latter class If ob- iectors are in the wrong. Automo- bile dealers may be boosting the cause, and there may be men who are anxious to see the road go thru in order to graft, but deep down the movement Is being backed up and placed on foot by honest and clear thinking business men-men who arc looking al the farmers side of the question, and fully see that if the farmer is injured it would in- iure them as we'll If anything, the farmer should compliment our busi- ness men for taking hold of the proposition and trying to keep our county abreast of the times. Good roads show progress, and every country under the sun that ever was prosperous had them-even as far back as the Roman empire.
 Good roads will do more than show progressiyeness. They will have a tendency to equalize and standardize prices all up and down the road. If the merchants at one town sell too high, customers will get in their wagons or autos and go to some other place to trade. More than this, team can pull more, we can go to town quicker and at less cost. and in any kind of weather.
 But the best part of the good roads movement has not yet been dwelt on as much as 1t should be. We have been discussing the com mercial side too much and forget ting the numerous social benefits. One of the greatest of troubles with country people is that they are afraid Of each other don't know how to mix and get together like city people. They are suspicious and imagine thousand things of their neighbors. The more people travel and observe, the more con- iidence they have and the better they get along Good roads will bring the city and the country close together, and get country folks and city folks to rubbing elbows, re- sulting in better understanding all around.
 We are in the dark ages if we could but see it. We farmers haven't got the snap and enthusiasm that we should have, and thanks to the automobile. for it is getting us aroused a little.
 There is no reason outside of bad roads, why country people couldn't get together once and twice each week at some school house, or other appointed place, and enjoy plays, listen to good music and have a good time in general. They could do more than that they could meet and discuss politics. religion, child train ing. good farming, marketing, stock raising, and hundred other dnes- tens. To live a full and complete life we must have contact. opposi- tion. drama, surprises, entertain ment. etc. And the Jefferson High way is sure to help bring these blessings and many others to the doors of the people who live along the road. The only question is, Are we able to build it now?" If we are. let us get at it right away.
 Joe Lewis.
 Hatfield Ark. July t7. 1917.