Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-01-19
FIRST ROAD BILL
PASSED BY HOUSE
State Takes Steps to Cooper
ate With Federal Road
Builders

With only nine out Of so representa-
tives in the house voting ''no" on
house bill No. 81, introduced by Repre-
sentative Bean of Lane county, which
provides that the state of Oregon co.
operate with the federal government
in the construction Of rural post roads
and authorizing the state 10 issue bonds
to meet the federal requirements if
necessary, the bin passed the house
yesterday at the close of the session
after q prolonged discussion.
The members voting against the bill
were Bowman, Burton, Cartwell, Childs,
Cornelius, Elmore, Lafferty, Meek and
Porter.
Representative Bean, in support of
the measure, spoke for one half hour,
which was the longest speech yet made
in the house at this session. He said
he hoped there would be no dissenting
vote as the securing of this federal aid
meant much to the state of Oregon and
the improvement of its roads. He said
he was anxious to see it become law
as it held great promise for the future
development and advantage to the
state.
81 believe in cutting of appropria.
tions for so many warships and putting
| the money into federal roads, as they
are a better plan of protection.
He moved that the house go into a
committee of the whole to consider the
proposition but it was voted down.
Representative Lewis said he doubt.
ed if a single member opposed the bill
He was of the opinion that the wage
earners sould be given an opportunity
to buy the bonds, as few large buyers
would grab the whole issue.
Senator Jones declared himself in
favor of it in general although he oh
jected to some features of it. Repre-
sentative Elmore in exI.alning his neg
ative vote said the people Of the state
were opposed to the bonding system and
Favored q millage tax on such PROPOSE
tiohs. Twenty years ago he said il
took hours to 60 distances over the
Oregon roads that it only takes min
utes to go now, and therefore he did
not think it necessary to expend much
money on the roads.
Forbes moved that the question bC
put before the house and it was car
ried.
The bill empowers and directs thC
board of control during the next five
years to sell the bonds of the state OF
Oregon in an amount sufficient to raise
enough money which, taken together
with any money available from appro
priations from other funds Of the state
of Oregon, if there be any, to equal the
amount required of the state of Ore
gon in order to meet fully the require
ments of the provisions of the fedora
statute providing money to be used il
constructing rural post roads. This sun
amounts to 81 100000.
Because advantage must be taken o.
this Immediately an emergency was de
clared to exist and the act will go into
effect Immediately on being approved
by the governor.
Supervisors Win
House bill No 10, which relates tC
the adjustment of school supervisors
after considerable discussion, was in
definitely postponed this morning.
Representative Jones of Lane coun
ty cast a reflection on the committee
on education in reporting adversely OF
the measure as the committee meets il
Superintendent of Public instruction
Churchill s office where it was likely
to be influenced by the state superin
tendent. Representative Lafferty de
clared that the state superintendent Of
public instruction had nothing to say
in the matter and that If necessary thu
committee on education could meet il
another room, if it was thought it wa
being corrupted by the state superin
tcndent's 8 office.
Representative Sheldon and Elmor'
were opposed to the adjustment by th'
legislature Mr.. Sheldon stated that i
the people of Lane county wanted t.
) abolish school supervisors they eoul'
but if other counties wanted them the,
should have the right so to decide.
Mrs. Thompson said that the question
with the education committee was no
whether the system in general wa
wrong or abused. 1t was found that j
the supervisor system in Lane count,
was abused, the people of that count,
had recourse under the law
Rev. George Frederick Holt, of tn
| LN;,et pontief ch,trch npnne1 the sessio