Evening journal., 1918-12-18
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1s, 1918.
THE WARS END AND RoAD WORK.

TN Delaware, In most other States the good roads
problem is Important that VIII not down. 1t
grows In importance every hour and exotes the Inter
est of dwees in Cities hamets. 1t also grips
the farmer. who has much tied up In the matter Of
easy hauls good thoroughfares.
The crying demand for good roads. That cry has
made Itself heard in the White House. Shortly before
his departure for Europe. President Wilson addressed
the following letter to Secretary Houston of the United
States Department Of Agriculture:
Dear Mr. Secretaryl heartily agree with you that It
would be In the public interest to resume In fun measure
the highway construction operations under the Federal
understand the necessity which existed for their
traction during the stress through which have been
passing. but that obstacle is removed L believe
that would be highly desirable 10 have additional
appropriation made available to the Department of Agr-
culture 10 be used In conjunction II possible with any
surplus state and community funds In order that these
operations may be extended II Is important not only to
develop goou hishWays throughout .the country as
quickly as possible but II also at this time especially
advisable TO and extend all such essential public
works, with view to furnishing employment for aborers
who may be seeking tasks during the period OF
readjustmen Knowing that the Department of Agrlcul-
turc and the State highway authorities In each State
have carefully working out road systems and de-
veloping plans and specifications l have doubt that
all activities In this field can be vigorously conducted
through these two sets Of existing agencies, acting In
full accord Faithfully yours,
WOODROW WILSON.
Secretary Of War Baker also has taken up the matter
the resumption of road construction with Secretary
Houston. His letter TO the Secretary OF Agriculture is
My dear Secretary-I am in full agreement with your
view that there should not only be prompt resumption
OF road construction under the Federal Aid Road Act
and under such further authority may exist for sepa-
rate State action but also that additional funds should
be made available to your department for the extension
Of such work. The War Department you know, de-
tailed OF It's officers to with your Bureau OF
Public Roads In its consideration OF highways which
might have value for military purposes and shall be
glad to have the closest possible cooperation continue
as the work enlarges
Cordially yours,
NEWTON d BAKER.
And now, speaking Of local road matters, here is
work that should be done quickly posslbe:
First-Rebuid the stretch Of road from shellpot
bridge In as far as the city line in Market street.
Second-Raise and rebuild the causeway leading from
Market street bridge out toward Farnhurst
ThIrd-Improye the road leading from Wilmington.
to New Castle
Fourth-NIake the Maryland avenue approach to our
city better than 1t is today
Those improvements. coupled with the Philadelphia
and Concord turnpike Improvements would be Of great
service to the public and disspae much of the public
criticism OF road and street officials.